How Does the Online Idea Party Work?
You have a dream or a wish, and an obstacle to getting there. (If you don’t think you know your wish, work through my kick-starter and read this post. To learn why you must put logic aside to find your dream, read the following.)
The online Idea Party is here to help you – and the other fellow party goers – with your wishes and obstacles.
Voices from Success Teams and Idea Parties:
Having a team to report to and hearing what everybody did each week is very exciting. It’s kept me moving all year. In the past I made some good starts on my own, but found, every time, when the energy ran out, I ran out. Now it doesn’t run out.
Jade G.
Children’s Playroom Therapist, New York Hospital
I would do a painting a year, a sketch a year. If it was only me I know I would never do it. Having to tell you makes all the difference. It’s crazy why I didn’t do this years ago, it’s so easy all of a sudden.
Caroline R. Personnel Executive, Macy’s Dept Store
Post Your Wish and Your Obstacle Here!
And help your team mates out when you can. Use the Reply link to help, the form below the comments to add your own Wish and Obstacle.
(Your first comment below has to be approved, so it may not display instantly depending on the time of the day. Once your email address is approved you can post instantly. If you want your own profile photo to show up beside your comments, instead of the cute little design, upload your photo on Gravatar.com and give them an hour or so to make it happen.)
forgot to add that having so little money is the reason i have not put up a website, and done a lot of other things; and the lack of success is the reason i have stopped networking.
Susan, do not let lack of immediate success stop you from networking. What you do now pays off years later in a community like yours. Unless you plan on leaving, you will still be the unknown newcomer in five years if you don’t network now. At networking events, watch the people who work the room and make it your goal for the event to get to know the one who does it best, so you can eventually ask if he or she will be your mentor.
And you need a basic website and blog. Blogger.com and WordPress.com are free. For a few bucks a year, you can buy your own domain name to point at your free site and use for your email address. Consider including the name of your town in your domain name to increase the chances someone searching online for a therapist or coach in your town will find you instead of one of the old guard.
And consider organizing a Meetup group for newcomers in town at which you speak about coaching topics. They are not yet part of that old guard referral network, but soon their word-of-mouth will be heard in many places. Be the coach they know and love, even if they don’t become clients.
getting more clients as a psychotherapist and coach. have been unable to get myself to market my practice or put up a website, which means it’s difficult for people to find me. have been unable to network much, even though i am a fantastic networker, because it did not work well when i did it 4 years ago. i live in a town where people recommend people who they have known for years…but i’ve only been here 4 years. love my work, am fantastic at it, and feel very frustrated (and need to be earning more money).
I was thinking all along that I need to have a business to achieve the freedom I want. So I created a biz, but I still didnt make any money that would sustain me, and helped just a few people along the way. Maybe a biz is not the way to what I am dreaming of.
Hello to all my new friends. I am 50 yrs old. I have found out by reading over some of Barbaras websites etc I am a scanner. It really made me feel good to read what a scanner is because I always thought something was wrong with me having so many gifts & talents and ideas I could be and become and I would never do anything about all these ideas because I got so over welmed with them all. I feel such a urgency at this age to really get going on what makes me happy.
I do know that travel has to be in it some how. I love to travel. I also love to help people. I have worked with the elderly for 29 yrs in & out and its time to change it up. I also work for a company not as an employee but outside contractor as a tour leader taking disabled adults on tours. I really love this. This company does not run their company good and stays in not so good hotels. They pay me peanuts for having such a responsibility of a group of sometimes 12 travelers. I have to drive, take care of hotel issues, find places to eat and all prblems that might a rise on a tour. I may make 50 a day for all that hard work. How I would love to open up my own agency but I am not sure all the ways about it. I have 7 yrs into this company and still will not recieve a Thank you for leading a tour here & their. I have lots of travel agency experince behind me. I am just wondering if anyone would think it would be hard to get disable people to go on a tour I would offer and I would need a website. I am not sure about all the insurance I would have to carry or bonding. I am doing all the work for this company and they are making all the money. The travelers really love me being their leader because we all have fun and I love teaching them aboiut new places. I also was interested in offering tours for the disabled that were different that would make me stand out like education tours for them or something. Anyone have any ideas I would love to here your feed back. Its time to get on with my life. I also am a very good healer, so It can be so confusing. I am affraid I will end up staying in this still position for many more years if I dont get some help. I have no job now as it is slow for winter months of traveling for that company……
I know this isn’t quite a ‘wish and obstacle’ post, but I wanted to talk about this and here seemed the best place to put my thoughts.
I’m reading ‘It’s Only Too Late’ and the last question on page 170 is the one that has really gotten me thinking. I want to write out my response here, because to me it’s part of my greater ‘wish’. The question is, ‘What if you had no sense of your score, if it meant absolutely nothing to you, what you you do different? What would you stop doing?’
Here’s what came up, without censoring my Self:
I would wear the clothes I want to wear without thinking ‘I’m too fat/old to wear this’. Every day would be a dress up day: dressing up is wearable Art and I love it. I’d stop arguing with my Self that tattoos are too expensive and just get them anyway- having unfinished Art on my body sends me a message of ‘I’m not worth it’ that I don’t like. I would stop telling my Self that pampering my body isn’t a ‘waste of time’ because I’m *not* beautiful and simply take pleasure in physical nurturing without telling my Self that I ‘deserve’ it because I’ve had so many kids, have done so much nurturing, blah blah blah- I’d give to my Self without having to ‘balance the books’ over it all.
I’d stop censoring my Self energetically and creatively. I’d stop rationalising not giving my Self the environment and surroundings that I love because of *money*- I am a Being for whom environment is actually really important and I’ve only ever allowed my Self one experience of having a space that made my heart sing to walk into it. I’ve used all sorts of excuses to stop me from creating environments that bring me joy, but the bottom line has always been an internal voice whispering that really, I’m not worth it. I have recently discovered the utter lie that this is. I’ve *always* been ok. Now I’m looking at my life with very different eyes.
I would allow my Self to truly immerse in *feeling*: to be as in love with life, how good it is to be in a physical body, to be as fascinated and engaged with everything around me, as I was when I was 12. I would allow my Self to live with all my senses and intelligence fully engaged, rather than the internal checking that goes on- pulling back hard on the reins of my spirit, all my life- because others thought I was ‘too’ whatever: too loud, passionate, engaged with my senses, too physical, intense, articulate, intelligent, interested, *multitalented*. Life was a constant engagement in wonder and possibility and I know I hold my Self back from that now simply because of the memory of ‘too’: if I let go any concern about the issues that others might have with me as a Being, I can feel an immediate turning towards the richness and scope of my ability to Be and to evolve in every facet and expression of Self possible.
I would go out and acquire exactly what equipment I need to make my films. It’s not a lot- an iMac for editing, a go pro camera and the daily space to immerse in my work away from my two youngest daughters, both homeschooled and both utterly loved. I would stop arguing with my Self that my films are not worth going into debt over: I could say that it’s because of my birth family’s issues over money, or this social consciousness thing, or that banks are the root of all evil in the world, but really it’s because at the core of me I don’t think my dreams are worthy enough for the impossible score card that was created in me. I know that is absolute crap. I’m sitting there looking it in the eye- and it’s looking pretty abashed and uncomfortable right now- and I’m utterly aware that as soon as I can arrange it, I’ll have a Mac on this desk and my first film will be uploaded online.
I have wishes- I want to live in a creative and supportive community because I’m honestly burned out from having children and I don’t want to suppress my own inner life any more. I want to have others around me that love my kids, so that my children get to experience the tribe that my older children got. I recognise since the deaths of my two daughters I’ve lost tribe- some things frighten other individuals so much that they can’t be around for the rest and death is one of those things- and I’m a Being that is built for creative interface, the zing and snap of bouncing off others who are vibrating with their own consciousness and vision so that we’re all helping each other soar up the spiral of our internal, creative tornado- so I’m aware that I’m rebuilding a communal life that has individuals in it that aren’t afraid to be around someone who now lives with a lifesong that in part holds the long term mourning space and the deep perspective that burying one’s own child creates. I have been afraid of connecting with others because I couldn’t handle *their* discomfort with my experience. I can let that go.
There are the scattered wishes of a constantly mapper Self to gather back together in my lap and hold up to the light, each one, to see if I’m still interested in that particular thing or if I can put it away now. That part of the journey is exciting- I’m looking at my entire life with bright eyes, wondering what will stay and what will dissolve to be replaced by something even more engaging. This has only just begun, so I’m journaling about that and will no doubt spill it across the pages here somewhere soon. 😀
There’s more that will rise to the light of day in this psychonauting archeological exploration, but that’s enough for me to immerse in now…
*waves from the forest*
Eloquent and wise. Thanks for sharing your story. I hope your little ones learn to love the things you are passionate about. Will they be part of the process of creating your movie?
A special thanks for the expression, “a lifesong that in part holds the long term mourning space”. There is a new complexity to my Self since my dearly beloved but imperfect husband dies suddenly. Life is a song and mourning is an integral part of the music.
All my best hopes for finding the tribe in your community.
You have a home here, and I believe more than a few of us have been immensely moved by your writing.
Hello Susan, may the strength and peace that I’ve discovered entwined within my own mourningsong flow to you from me on this softly golden lit dawn as I’m sitting here writing: the song of love and loss is sometimes sung in me with the passionate ache of the gypsy voice, and sometimes it is a soft Irish lilt- this morning it seems like it’s an a capella of comforting connection, filled with memories of love and laughter, soft arms around my neck and eyes bright with life. 🙂 Thankyou for triggering that loveliness.
My two youngest daughters are 4 and 9 and I think I’d have to move to another continent if I wanted to keep them out of the film making process. *grinning* True to my words I sent out the call to every place I could think of- friends, family and individuals I didn’t know at all- and now I have an iMac sitting on my desk. 😀 I am taking it to the local Mac shop today for as much upgrading as it can have, and in the meantime I’m getting skilled up on using one as an editing machine and transferring the footage I’ve been working on over to file systems the Mac can handle. It’s one with a huge screen, so I’ll be able to do the fine work on it that I’ve been wanting to do.
In other elements of my wish, I have a new member of our household, a lovely individual who is just joyous to be around. They are very gentle, patient and fun with my children, they are inspiring and fun with me and I’m feeling peaceful and joyous in ways I haven’t felt for a very long time. I feel like my vision for a loving communal household has taken an excellent first step in embracing this individual. I have begun dreaming again after a decade of not being able to remember my dreams. 🙂
I’m so excited about my films!! I’m creating a space in the house where I can focus on the process, and gifting my Self a beautiful space, not just a corner- I have been collecting beautiful imagery and fabrics, things that create a feeling of passion and inspiration in me with which to adorn my temple of creativity. It’s fabulous! I feel like the goddess of my own inner world. *laughing*
Update on my progress: an iMac is now sitting on my desk. 😀
I’m also approaching 50 and finding that my dreams are not likely to become fulfilled because I’ve stayed with someone who doesn’t share my dreams. I really want to be pregnant again, have a second child. Feeling quite low right now.
do you want to have a second child just for the feeling? cause there are so many kids who need to be raised! wondering if it was just a happy time in life when you were pregnant before? Because there is so much more to it once that baby comes! (but I know you know that).
Not sure if it helps, but maybe write out all the pros and cons over the LONG term of that. How old is your one child?
I think cute trick or treat kids bring those feelings to the surface too, which may be why you feel especially low today. (just a thought!)
I can’t find the e mail but in my notes I see I have Dream Day written for today. I think we are supposed to write our Dreams and possible Obstacles. I am thinking trying to figure how to keep my job in the MIdwest and have a business in nature. I am one step closer to the idea of owning/operating a business in the Mountains for 6 months and coming back to the Midwest and work my regular job for 6 months. I will stay focused on the outcome and let God do the how of it all. I know I can’t focus on my perceived obstacles and my desired outcome at the same time expecting to manifest the desire. So I will just focus on the desire for now. Cabin in the Mountains, Cabin in the Mountains! Happy day to All
Hi Barbara,
I’ve been looking for a “Register”- oder “Sign Up”-button but can’t find it. So I just leave a reply here, possibly the wrong place. But I’d like to join the idea party on 25th you taught us of.
Greetings from nice little Tuebingen!
Dietmar
The Idea Party on October 25th is here: http://boards.barbarasher.com/viewforum.php?f=3
Hi,
I’m from Germany and I know exactly what I don’t want. But I can’t manage to find out what I WANT. I hardly know what I like. And I’ve been part of a successteam im Germany already.
I don’t want to be a teacher for the next 30 years. Several times a year I think about quiting.
I don’t wan’t to lose the financial security that belongs to this job. I’d rather have more money. 🙂
I don’t want to be the “good daughter” anymore just to treat my mother with care (and I really love her).
I like helping people.
I love reading.
I like working with computers. (I’ve been working at Siemens AG when I was a student and did controlling – really liked that.)
I love travelling and taking photos.
I love animals but am allergic to most of them.
I like english.
I’ve had an advanced training and now I’m a psychological consultant.
And I feel like a coward not changing my life.
OK, and now I’m really curios about your ideas. Thank you! 😉
Wish you could be in Tubingen or Stuttgart this weekend, or Frankfurt in November. I could show you the missing pieces. But you can’t be blamed for not knowing when you think you have to walk out on the security you’ve built and throw away all the training you did in order to have the life you will love. So many people think that, and it’s almost never true.
As Barbara Sher said, her speech in Stuttgart would have been helpful for you. I was there, and I enjoyed it very much.
And let me stress one more thing: forget about changing your life completely and all at once. I did that a few years ago, and all it brought me was a time of unemployment and a several thousand € debt. But at that time, all advice I could find said I had to…
Think about what you LOVED as a child. It doesn’t matter what it was. If it was Pink Ice Cream and you got excited then there is a clue. Think about ALL the things that brought you joy and excitement. Write them down. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Get your blank book and start writing. You will start to see a common thread. I did this. All I could think of was the soft yellow glow from the little cabins where we used to stay when I was a kid. These little cabins were in Santa Cruz, California. We would go for a few days in summer, ride the Big Dipper Roller Coaster and all the wonderful rides on the Beach. Then we would come back to these little cabins at the days end. These cabins surrounded a patch of nature with trees and grass where we would play at dusk and early evening. WE could see all the little cabins with their soft welcoming lights on. There was no TV or phone. The night was warm. After playing in the trees, we would all gather in our little cabin at night and read comic books in our bunk beds which was a real treat. There was a feeling about this that stayed with me my entire life but I forgot about it. It wasn’t until recently where I had questions like you that I started to think about those little cabins. I’m a late bloomer in regards to my love of nature. Now it’s actually a necessity. From my memories of those little cabins and the magical feeling that always accompanied our stay, I am moving towards my ideas for a business in nature. I am getting closer and closer. So start thinking about what you LOVED as a little child where we were still in our true nature. I promise, there you will find some gems for your journey forward. Blessings to You, you CAN do it!
Hello All,
My desire is to be in a place where I can hike in nature minutes from where I live ; Mountains in the West would be ideal.
I live in the Midwest now and will work for 9 more years before I have the option to “retire” on a modest income.
My job affords me flexibility to live and work here for 6 months and live somewhere else for 6 months but not get paid by my employer.
My desire is to live and work in the Mountains for 6 months from May – Oct and live and work my regular job back in the Midwest for 6 months Nov – April.
I really have two desires.
I want to buy a little house that is paid off. Now is the best time to buy.
And I want to buy a little business to operate for the Mountain season for 6 months.
This way I get the best of both worlds – living in nature, keeping my present job and have the security of a house paid off.
Right now, it “appears” that I can only do one or the other – buy a little business or buy a little house. I have a small savings and know it is possible to do either or.
But I want BOTH!!
I do not want to take the “safe” route by having a house paid off but not fulfilling my desire of being in nature, and I do not want to be in the risky situation of a mortgage moving toward my older years.
I am a Phoenix arising from the ashes of a long financial hardship.
I KNOW there is a way to achieve both, I’m just not seeing it now.
I am in action – a two pronged approach. I am looking for a little house here now, as well as a 6 month business in the Mountains.
It takes a LOT of effort to do both, though I am so grateful for the opportunity.
I’m not giving up. That’s that.
Any creative ideas and/or support is Welcome.
Thank you for reading my heart’s desire.
Aaahhhh….fellow lover of nature and the West……could you have a job in the west that is not a business you have to buy….could you work at a state or national park? Seasonal work is usually needed….especially in the summers!!! And you would not have to own a house or even have rent when there……
Why can’t your little house be your business? Make it a two bedroom and have a teeny, tiny B&B that you rent to one person or couple at a time that you take hiking and nature learning? You be the expert and tour them while they experience a nature vacation? Any maybe also find a tenant for the 6 months of the year you are not there, maybe a business partner? Income all year!
Thank you Kat for your ideas. I actually do have a renter now in my home. The B & B idea has been considered as well and is still cooking on the stove!
You are reminding me of the fairly new website Air B & B where people all over the world rent rooms from their home. It’s a great website and great way to travel on the cheap. Thanks again Kat for your support
I could. I have considered the seasonal National Park job. I do need an income stream though, so I am putting this idea in my Dream Bubble for now. Thank you for your support