So... I'm going to speak to the elephant in the room first...
I'm sure you've noticed that there are stretches of time where I'm deeply inspired and writing and sharing and inviting regularly...
And then there are stretches of time where I'm really quiet and committing the cardinal sin of entrepreneurship: The Disappearing Act.
I cannot tell you how many hundreds of successful entrepreneurs I've heard say, "Stay consistent with your people, or else..."
It's true...
The Disappearing Act can completely erode trust in relationships.
It's worse when it's someone really near and dear to us -- someone we normally spend a great deal of time with -- but I'm sure it does affect the way people think of me when I am not consistent with my emails (or posts on social media). Of course, when I'm really active, the opposite can be true and people jump off my list and complain, "Too many emails!"
Apparently, there is some sweet spot that I have never found and, if I'm honest, may never find for a few reasons:
1) I see myself as more of a Messenger than an Expert, which means that inspiration and creativity cannot be scheduled on my calendar. I know, I know. I could just make myself sit and write something, but I don't want to write "somethings." Writing for this messenger is a sacred practice, which means I have to...
- be inspired by something or someone or some experience.
- have a decent block of time to wrestle with my ideas.
- be in a quiet space where that's possible.
2) I am way too much of a rebel to subscribe to someone else's formula for success and force myself to do something that just doesn't feel right... or timely... or inspired. It has been clear since I was a little girl that I am here to question the status quo and create new pathways. There are only a few essential universal truths that I don't question, yet even those, I did question at one point. :)
3) I know, from experience, that when we try to fit ourselves into someone else's formula, bad things happen. We stop listening to our own voice, desires, instincts, needs, and bodies. We lose touch with our own sacred code gifts and messages. We become mockingbirds and mimics. And eventually, if we are really good at helping other people, we even become resentful of them as they become truer versions of themselves while we continue to mimic someone else.
After almost 15 years of being a messenger and supporting hundreds of others, I have learned that the creative process is NOT something you want to f**k around with.
There are consequences for ignoring inspiration,
but there are consequences for trying to drive and control the creative process, too.
Messengers who ignore those inspirations tend to get sick and tired and resentful of those who don't.
Those who try to drive and control the creative process tend to get anxious (terrified is more like it), angry, and resentful when It doesn't cooperate the way they think It should.
So, what are we supposed to do?
Well, I'm trying to learn how to move WITH the creative process.
That means that when it calls me, I dive in and listen and follow to the best of my abilities.
And when the inspiration runs dry or takes me on an unexpected detour (or a half-dozen!), I try to keep my tantrums to a minimum and pay attention because there is always some treasure gifted along the way.
Speaking of unexpected detours and treasures gained,
check out what happened as a result of the insane creative process I agreed to and the disappearing act that ensued...
