Perfect Timing
A very special friend of mine sent me a quote today. A quote that was just perfect for today.
Today was my first day as a self-employed musician and I have to keep reminding myself that it will all be okay, it will all work out.
That is why this was perfect.
Thank you Dan.
“Once you commit to something risky and bold, life unfolds with increasing richness and wonder.” – Peter Heller
He's also a fantastic photographer, so I hope he won't mind me sharing one of my favourites with you. Copyright Daniel Wilson 2009.
The Inevitable Panic
It was bound to happen. You don’t just quit your job to set up a creative home based business without a large degree of panic setting in when the date comes closer.
The 28th of this month is my final day as an administrator. I will no longer write that in the ‘occupation’ boxes on forms, I will be writing Singing Teacher or Vocal Coach (depending on how many spaces they allow).
My mood swings between exhilarated and terrified and I haven’t been sleeping very well lately (my subconscious clearly wants to have its say too). But if you don’t take a leap of faith at some point in your life, won’t you always wonder ‘what if’?
Here are a few things that have been helping me through the panic:
- Taking time out to just breathe. In….Out…..
- Encouraging friends (especially ones that have taken the same leap that I have). Anyone that can provide assistance or insight into what you will be going through reiterates that this can be done and it has been done before.
- Planning for the Worst Case Scenario (particularly budgeting). It sounds counter-productive but if I am prepared for that, then anything better than rock bottom will leave me smiling.
- Putting together daily schedules. One thing I am worried about is that initially I will be at home, bored and doing nothing, which will leave a lot of time for the panic to really start to take over. Instead, I have planned my days down to the hour, setting aside time for exercise, creative pursuits and domestic duties/errands.
- Positive affirmations. The cynic in me laughs when I run through my affirmations but part of me also believes in horoscopes, luck and karma.
What calms you down when you’re in a panic about something creeping up in your future? Any tips?
PS: If you know anyone that would like vocal tuition in Melbourne (Australia), maybe you could let them know that this is my website. : )
Inspiration Station: Natalia Sanabria
After a gruelling boxing session at 5.30am this morning, I decided that I needed a visual pick me up. Luckily I found the delightful illustrations of 27 year old Natalia Sanabria from Costa Rica.
I hope you’re having a wonderful Wednesday and enjoy the watercolours (alliteration for the win)! Click on any of the images to be taken to Natalia’s Flickr page.
Crisis and Compassion
On Tuesday I was in the middle of putting together a 2011 inspirations post and I couldn’t finish it. My Twitter feed was full of messages about the horrific flooding in Queensland (here in Australia) – evacuation warnings, missing people, pleas for donations and assistance. I couldn’t look away. My heart physically ached and still does when I hear the stories of those who have lost their lives trying to save their families, homes that have been destroyed and people who don’t know where their loved ones are.
The flooding is expected to last through the week and the damage is estimated around $1 billion. I don’t have a lot (read: any) money to my name at the moment, but I felt so passionate about doing something, giving something, that I sent some through. Please do the same here. Every dollar helps.
One positive that I have taken from all this destruction and tragedy is the sense of community which I sometimes feel has been lost in recent years. Australians (and others abroad) have rallied together to support Queenslanders in any way that they can – spreading the word via social media, organising fundraisers, donating money and time and sending their love and their prayers. It is heart warming to see the compassion of so many turned into positive action.
Dream. Delight. Inspire. 