Getting my feet wet, Pope Valley, Summer 2008.
“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.” Julia Cameron
I believe in this quote. I really do.
On the other hand
(and contrary to what you may be thinking)
I did not quit my job to pursue my creative career full-time
~ yet ~
That is my ultimate goal…
But it’s not my time just yet.
I’ve been on a long journey of
introspection, search and trials.
I’ve taken time to research,
I’ve taken time off to investigate and play,
I’ve asked for what I needed and
I’ve also been patient and diligent
with the detours and delays along the way.
I’ve come one step closer.
It is my biggest obsession to
live as aware as I can, and figure out
what I am meant to do in this world.
This world that I love so much.
This world I’m so curious about.
Whatever that may turn out to be
at the end of my life,
I am creating it now.
I am following my dream, my craving…
I am doing it already – everyday -
Paid or not.
So you may be wondering…
Why not blow the socks off?
Well, after lots of pondering
I have come to terms with the fact that
the answer is not poetic at all…
It’s about the money (eek! sounds awful!)
But it is true.
I decided to share because there seems
to be shame in that answer.
Shame that stops people from continuing on
just because they also have
responsibilities and values
besides dreams…
That is just silly!
I do believe that the lack of income is
why many people give up on what they want.
So I want to honor this opportunity I have
to make some money and invest on
new equipment, materials, workshops…
Because ultimately, what I really want
Is to keep taking action forward.
I want to stay joyful, brave, committed
and faithful to my tiny steps.
So I say, no matter what
Take one tiny step closer.
It is enough.
This post is here to mark
another step, another lesson for me.
One in which I am accepting that this moment
Is not about leaping or diving in!
One in which I am simply getting my feet wet.
I’m testing the waters..
Assimilating one change
And preparing myself for a bigger one
Yet to come.
And I am okay with that.
The water feels just right.
***
Have you touched the surface of your dream?
How does it feel?
Getting my feet wet
August 2, 2008
One step at a time is the only way to go. I think people only jump off the deep end if they have serious financial backing – otherwise we’re treading water and all too often, worried about drowning! We all need money to realise our dreams, after all. I’m so pleased that you are getting your feet wet and letting your dreams unfold. I know the journey on which you’ve embarked will prove fruitful. I have faith that you will accomplish everything you want, in your own time. xoxox
it is how i have been doing it, baby steps here and there .. a small pubication, a photoshow, a couple of summer weddings, a shoot here and there … i work it around my job because my our mortgage, our cupboards, my son’s life, our lives … well … realistically cost money and i remember way back when i had no money and when you have no money, you can’t even afford the luxury of dipping your toes into your dreams. my husband is a musician who works at a radio station and i am an artist who managed grants and funds and at the end of the day its all good. though if someone wanted to fund my life, i would happily let them, tee hee ;-)
yay you for getting your feet wet!! xo
The money issue is a soft spot for me too, but not in the way you might think. Right now, I’m investing in my future by going to college, studying the craft of art, photography and writing, because those are my dreams. Rather than pick something “practical” I’m working towards what will actually be fulfilling! But, I’m not able to contribute to our family financially in the way I’d like to.
Sometimes it feels like I’m just dipping my feet in the water too, and passing time — especially in the Summer when school is out, and I have lots of time on my hands to read all the really great blogs about women who are Already living their dreams. But, when I’m in the midst of writing papers, doing photo shoots for assignments, working on my next new studio course, or learning about all the wonderful ideas and techniques that will inform my future work, I feel as if I’m laying a solid foundation for myself. Once I embark on really LIVING my dream, I know I’ll have the expertise to back it up.
It’s important to have a solid foundation, whether you feel like your foundation is having money, or if it’s wisdom. As long as you are leaning towards your dream, no matter the circumstances, you are on the right track! If we could each do that, the world would be a better place, I really believe that. *hugs*
Here’s to doing the footwork to manifest our dreams.
This is a beautiful post and has a very important message…it sounds like you made a very thoughtful decision that feels right for you, and that is the most important element of any decision. Choosing your priorities and values and centering your choices around those…this is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and the world. xoxo
As someone who has jumped into the deep end of the pool once, it can be very hard to go for what you want without that financial base.
Nothing kills the creative spirit faster than constantly worrying about money. Take your time and do things in the way that make you feel positive about your direction. Your talent alone will carry you forward until the money comes, too.
Getting your feet wet is fine because it lets you see how nice it will be once you finally start swimming.
;-)
beautiful piece Alex, so lovely to read your clear and thoughtful words, and yes, the money topic, always a sticky one. I so agree that if we do not have enough money saved or have enough of a foundation it is so easy to just give up on the original dream… wise words from a beautifully wise and creative woman xoxo
What a great post. Thanks so much for sharing it. It happens to be exactly what I needed today. I’ve just run across your blog and am really looking forward to reading your other posts. I think it will be my inspirational refuge.
what an inspirational post. i am just beginning the feet wetting…scary and exhilarating stuff.
mmmm…how nice to just sit and wet your feet for now…to just get the taste of it….to touch your dream…your heart…and to realise…YES! this is what I want to do!
Things that have comforted me on my journeys have been…
I have everything I need already within myself to realise my dreams…
one TINY step at a time… i used to jump all the little steps and tried to get to the end in one go and in the meantime, missing all the juicy stuff that makes up life!
and the biggest comfort for me (which I see constantly in my life) is that God already know what, where and when…it’s a matter of trust…of letting go…and just flow with the process…
it will happen when the time is right…my time is not His time…His time is absolutely PERFECT!
I’m so proud of you! xx
and the best thing about it all is when you do something you have been dreaming of for years and you feel how it feels and that the fear was such a tiny part of it, you know you can move mountains!
Then you start dreaming again…even bigger!!! :-) xx
Magic is not just about having wishes fulfilled. Magic includes very practical considerations as well. You are taking steps, and that is good. You are recognizing the practical needs you have, and that is part of it.
People who jump into pools without water do not swim.
Your words spoke to my heart this morning. “tiny steps” I like the feel of that.
I come from a background where graduating from high school is a huge thing, becoming educated could spark much conversation in the neighborhood.
There are times when I feel I haven’t done enough, then there are those times when I reflect and realize just how far my silly dreams have taken me : )
I thank you for the generous post you have given us today.
Enjoy your journey : )
Ah yes…..money. That issue is strangling me right now. but I know that my time will come. Just as yours will, too!
Found you by way of Karen’s blog. I have touched the surface of my dreams and it is glorious. I am not ashamed to say money also holds me back (temporarily) from doing my dream thing full time. But, I have hope and a plan and with the grace of God, a way. You can not ask for anymore than that.
Wow! What you wrote is so close to my heart. I’ve been feeling strangled by the whole “lack of money” situation, coupled with this huge desire to finally follow my own dreams. The best I can do is take baby steps, no leaps here. So no, I haven’t touched the surface yet, but I know my dreams are waiting for me, and I’ll get there one day. Thank you, for the beautiful words.
I can only go one step at a time ~ to truly
BE PRESENT for my journey
~ but inch by inch,
step by step i get closer
to the fullest and most
glorious and loving expression
of my life fully lived ~
so that i can live ever more
fully in the present in love
with my life:)
each day i ‘tweak’ it a little
more….
i love your photo in the previous post sweetie ~
the ‘hanging’ photo in
bali:)
love you girl:)
i believe in these words. you are making this active and in turn, enriching choice to continue to be closer to how you want to live your life.
that is loving yourself and your life.
thank you for sharing.
hi alex,
i wanted to share that money was my main issue in leaving a job (that did not serve me) to pursue what i really wanted to do. i stayed in this fear and belief for many years.
i am still scared by the way, and have to constantly reaffirm my new belief that the universe supports my wish to teach creativity.
i had a lifecoach assist me in leaving my job, who also helped me work through some of my money issues. without her i could have done it, yes…but admitting that i needed extra help in this area, and trusting my intuition with the right person, made all the difference. it made a painful task more manageable having this kind of support.
you are well on your way, and i am so glad you gave a voice to this common fear and block. we need more women out there opening up about it i think….you are healing the world by healing yourself. i believe that with all my heart.
you are a gift, alex.
with much love and respect,
mccabe xx