It is very hard to fly when you’re stuck inside your birdhouse. Sorry if you missed my usual Sunday Beauty Board, but I’ve let the blog fall by the wayside for a couple of days. I’ve been trying to spread my wings a bit and had some crash landings.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m taking an e-course called Flying Lessons led by artist and motivator extraordinaire Kelly Rae Roberts. It is fantastic. If she offers the course again next year, I highly recommend it for any creative spirits out there looking to take their business and self-confidence to the next level. I love Kelly Rae’s art and energy, so I knew I’d love her approach. What I didn’t expect was the chance to connect with so many classmates who are artists and creative entrepreneurs all around the globe. I won’t bore you with the full story, but I saw and seized an opportunity to help everyone connect in greater depth on Facebook, so I quickly set up a private group (with Kelly Rae’s blessing). I already have a Choosing Beauty Facebook page, so I figured it would be easy-breezy to set this up, approve the members and let it fly.
Well, the universe had other plans. Guess it was time for me to learn a lesson about reckless driving flying. I was so eager to help my classmates connect and inspire each other that I didn’t take into account some really important logistical factors. For one thing, I hadn’t realized there are hundreds and hundreds of class participants; simply approving them got to be quite time-consuming. I hadn’t considered that many of them were not Facebook-savvy and needed lots of one-on-one help navigating the waters. I also had no way to confirm that people who requested to join the group were legitimate Flying Lessons students (which created a big ol’ wrinkle and, truth be told, a few stress-induced tears on my part). While I was attempting to fly, I got right in my own way.
And the stress of it got to me. I worried that I was letting Kelly Rae and my classmates down by making the process so complicated. I was kicking myself for spending so much time on this “little” side project instead of focusing on deadlines from people who actually pay me for my creative work. I wore myself out staying up super late several nights in a row, trying to help straighten it all out. I let all that self-imposed dread and drama get the best of me; it drained my creativity, positivity, and focus. And I’m sure my kids would probably tell you it made me a pretty cranky mama!

(illustration by Kelly Rae Roberts)
Kelly Rae has inspired us all to think bigger than before. She did not, however, suggest jumping out of the nest without a flight plan. Sometimes we jump into things without thinking, especially when that something makes our heart sing and lights us up inside. This project has become a great reminder for me that even when I’m following my heart and feel guided to do something, it’s still critical to create a map – even if it’s scribbled on the back of a napkin! A few minutes of brainstorming and planning before take-off will make my next flight go so much smoother. And I am so grateful to my fellow flyers for your messages of support and thanks along the way.
Beauty Tip: Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned from some of your most embarassing or trying moments. As long as we choose to learn from our mistakes, they’re all a worthwhile part of the journey.