Lately life has been hectic and checking in here with you can about everything has been a challenge. So today I’d like to simply share the things I’m working on and the thoughts I’m pondering.
As far as Franklin goes, I cannot thank you all enough for your doggie wisdom the other day! I have started crate training (mixed with an x pen when he’s near me in the living room), puppy school, and doggie daycare. Though we were seeing gradual progress over time the biggest change for sure has been his first day of doggie daycare on Monday. All that playtime and socialization tired him out the following day, curbed his nipping, and made him immensely more responsive to our commands. He’s like an older, cuddlier, more mature version of himself. Amen! We plan to take him there about twice a week for the next few weeks to see how he likes it over time and to see if these positive changes continue.
Meanwhile, I’ve been working on a new upgrade to the Business with Intention website (among other exciting changes to the business). I’ll be unveiling these upgrades and new workshop dates(!) next week.
I’ve also been slowly phasing out Jess LC entirely. We still have two major orders to fulfill for Macy’s on State St. and hope to have those loose ends tied up by the end of 2012. But otherwise, it’s laid to rest.
Now that I’m ending Jess LC, I am also mulling over what to change my corporation name to. It was Jess LC Inc. up until now, but with the accessory company laid to rest, I would like it to be more connected to my current name and future ventures. Rather than go with anything specific for the incorporated name like “Business with Intention Inc.” I’d like to tie it to my own personal name so it can flex with whatever new crazy idea I come up with in ten years as well. I’m thinking something like Jess Lively _______ Inc. would be good. Current options running through my head: Jess Lively Studio Inc., Jess Lively Creative Inc., Jess Lively Productions Inc., etc. Since I currently have consulting, workshops, design clients, and may have possible books/videos/who-the-heck-knows in the future, I want the name to feel relevant to all aspects but not too generic like Jess Lively International Inc., Jess Lively Enterprise Inc., or Jess Lively Design Inc. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
And finally I have some exciting news: I will be co-teaching a workshop at Alt Summit with Ez of Creature Comforts about authenticity and the Things I’m Afraid to Tell You movement! If you are coming to Alt, I hope you join one of our Saturday workshops.
On the thought and intention front I’ve been wrestling with my struggle between simplifying/making under and my ideation and activation tendencies. As much as I pine to makeunder my life I am simultaneously always adding more to my plate. So far the only way I have thought to make peace with these two opposing forces in my mind is to seek a mindful, calm, centered approach to the craziness that is my life. Instead of trying to focus on making my life physically or logistically simpler, I need to change how I emotionally process the crazy. Since I’m missing the laid back gene, and I will need to find other ways to foster a calmer attitude like more consistent meditation, yoga, and a hefty dose of perspective.
You know what is pretty funny? As I look at all that I’ve just shared, I sense that my life looks far more polished than it really is. Living these new changes out has been challenging (to say the least). And as much as my perfectionistic tendencies are flaring up and reminding me of all that I could have done better, I’m choosing to honor the fact that I did the best I could. Though I have stumbled along the way, I have not stopped. I continued to move forward and just keep going.
Which is all we can ever do, when you think about it.
My mantra for the day: “I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m doing okay and I’m on my way.” – Joyce Meyer
