This past week has been a wonderful, unusual journey for me. I was fortunate to share the experience of the Lift Off Retreat with a group of incredible people. Far more than your average business workshop, it was an opportunity to delve into the heart and soul of our businesses and forge strong bonds with like-minded weirdos (a term I use most affectionately). I’m excited to work and grow with this group through the coming year.
There was so much to the experience I couldn’t possibly put it all into words. For now I’d just like to share my drawing “Making Space”.
This image came to me when Pam and Charlie discussed a concept raised by Michele Woodward: that rather than breaking out of our comfort zone, we should honour that it is there for a reason. At the same time, we can consciously expand it. We can do just one thing daily or weekly to stretch it just a little bit. Before you know it, the zone will expand to allow you much more room to shine.
As I worked on this drawing the idea of expanding my comfort zone became about making space on many levels: emotional, physical, time. The act of drawing this image helped me to absorb how intensely I need to make space for things that are important to me. Going to Lift Off and taking this week off made space for feelings and ideas that often suffocate in my usual busy-ness. I feel energized and excited again!
This theme of making space is so strong for me at the moment that I’m seeing it everywhere. How each choice we make affects these aspects of space in our lives. From the things we buy to how your business’s revenue model and pricing can affect the space to do great work.
So now I am committing to making space, bit by bit. Space for my comfort zone. For trying new things (and making mistakes!). For my creativity. For more of my whole self.
I owe a giant THANK YOU to Charlie, Pam, and Michele for inspiring this image and insights.
But what about you? What are you making space for? Whatever it is, I’d love to support you (even the tiniest bit) with this drawing. Right-click on these links to download it for:
Happy space-making!
So beautiful.
.-= Rachael´s last blog ..Download Trust Yourself- Wallpaper Set =-.
Thanks Rachael! I love the wisdom you’re sharing in your wallpapers.
Wow. What a beautiful way to express your experience at Lift Off. I especially love the textur-ey blue part. I hope you do more like these.
I love the whole concept of expanding your comfort zone as opposed to “stepping outside it” – which sounds dangerous and scary. Your drawing (which I also love) suggests to me that we can grow and grow in this safe comfort zone…then one day, when we are ready, we can leave it. Which a really appealing thought: what if we *always* felt safe and supported?
.-= Patty K´s last blog ..I survived a non-sucky networking event =-.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, Sparky and Patty!
Hmm, what *if* indeed. All of us, all the time. What a world that might mean.