Adopt The Pace of Nature

Last week I had the great pleasure to deliver a speech at the Bijou Theater for the 19th installment of Pecha Kucha.

Speaking at Pecha Kucha was a total blast and an honor. I was one of two women out of nine speakers total. And everyone who presented was truly inspiring. Despite the tons of fun I had, what really made the night special for me was the number of close friends who showed up and sent me love, encouragement, and support.

What I realized is that without these people in my life I couldn’t ever accomplish the work I’m called to do. I believe the same goes for you. You and I are only as good as the network of encouragers we are connected to.

Working up to the event last week I had nerves galore. My typical M.O. is to wait till the last minute and wing it or to simply back out and not follow through. Without the constant accountability from people like my husband, my mom, and my cousin, I couldn’t have made it to the finish line. I don’t say that to diminish my accomplishment but to be honest about the fact that as artists we can’t produce good work alone. For the love of our art we rely on others to push us to complete.

The way I see it, we stand in a circle of friends, acquaintances, and relatives who pour encouragement, feedback, and confidence into us. Then, when we deliver our work and wrap it up, we turn to the next person in the circle and do the same for them. It’s a cycle that goes on and on. We need that cycle to be effective and to grow.

Speaking at Pecha Kucha helped me to see that it was a good thing I was not allowed to rely on my own strength to make that talk come alive. I needed the love bombs planted throughout the journey to get me to where I was going. So for you, I ask the question:

Are you shrinking from opportunities and abandoning heart projects because your operating as a lone wolf?

If so, how can you begin to reach out to the network of supporters you undoubtedly have waiting in the wings? It takes a lot of courage to step out of loneliness and into intimacy. But the good news is that when you get that mega dose of support you will feel so loved that when it comes time for you to show support for your friends, you’ll know exactly what to do.