Dear heart-centered, ambitious, creative (yes, you!), · 2016. 9. 2. · 2 3 GET READY FOR THE...

2 3

Kathy

Dear heart-centered, ambitious, creative (yes, you!),

WELCOME TO THE PASSION & PURPOSE WRITING CHALLENGE

I’m with you. This busy world, it’s a lot to keep up with.

Sometimes an entire day goes by that we feel like we’ve been bouncing from one task to the next, only to sit down exhausted at the end of the day and wonder what we actu-ally got accomplished.

Then there’s those moments we soak in for all their beauty... often times they are when we are out with friends, away from home, or on vacation.

As a recovering addict of over committing my time, I made it my goal two years ago to do everything I could to make as many moments as possible feel like the latter. To be in the present, to enjoy the moment, to soak up the beauty of each day.

In fact, that’s probably why you are here. You know there’s more inside of you to unleash. A creative passion, a dream business, more quality time with your family, a career change, a life-changing adventure... these ambitions that align with your heart’s desire and make you come alive.

Here’s what I discovered two years ago and why I created this writing challenge.

All the answers are inside of us. We just need to listen.

But inspiration to listen to our heart doesn’t just come bubbling up in our normal day. In fact, just the opposite - - we often suppress all those hopes and dreams in order to “keep up” with all of our obligations. We set them aside and think about them from time to time. And sometimes we don’t make quite enough space for them.

When our dreams keep being relegated to “some day,” or “when I get caught up” or even worse – we’re not sure what our dreams really are any more -- the one thing that we probably haven’t been doing enough is

Slow down.Reflect.Look within.Listen to our heart.

This challenge was created to help you create space for you to listen within.

It’s the exact exercise that has taken me from being com-pletely overbooked and never truly out of “work mode” on a regular day, to being the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve probably ever felt in my life. I’ve rediscovered my pas-sions and do them regularly (painting, running, yoga). I’ve revamped my business to align with my heart. I’ve con-nected with inspiring new friends. My relationship with my husband feels like it did when we were first married. And the time I spend with my kids is full of quality moments.

I tell you this because I want you to know it’s all possible. But it wasn’t always easy. It took time. And undying com-mitment. Along with a lot of trust and constant support from others. It’s not about an end result. It’s about each day and every day and the moments along the journey.

Passion & purpose - they are two sides of the same coin. When we tap into what we truly love and enjoy, it aligns with our purpose. Because for most of us, our purpose is to contribute our own unique gifts to the world, to make it a better place. And to do so, we must truly understand what our unique gifts are - the gifts that are aligned with our heart, make us feel alive, that we are so uniquely talented and capable of that we can fully put all of ourselves into. Indeed, in the words of Bliss Carman in the quote below, what we do becomes “...a task no longer; it is joy; it is art.”

I invite you on this journey of self-discovery to truly live into your own creative expression, passions and uncover-ing of purpose.

For the next 30 days, make a commitment now to put yourself first and trust the process. It’s the beginning of an amazing journey and I’m so thrilled to be part of your unfolding story.

“SET ME A TASK IN WHICH I CAN PUT SOMETHING OF MY VERY SELF, AND IT IS A TASK NO LONGER; IT IS JOY; IT IS ART.” - BLISS CARMAN

2 3

GET READY FOR THE CHALLENGE30 MINUTES A DAY. EVERY DAY. FOR 30 DAYS.I invite you to create a new morning routine for the duration of the challenge. Set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier. Or if you absolutely can not, make a decision now when you will fit in 30 more minutes. This writing practice is about putting your-self and what matters to you first each and every day.

DAILY WRITING, 20-25 MINUTESYou’ll have a writing prompt each day which you can use to begin your writing. The prompts sometimes include several ques-tions -- make sure to give each question it’s due attention. Think about each question, then use a minute or more to write about your thoughts to answer that question. Then move on to the next question. You can continue writing onto additional pages to answer the writing prompts.

Once you are done with answering the prompts, you will keep writing until you fill 3 pages with freewriting. If the prompts don’t motivate you to write at all, you should still continue on to write this freewrite as well. A freewrite is the practice of writing whatever is on your mind, and letting the thoughts spill out of you. When you freewrite, you’ll want to resist the desire to “edit”yourself. Let the words flow immediately from your mind to the paper without consideration for what they sound like, without concern for using a certain voice, and without need to be re-read or edited at any stage. Keep the pen moving as much as possible. You’ll keep writing with whatever is on your mind. Perhaps it’s what you need to do that day. Per-haps you write a little of what you’re grateful for. Write anything, even “I don’t know what to write” until you get to 3 pages.

This practice is adapted from the “morning pages” exercise originally found in Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, and has been used by people all over the world to help them live into their creative passions. As Cameron writes, this freewrite activ-ity “maps our own interior... Using them, the light of insight is coupled with the power for expansive change. It is very difficult to complain about a situation morning after morning, month after month, without being moved to constructive action. The pages lead us out of despair and into undreamed-of solutions.”

SOMETHING JUST FOR YOU, 5 MINUTESAfter you’ve completed your writing exercise, you’ll want to set aside just 5 more minutes for something just for you. What’s the thing you have always wished you’d fit into your daily routine that you haven’t made time for? For me, it was first reading the news, and then yoga. I’d always wanted to be someone who read the news each day, but “never had time.” I kept wishing for the ability to make it to hour long yoga classes, but wouldn’t prioritize that large of a commitment. What I realized is, I could do just a little, and a little was better than not at all.

When you do this activity, enjoy it – savor it! The process of loving what you are doing and reminding yourself how amaz-ing it is that you’ve set time aside for you, will help you appreciate the activity more, and appreciate yourself for prioritizing something that matters to you.

In fact, the magical thing about your 5 minute task is that, once you do this for several days, and you remember how much you love it, don’t be surprised if you start find more time for it. Because taking care of ourselves feels good.

BENEFITS

Don’t be surprised if your family starts to see a new bounce to your step. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself calm in the face of chaos during your day. You’ve given yourself a new perspective and a new treat that you know you will have waiting

“THERE IS MORE TO US THAN WE KNOW. IF WE CAN BE MADE TO SEE IT, PERHAPS FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES WE WILL BE UNWILLING TO SETTLE FOR LESS.” - KURT HAHN

4 5

for you each morning.

When I first started doing this routine two years ago, some evenings I was so excited to go to bed, just because I was looking forward to that special time for myself in the morning.

CREATE YOUR SACRED SPACEYou don’t have to figure this out for day one, but you’ll notice that you will enjoy your morning routine more if you designate a special place to write. If the sun is out and the weather is warm, outside can be nice. Or, find a room where you know no one will disturb you. If you have kids awake, let them know that this is your time for journaling or for your morning routine – whatever you want to call it – but that it’s a time that you should not be interrupted. You may have to get creative, but whatever you do, don’t let others impinge on your boundaries. This is time for you and you only.

Put on some music if it helps. Turn on a candle or get a cup of coffee or tea. Make this ritual one that you can thoroughly enjoy.

YOUR JOURNALINGYou can choose to write in the workbook, or, if you prefer, in a separate journal. Either way, it’s highly encouraged that you write longhand, and not on the computer. There’s something about not turning on your electronic devices that helps you keep perspective and stay away from distractions.

If you do choose a journal over the workbook, splurge a little! Buy yourself something that you can enjoy writing in. Or buy a nice pen. Treasure this time you’ve set aside to reflect on your priorities and dreams, and you’ll make it all the more special to enjoy your routine.

There are extra pages at the back of this workbook with ruled lines that only need to be printed if you are using the workbook pages for all of your writing, as opposed to a separate journal.

SHARING FOR EXTRA INSPIRATIONHave you ever been in a group workshop where everyone is told to do a task by on their own? You likely come up with some good ideas on your own.

But then, a few people are invited to share their work – and suddenly the room is filled with a whole new level of inspiration? Each person has taken the task in such a different direction, and by sharing their own work, the members have given others extra ideas and inspiration to take along themselves? Or perhaps you heard someone else’s idea, and have some extra ideas to share with them after the workshop.

That’s what our Facebook group is for, and I hope you’ll share what you’ve discovered along your journey as you feel inspired to. Because each of us will gain from supporting one another, hearing from one another, and sharing with one another. We will each be uplifted through our shared community of inspiration. So, when you have a chance each day you write, or do something special for yourself that moves you towards your dreams, come and share – ask for help, get accountable, or cel-ebrate how you are living into your dreams.

TIMINGThis challenge is designed to be done on a daily basis for 30 days - so you can create a new daily habit for yourself for the month (and perhaps beyond). The added accountability of the Facebook group can help motivate you to stay with it daily, but know that if you get behind, you can always pick up wherever you left off, or skip some days to get back on track. Feel free to share where you are no matter what day’s activity you’re on.

“DREAMS AT FIRST SEEM IMPOSSIBLE, THEN SEEM IMPROBABLE, AND FINALLY, WHEN WE COMMIT OURSELVES, BECOME INEVITABLE.” - MAHATMA GHANDI

4 5

ARE YOU ALL SET?

Determine what time you will devote to your 30

minute routine

Set your alarm 30 minutes early starting day 1 of the

challenge

Determine if you will write in the workbook or in your

own journal (and purchase a journal if need be)

Print out this workbook (print pages 1-13 for text &

worksheets only; all for extra ruled pages)

Join the Facebook group

Have fun!

“MOST PEOPLE NEVER RUN FAR ENOUGH ON THEIR FIRST WIND TO FIND OUT THEY’VE GOT A SECOND. GIVE YOUR DREAMS ALL YOU’VE GOT AND YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT THE ENERGY THAT COMES OUT OF YOU.” - WILLIAM JAMES

https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposechallenge/

6 7

WEEK 1

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART Tuning into your heart and expressing your

creativity is key to aligning your actions with your

passion and purpose.

“NONE OF US WILL EVER ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING EXCELLENT OR COMMANDING EXCEPT WHEN HE LISTENS TO THIS WHISPER WHICH IS HEARD BY HIM ALONE. “ -RALPH WALDO EMERSON

6 7

TODAY, I’M FEELING GRATEFUL FOR... I WILL FEEL SUCCESSFUL AT THE END OF TODAY BY COMPLETING:(1-3 items max)

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT:

YOU ARE BEGINNING A ROUTINE OF HEIGHTENED SELF-CARE. TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING JUST FOR YOU TODAY. BE IT A FEW MINUTES OUT IN THE SUNSHINE, ORDERING A FAVORITE DRINK, OR A FEW MINUTES ALONE WITH A BOOK -- A SIMPLE ACT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL WELL CARED FOR.

What is the one thing you want more of this year?

Try to keep it general enough to encompass the main goals you have for the year. Now, spend a few minutes writing WHY. Why do you want this change? How will these changes make you feel? Lastly, why are you committed to making this happen? How will you feel differently on a normal day from how you have felt this week?

CONTINUE A FREEWRITE FOR 2 MORE PAGES...

DAY 1

“WHAT LIES BEHIND US AND WHAT LIES BEFORE US ARE TINY MATTERS COMPARED TO WHAT LIES WITHIN US. “ -RALPH WALDO EMERSON

8 9



DETERMINE ONE ACTIVITY IN YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE THAT YOU CAN LET GO OF OR USE YOUR TIME MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH. MAKE A CHANGE TO YOUR SCHEDULE AND SEE HOW IT FEELS TO BE LESS BOOKED OR USE YOUR TIME BETTER. WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER BE DOING WITH THIS TIME?

A key to tapping into our inner creative brilliance is creating the time and space to notice how we

feel and listen to our intuition during each day.

This can be best done by reducing pressure. What are you doing too much of, that you can let go of? What are you doing on a regular basis that isn’t serving you? What kinds of “shoulds” are you allowing in your life that, when you really think about them, are really “I would rather nots”?


DAY 2

“DREAMS AT FIRST SEEM IMPOSSIBLE, THEN SEEM IMPROBABLE, AND FINALLY, WHEN WE COMMIT OURSELVES, BECOME INEVITABLE.” - MAHATMA GHANDI

8 9



CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE AND PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR. MAYBE IT’S AN EVENING OUT DANCING, AN ACTIVITY BY YOURSELF, AN EXERCISE CLASS, OR SIMPLY BEING OUT WITH FRIENDS.

Think about the last time you felt fully alive.

You were free, energetic – and loving the moment. Feel into that feeling. Enjoy the feeling. How did it feel in your mind, body & spirit? Write about where you were, what you were doing, and how it felt. What was going on in your life right then that allowed you to feel that way? What were you giving yourself? How were the people in your life supporting you? Spend a few minutes writing answers to these questions. Then, write how you could you bring more of that feeling into your regular life?


DAY 3

”DON’T ASK WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS. ASK WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE AND GO DO IT. BECAUSE WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS IS PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME ALIVE.” ~HOWARD THURMAN

10 11



RESEARCH UP TO 3 ORGANIZA-TIONS OR THOUGHT LEADERS IN AN AREA YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR SIGN UP FOR THEIR EMAIL NEWS-LETTERS. YOU MAY BE SUPRISED AT OPPORTUNITIES OR DOORS THAT OPEN BY CONNECTING WITH OTHERS WITH SIMILAR PASSIONS.

Today we’re examining your core passions.

Spend time separately on each of these questions - make lists if need be. How do you wish the world could be different? What do you see in your life or in the news that is simply unfair? What makes you downright angry? Think of different stages in your life, and what has intrigued you. What were your favorite subjects in school? What clubs or volunteer work have you been drawn to lately and why? What did you love to do as a child? Who are some of your favorite leaders and what do you admire about them?


DAY 4

“HOW WONDERFUL IS IT THAT NOBODY NEED WAIT A SINGLE MOMENT BEFORE STARTING TO IMPROVE THE WORLD?“ - ANNE FRANK

10 11



CONSIDER SOMETHING THAT YOU LOVE TO DO ON VACATION, AND HOW YOU COULD EITHER TAKE PART IN A SIMILAR ACTIVITY THIS WEEK, OR HOW YOU COULD REPLICATE AN ASPECT OF A PLACE YOU LOVE IN YOUR HOME, OFFICE, OR DAILY SUR-ROUNDINGS.

What do you love most about going on vacations?

What do you like to do while you are away - from the small rituals to the bigger activities? What is it about these activities that you love? How could you bring that into your morning routine or into your every day? Think creatively -- if you love being at the beach, and it’s because of the warm sun, how can you find more time outside during your day, for example? Make sure to answer each question separately and give it its due attention.


DAY 5

“ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOUR FOCUS DETERMINES YOUR REALITY.” - GEORGE LUCAS

12 13



CHOOSE TO DO ONE OF THESE ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK

SCHEDULE THE TIME ON YOUR CALENDAR TO MAKE SURE YOU SET ASIDE THE TIME


DAY 6

“IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, THEN THE WORLD WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU.” - CHUCK WILLIAMS

List twenty things you enjoy doing

Such as rock climbing, roller-skating, baking pies, making soup, riding a bike, going for a run, travel, playing with your kids, reading poetry, and so forth. When was the last time you let yourself do these things? Next to each entry, place a date. Don’t be surprised if it’s been years for some of your favorites.

• List 5 hobbies that sound fun• List 5 classes that sound fun• List 5 skills that would be fun to have• List 5 alternative careers you could’ve enjoyed in a different life

Choose one or more of the below lists to make:

12 13

“IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, THEN THE WORLD WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU.” - CHUCK WILLIAMS



ASK A CLOSE FRIEND TO SHARE WHAT THEY ADMIRE ABOUT YOU.

What are you naturally gifted at?

Think through the different tasks you’ve excelled at, and problems you’ve enjoyed solving. List out these strengths. Don’t just think about this in a work setting - think about with friends, family, volunteer jobs and other roles you’ve plated. Now, write about what people complement you on? What do your friends tell you they like about you? What do people know you for?


DAY 7

“THERE IS ONLY ONE OF YOU IN ALL TIME, THIS EXPRESSION IS UNIQUE. AND IF YOU BLOCK IT, IT WILL NEVER EXIST THROUGH ANY OTHER MEDIUM AND IT WILL BE LOST.” - MARTHA GRAHAM

14 15

~ USE THESE EXTRA RULED PAGES FOR YOUR 2 PAGES OF FREEWRITING EACH DAY ~

16 17


18 19


20 21


22 23


24 25


26 27


Dear heart-centered, ambitious, creative (yes, you!), · 2016. 9. 2. · 2 3 GET READY FOR THE...

Documents

Transcript of Dear heart-centered, ambitious, creative (yes, you!), · 2016. 9. 2. · 2 3 GET READY FOR THE...