It’s time to turn a new page. That’s my thought as I write the last page of my journal. I get a little reflective as I end something and start something new. Next week I’m facilitating my first group through the Art’s Council on The Artist Way at Work, based on a book that has been important to my journey. While reflecting on the past and the present, I look forward to where this journey is taking me.
My Creative Journey
Five years ago my then new boss told me I wouldn’t make another round of budget cuts and I should consider a job in sales. She saw me as a dinosaur. I was criticized for being a bad proofer. I’m a graphic designer, didn’t she know designers just look at words, we don’t read them?!
This led me to say YES to being on the Board of my professional club, the American Advertising Federation-Baton Rouge (AAF-BR).
I read the Artist’s Way for a second time.
This made me realize that while I still love design, when I started it wasn’t so solitary. I could now go all day sitting in front of a computer with no human interaction. I hate this. I’m an extrovert. I must talk to people in order to know what I’m thinking.
I make a decision to get over my fear of public speaking. I put myself in positions of HAVING to talk in front of people.
That new boss quits and moves away. I become President of AAF-BR. Every email I send out as president has a typo in it and I still win District President of the Year.
I start giving workshops on Creativity and Innovation outside of my day job.
I started a side business, Greenview Designs. I designed my own logo and business card. I gave myself the title Creativity Coach.
I started this blog, My Creative Journey, so my creative voice can be heard.
In the middle of the night, I stumble upon a bloghop by this group of midlife women bloggers called GenFab (Generation Fabulous).
I become part of the FABULOUS GenFab blogger/writer tribe—a group of supportive, creative women who are changing how the world looks at midlife. (They don’t kick me out because of my typos.)
My blog makes it into a GenFab bloghop and I’m in Huffington freakin’ Post.
I make plans to attend BlogHer this summer in Chicago.
This week, I will lead a group based on the book The Artist’s Way at Work. It’s how to nurture the creative spirit within you.
The thing about journeys is that they take you to unexpected places. I’ll keep telling you about my unexpected twists, turns and falls. Feel free to let me know yours. Oh, the places we’ll go!
You just have to click the follow button to enjoy “My Creative Journey”.
How can one not love Dr. Seuss? And don’t worry, typo’s “hapenn” to all of us :>)
Thanks Ellen! I try not to worry about typos. I know Dr. Seuss wouldn’t!!
I am so glad you found us, Connie! You are such a huge asset to our group. Your story is inspiring. Our group, and the women each of us represents, is turning midlife on its ear. And I say it’s about freaking time!
Chloe, thank you. I always find your words inspiring.
I feel the same way about my blogging experience. It’s been two years now that I’ve been doing this and it just keeps getting better. Joining the #GenFabs was definitely a life-changer for me 🙂
We just have to look for the signs and allow the magic to happen!
Connie I love The Artist’s Way..how wonderful that you are doing a workshop. I love Dr Seuss too..great combo!
The Artist’s Way always takes one’s journey to an unexpected place. This group starts Tuesday, it’ll be fun to see what happens over the next 12 weeks.
I’ve done the Artist’s Way once, got it out again and it just sits there..
It is nice to reflect back and see the twists and turns. I look forward to meeting you in real-time in Chicago.
I look forward to meeting you and the GenFab crew!
Im so glad to have met you through GenFab, Connie. I don’t notice any typos…and I’m an editor!
Hugs,
Karen
Karen! Whew! As a designer who writes, I appreciate a good editor!
Connie, you are such a great participant in our Generation Fabulous community – I’m so glad you found us! We are making midlife hot! I’m so looking forward to meeting you at Blogher!
Sharon, that is the sweetest comment I’ve had all day. Tomorrow I start facilitating my Artist’s Way class. I plan on talking about my creative journey (an expanded version of this post) of which GenFab is now a part of. I’m really looking forward to meeting you and everyone at BlogHer.
Hi Connie,
Your comment on my SSS post (thank you) led me over here…I love this piece, it shows courage, vulnerability and the importance of using one’s voice. No doubt your contributions here, there and everywhere will infuse others with inspiration, talk about what the world needs more of!
Regarding typos…my mother is an editor, my sister is an editor….I did not get that gene. The good news is there are editors!
I am new to GenFab and look forward to knowing you and the others.
Elin, your kind words truely move me. I’ve come to embrace the authentic me and that has been transformative. It’s great to meet another fabulous GenFab woman.
I’m in the process of completing my first round of “The Artist’s Way.” It’s really encouraging to see someone who benefited from the program, and to such a large degree. It makes me feel encouraged as I progress on my own journey. Thank you.
Christine, good luck with TAW. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.
Thank you!