Lamisha Serf-Walls

Dream Changer-Featuring Lisa Sharp from Clear Calm Space Organizing

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***This week I am honored to share with you the funny and inspiring Dream Changer post from an incredibly creative and passionate dreamer, business woman, and professional organizer extraordinaire, Lisa Sharp.  When asked about her ‘Dream Changer’, this is what she shared with me.
Enjoy!***

Ever since I was a kid, I have tended to do things in my own way. If you tell me I have to do something in a particular way, there’s a pretty good chance that I’m going to do it, well, differently. So I guess it’s no big surprise that I am where I am today, running my own business doing what I love to do as a Professional Organizer, on my own terms. But it wasn’t easy to get to that point, and I certainly don’t have everything figured out. I don’t think you ever really do.

One of my first jobs as a teenager was as a project manager in a psychologist’s office. I organized things, inventoried them, deleted redundancies and trafficmade things pretty. That’s sort of what I do now and I enjoyed (some of) the work but I disliked working for someone else and I really hated wearing panty hose and having an hour commute to work every day. I have a vivid memory of sitting in rush hour traffic, sweating up a storm (it was May in Phoenix, Arizona so that’s like a zillion degrees), feeling myself getting more and more pissed off at being so uncomfortable both physically and mentally. I took off my panty hose and threw them out the window while sitting at a red light (I can only imagine what the guy sitting next to me thought) and I vowed to never put myself in that sort of situation again. I put in my two weeks notice the next day. Turns out, that experience dictated most of my career.

Since that time, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and have carefully and strategically avoided wearing panty hose and driving long commutes.  I am never more lit up and heart centered than when I am of service to others, helping to remove emotional blocks and finding resources that can help them. So being a librarian and a social worker felt like I was in the ballpark. But, working for other people? Not being able to call my own shots? I wasn’t too crazy about that. There was always this little voice saying, “Wouldn’t it be great to run our own business? Make our own decisions? Come on, try it!” Hearing that voice would do two things:  get me sweaty palmed, lit up and super excited and then, so uncomfortable it felt like someone dumped ice water down my back. Ugh, that Ego sure doesn’t like to be uncomfortable. So I listened to my Ego for years and year, a near constant diatribe of negativity.

Has your Ego told you any of these lies too?

-It’s too hard.

-You don’t have enough education, experience, money or time. (All of the above? Uh huh. Me too.)

-Most businesses fail. Yours will too.

-Look at those other things you did and they didn’t work. Why should this one succeed?

-This couch is super comfortable. Let’s stay here. We’ll do that other stuff tomorrow.

Eventually, I started realizing that was a bunch of crap and that people succeed doing amazing stuff every single day. And then one day, last August, I saw this little sign and everything changed for me.startI realized that I was playing it safe, researching business practices, marketing, you know, getting a plan. Because that’s smart, right? But I realized that I had been making a plan to strike out on my own for years. I had already read dozens of books, spent hours on YouTube and walked miles in my neighborhood listening to business podcasts. I had done the research, I had the experience helping people and I had the intuitive understanding of what my business should look like and who my clients were going to be. So I stepped out on faith, typed up a Facebook update that said I was taking new clients starting that day and I pushed “Post.”

Holy crap was that a big moment for me. I was sort of shocked that I finally did it. That I had started this thing that I had dreamed about for over twenty years. It felt amazing. Like AMAZING, AMAZING. I started booking clients that day and within a month I saw 10 clients. I learned and earned (not much, but more than I had not doing anything) and it was, and still continues to be, a total blast.

So I encourage you, my new friend, to just start. Start small, start huge, it doesn’t matter. Take a step. Make a call, put yourself out there, be vulnerable. Today is the day and remember, you are building something beautiful with each step you take. What can YOU do today to start making your dream a reality? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. You can do it, you are ready.

Namaste

xo-

Lisa

LisaSharpLisa Sharp gets excited setting up household paperwork systems, cleaning out closets and downsizing households. You’d think she’d be a tad Type A and super anal retentive to do that, but you’d be wrong. She loves connecting with clients, carefully and compassionately listening to their issues with their stuff, their time, and their energy. She loves to find the blocks. Then she helps them to find more space, time, energy and JOY by de-cluttering their excess stuff, organizing their schedules and helping them to get clear on their life’s priorities. Lisa’s clients always say they breathe easier after working with her and often tell her that all kinds of good stuff started happening after their work together.

Lisa lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her hilarious husband and (mostly) delightful two kids. She works both hands on and virtually with her clients.

If you need help creating a clear, calm space to invite more joy and peace into your life you can find Lisa at Clear Calm Space, on Facebook, Twitter, or by emailing her at lisa@clearcalmspace.com.

Dreamer Highlight: Tad Hargrave & Producers of Milton’s Secret

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This Dreamer Highlight edition is all about thinking outside the box and being conscious creators.  Not only are my two highlights incredibly inspiring, but they are also movers and shakers in a different way of thinking and being.  Enjoy!

I first found Tad Hargrave and his website Marketing For Hippies as I was doing some marketing research for my business.  Like many coaches, healers, and generally green business owners the traditional hard marketing can feel a bit overwhelming and down right icky and that is where Tad comes in.  He has found a way to take his passion for helping fellow business owners create marketing plans that fall outside the “traditional” ideas of marketing so it

Tad Hargrave
Tad Hargrave

creates a set-up that not only works for the business, but also feels right for the business owner.  For example, for some of his own workshops instead of setting a specific price for his presentation, he operates under a ‘pay what you want’ model that allows participants to pay a deposit and then any additional amount once they complete the workshop.

This form of pricing/marketing is totally outside the box and against what many big businesses might consider doing, but it works for him.  It allows him to help people who need it and to allow them to decide what his content is worth.  It is also where I came up with the idea to try it for my ‘pay what you can‘ offer that I set up last week.  (By the way that offer is still good, but only for a limited time so if you are thinking of working with me you should really get signed up today!)

What I love about Tad’s way of doing business is that it is a win-win for everyone involved and while business should be a win-win for both parties, it isn’t always done that way.  His way of doing things also takes the focus away from the money and places it on value, content, and helping people.  Because let’s face it, money is simply a piece of paper that allows us to exchange it for goods and services and if we could find a way to do that differently, that piece of paper wouldn’t mean a whole lot right?  If you have a business and are interested in his outside the box thinking, check him out.  He also has a ton of additional interviews to check out in addition to real case studies for potential clients to see how he works.

miltonThe other highlight involves a similar outside the box thinking for an upcoming movie called Milton’s Secret.  This film is based on the book by Eckhart Tolle and tells the tale of how a young boy learns to live utterly and totally in the moment amongst other lessons from his grandfather.  You can find out more about the film in Lilou Mace’s interview with Barnet Bain (producer).  What is interesting about this film besides the content and the conscious subject matter, is the way they are going about funding the project.  Since it is not set up as one of the big box office hits like other Hollywood films, this one is being funded by grants, private investments, and conscious co-creators that want more films like it out in the world.  Let’s face it, times are changing and in order for us to continue to grow and evolve with the changing times, we need more creative solution seekers and this project is just one example of that.  If you are interested to know more about the project or to donate to the cause you can do so here.  I for one am looking forward to seeing this inspiring film come to fruition because it sounds absolutely wonderful!

In addition to the inspiring content and the out of the box thinkers who are producing the film, this project really looks at it as a group created film.  Viewers who are interested in the work are investing their money in a vision that is greater than themselves so that others may view it and be changed.

Now just imagine for a second if the producers had only seen one way to get their film off the ground and that one way was to convince the big Hollywood companies that this would be a hit etc.  They may have either given up entirely on their dream to create the film or delayed it for a very long time.  That my friends is the power of thinking outside the box and being open to the wonderful possibilities of the Universe.  Your one way of doing things is not the only way, so open your mind and your heart for others to be revealed and remember, if you need help figuring out how, I can help.  Simply contact me for a free session to find out what amazing things we can accomplish together!

In other news, I have just set up my newsletter for you lovely readers that want to be added to the VIP list.  I promise I won’t be spamming you with unnecessary emails and nonsense you don’t need, but I do want to keep you in the loop for special offers and especially inspiring posts.  You can sign-up for my newsletter below.

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Dreamer Highlight: The Creative Chrysalis and Fat Pony Vintage & Art

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It has been a few weeks since I last shared a specific Dreamer Highlight post and this particular edition is long overdue.  I have had these two wonderful friends and artists on my mind for some time and wanted to share with you their wonderful talents and why I am so inspired by their work.

Amazing Rosary by Kenetha Stanton at The Creative Chrysalis
An amazing Rosary by Kenetha Stanton at The Creative Chrysalis

I first met Kenetha Stanton through a friend of a friend about a year ago and she immediately inspired me to start this very blog.  Since then her writing and creativity have blown me away as she continually inspires me whether she is weaving words together on her blog The Kintsugi Life or she is creating new inspirational jewelry.  I have watched as her artistry has been taking to new heights in not only her magnificent rosaries, necklaces, earrings, and other pieces, but also as her list of published writing has grown.  She is a woman of many talents and I am so happy to watch this artist, coach, writer, and yoga instructor live the life of her dreams as she follows her heart.  Please check out her blog The Kintsugi Life where she discusses finding the beauty and strength in the brokenness of life.  You can also check out her beautiful Kintsugi inspired rosaries, jewelry, prayer shawls, and so much more in her Etsy shop at The Creative Chrysalis.  I have purchased several of her pieces and they are simply beautiful.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.

My custom Mosaic from Tori Beth
My custom mosaic from Tori Beth

I am also very excited to share with you an incredibly inspiring, creative, and high-energy friend of mine who I have known for many years.  Tori Beth is an amazingly vibrant and creative artist/up-cycler/radio DJ who has created some truly magnificent mosaics (one of which I am so very lucky to own myself).  A lover of anything with a story, Tori shares her vintage items and some of her amazing creations on her Etsy page with Fat Pony Vintage And Art.  If you like things that have a story you are going to love some of her finds.  And if that doesn’t make her incredibly awesome enough, she also loves digging into Earth to see what she can find with her metal detector.  You don’t have to know her personally to know that she is a woman who goes where her joy flows, but I assure you when you see some of her awesome pieces like the one featured below, you will know she is a woman living the life of her dreams.

The thing I love about these two incredible women is the fact that they are able to take something broken, damaged, and older pieces to create something new.  Kenetha literally creates a beautiful piece of work using her Kintsugi method and Tori takes old, broken items and breathes new life into them.  There is something about blending the old and new that is inspiring and reminds me that no matter how old a dream may be, you can always find a way to breathe new life into it.

Another thing I find incredible about these two women is how they have managed to find a way to satisfy their dreams, their creativity, their passions all while not limiting themselves to only one thing.  Who says you have to choose just one?? I think if we all listened to this advice, we would have more people living amazingly versatile, exciting, and inspirational lives.  Are you one of those people?

I hope you take some time to check out the beautiful work in the links above and support these awesome artists (and friends) and if you know of anyone that you think should be featured in the Dreamer Highlight posts please feel free to pass them along.  And if you should find yourself struggling to embrace, celebrate, and live the life of your dreams, hop on over to my “work with me” page or email me at lamisha@lifeoncedreamt.com to schedule a free coaching call.

 

Dreamer Highlight: D. Speller

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Travel

Wow it seems like August came in and the energy just took off right away!  I am a little behind in my Dreamer Highlight post, but I wanted to make sure to leave a little inspiration for you for the rest of the week ahead.

This week’s Dreamer Highlight does not include any links, but my hope is that the story tells it all.  D. Speller is a dear friend of mine from college who has inspired me in so many ways over the years.  Not only was he an outgoing, courageous, fly by the seat of his pants-type of guy in college, but he never once backed away from an adventure or experience that may add value and meaning to his life.

After graduating from college, he moved to Chicago to live the city life for a few years and to save some money in order to fulfill his ultimate dream of traveling around the world.  I never doubted that he would do so, but I never imagined he would set out on an adventure like the one he has had over the years.  When he left Chicago, he set out for South America, (Santiago, Chile )to be exact and as I lived vicariously through him, I couldn’t help but wonder where he got the courage and the passion to make his trek all over the world.  Traveling to Chicago, South America, Spain, and now to Australia he has become a trailblazer following his heart every step of the way.

Never once asking how he was going to do it, or where he would stay or who he would meet, he trusted his intuition and desire for adventure.  He is doing what many people only dream of and his story is an inspiration for us all to follow our hearts.

When we have a desire or a passion that burns within us, we often find ourselves questioning how to do it.  Where do we start?  What if we fail?  What do we need to do to get started?

Some don’t even get that far as they instead put it off for another week, month, or year when they have more money, more knowledge, more inspiration, and more excuses.

Sometimes it is enough to say, “Yes I want to do this, and I WILL.”  Setting the intention is sometimes all you need to set the wheels in motion for all the other pieces to fall into place.

What dream have you been putting off for another day?  There is no day like the present to get started.

Wanna chat about how I can help you get moving on your dreams?  Check out my Jump Start Your Dream program for more info!

Dreamer Highlight: Sarah Wilkinson of Chakra Cakes

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Sarah Wilkinson

This week’s Dreamer Highlight is a woman who followed her heart and her intuition to create a passion project that has become a wonderful heart-driven business.

I first learned of Sarah Wilkinson while listening to an interview she did with Lilou Mace.  In her interview she explains how she made her transition from working as an art historian into more spiritual work including past life regression, spiritual guidance, and energy work and how she found a new way of sharing her passion through a new creative endeavor.  While making some delicious cakes as a gift to her employer she came up with the idea to create Chakra Cakes, an idea that has since developed into delicious, crystal energy infused pieces of heaven.  Her journey did not stop there as she has since developed Chakra Teas, Chakra Pops, etc. from the most organic, natural, and in-season ingredients available to her.  Each cake is infused with crystal energy for the given chakra and some packages include a set of crystals to use in mediation for future chakra work.

I love the idea of infusing delicious cupcakes with crystal energy to assist in balancing the chakras and while the idea may be a bit out there to some, this is a perfect example of a woman following her intuition and passion to create a successful business.  Not only is she doing what she loves, she is adding to her spiritual work by following the pull in her heart without allowing her logical mind to get in the way.

Sarah is a wonderful reminder to us to follow our hearts and trust the pull in our intuition to do something that some people may think is crazy, because while that may be true for some, it could be the next puzzle piece in your journey of life that will lead you to many other great things.  Follow that feeling in your heart to do something different.  Try just one little thing and see what doors open for you as a result.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find what one tiny step can do for your dreams.

**If you are interested in reading more about Sarah’s products you can view her website here.  Please note she is located in Oxford so I am not sure if/how she ships to the U.S., but you can contact her here to find out more info.