My thoughts about today have to do with creating. It's good for the soul, regardless of what you like to create. It can be photography, woodworking, knitting, sewing, beading, weaving, jewelry, writing, baking, metalsmithing, drawing, and yes, even coloring. The list goes on and on. There is something so basic about the need to "make" that is ingrained deeply in us as humans. It is part of what makes us human.
For me, I have an almost constant need to make, to create. I'm very fortunate in my line of work that there is a lot of creativity in my day to day business. I get to choose colors, and I get to work with different canvasses every day. Just having my hands on the different items - backpacks, shirts, jackets, hats, hoodies, etc. is fun, the possibilities endless. Somedays, though, it's just not enough, and doesn't fulfill that need to create the way I want, need.
Then comes the big question - what should I make? I think a lot of people get stuck here. If you don't know what you want to make, how are you going to make something, anything? My answer is to simply start. The intent is just to create. It doesn't have to be about the end result, but rather the journey. For me, it can be about color, it can be about texture, it can be about a fiber, thread, 
fabric or technique. Not having a specific direction can be intimidating, but liberating at the same time. I find that it is a great way to settle my mind when I am stressed, a great way to relax, and oftentimes it creates some wonderful headspace. It helps me to work through things, thoughts, ideas. I can process whatever is happening that I am struggling with, an idea I'm working on, or it can be as simple as providing some time where I can just be with myself, within myself.
So I urge all of you to just go create. Don't worry about what you are making, just go and feed your soul with creativity. I'd love to see what you are working on. Email me, post on my FaceBook, or connect with me on Instagram.
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Reggi Coles
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In today’s world of constantly striving for self awareness and self improvement I am sure you’ve heard that surrounding yourself with good people will elevate you. It does. I belong to a wonderful mastermind group, and I have accountability partners, all of whom I love, trust, and respect. And yes, I have more than one accountability partner. It is wonderful to have a support system like that in place, and they’ve all been invaluable in my growth, both professionally and personally.
With my Mastermind group we all bring our business challenges to the meeting to discuss. Yes, it does require allowing yourself to be vulnerable, but that is why it’s important to only have people you trust in the group. But more than just bringing challenges, you can bring ideas. I’ve recently had an idea for another business (stay tuned for more on that!), and I was able to talk about it, and get some great input and feedback, and add some flesh to those bare idea bones. It’s a wonderful platform to expand yourself, and a safe environment to brainstorm. No one laughs at your ideas, and everyone wants you to succeed.
The same with accountability partners. You may be a little leery of this. It can be so uncomfortable, even intimidating to have someone hold you accountable. Are you having flashbacks to your school days? Are you relating that to an overbearing employer who always wants to know what you’re doing, how you’re doing it and when it’ll be finished? It doesn’t have to be like that. If you have ideas that don’t tend to go anywhere because you’re too tired, too busy, or just plain don’t know how to get started, then an accountability partner is just what you need. An accountability partner is someone that will help you set up your action steps, making them both reasonable and doable and provide the encouragement you need to accomplish them. You will end up holding yourself way more accountable than your partner will. Sometimes it’s about sharing what you’re doing and having other people believe in you and what you’re doing. It can be a lot like doing a vision board. Set your sights on something, put your cheerleaders in place, and then go get it. Go create my friends. Make something happen!
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Once Thanksgiving is over, I like to focus toward the future. Granted, I am pretty much always looking forward, but this time of the
year is key for me. I take the time to reflect back over the past year. Did I accomplish the goals I set out to do? Then I look at what’s coming. What’s next? What do I want to focus on in the coming year? Now is the time I choose my word of the year.
How many of you have a word of the year? For those of you who wonder what I am talking about, having a word of the year is a powerful way to work on yourself or what you want to achieve throughout the year. Choose a word that resonates with you, something meaningful, something that you want to focus on, or just something you want to be more mindful about. Write it down and put it somewhere that you will see it regularly and keep it top of mind. Some of my past words are Shine, Abundance, Grace, and this past year, Limitless.
I don’t know what it’ll be for 2019. I have a couple friends who already know, and I really like what they’ve come up with.
I’ve been tossing around “Magic” and “Create” but I feel like there is still something more exact to be discovered. I’d love to hear what your word is, either this past year, or what you’re thinking about for next year. Comment on my FaceBook page, or email. I’d love to hear from you!
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/reggi_coles
Reggi Coles
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