Trail Mix :: No. 15

On Being A Dreaming Artist and A Driven Business Woman, what to do with the perfect voice, do you worry about people, why to keep Hubble Telescope photos in your office, and more!

Hi! Come on in,

As always welcome to the Trail Mix Weekly-ish Letters for us curious and ambitious folks. Below you’ll find a colorful assortment of goodness to keep you fueled and inspired for all your various adventures- my top 5 favorite reads, listens, resources, & other interesting tidbits, plus an exclusive peek into my personal journey each week.

Rummage through the words and resources below and snag only the pieces you find most tasty!

Ninja Selling and Self Compassion, Can We Learn to Own It All?

For most of my life, I’ve been swaying back and forth, but somehow I still find solace in throwing myself into one box.

Either I want to be the dreaming artist and reflective word weaver who crafts beauty from her upper room, isn’t tied to an office schedule or meetings or monetization of her work, conjures up endless ideas on how she’ll change the world, and hates everything related to our capitalistic, consumeristic culture.

Or

I want to be the successful, driven, machine-like, millionaire-aspiring professional woman, winning awards, taking luxurious vacations, exceeding her goals, mentoring other entrepreneurs, and exuding confidence wherever she goes. She’s on track to retire early, makes wise investments, unapologetically puts herself out there, and takes her career seriously.

It doesn’t seem possible for them to exist together at the same, yet I can’t ignore their presence inside me.

The dreaming artist and reflective, word-weaver who crafts beauty from her upper room

is also

the successful, driven, machine-like, millionaire-aspiring professional woman.

How do I keep my humanity, my creativity, my intuition intact while also wanting to pursue a professional career, make money, market, and grow my own thriving business?

Perhaps the answer shows itself as I choose to…

• not favor one over the other and see the value in both,

• allow the two to mix, blend, and bleed all over each other,

• whack down an alternative way, rebel against the clear-cut definitive categories and constricting labels, and realize I can be a wacky conglomeration:

  • A super-driven creative.

  • A human-centered, intuitive investor.

  • An ambitious, business-savvy artist.

  • A mindful, minimalist millionaire.

  • A quiet writer with a high-energy, salary-earning job.

I think the avant-garde adventure we’re looking for isn’t only about bucking the systems of power and prestige, leaving behind our primal fears of never fitting in, and carving our own wild path.

It is also following the masses, obtaining degrees and certifications, desiring success, seeking approval and belonging from our tribe, staying in tune with the cultural norms and societal standards, and strategizing a more profitable business.

This is why you’ll find me reading both Ninja Selling and Self-Compassion over breakfast,

why I push myself on a run and plunge myself into salty epsom baths,

why I keep my computer and paint supplies in the same room,

why I spend hours writing poetic sentences and pursue a new career in real estate (more on that soon!),

and why I nerd out over sustainability and conjure up exciting travel plans.

I’m a potpourri of a person, a hodgepodge of a human, probably a walking contradiction, and I’m learning to own it all.

Now, speaking of random, here’s your promised handful of trail mix, an assortment of 5 ideas I found interesting recently from my reading, listening, and learning:

1. Teach your child to say “hi” to their perfect voice.

Help them relate to their perfectionism instead of getting rid of it…offer them connection and curiosity.

Source: Good Inside Podcast with Dr. Becky, recommended to me by a friend afters hearing about my struggles with my oldest who is often very critical of himself and his incredible sketching abilities.

2. On not worrying about people…

Natalie Portman’s best advice she has ever received and still relies on, “I don’t worry about you. You’re gonna be fine. I’m not worried.” (This was said to her when she was in one of the worst places of her life.)

Source: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle (Ep. 111)

3. Only Have 1 Hour a Day For A Dream?

Do you know Steven Pressfield? He wrote the book, The War of Art. Marie Forleo had an incredible conversation with him on Marie Forleo TV this week! What do you think about this perspective he had: “You can be a full-time anything on an hour or two hours a day.”

I was encouraged once again to not underestimate the small chunks of time I put into doing what I love whether it’s gardening, running, reading, writing, my career, or being with my kids. We forget one hour a day compounds over a year to more than we realize!

4. My religion is kindness.

“Like the Dalai Lama, my religion is kindness. It is a religion that doesn’t require a god who sits in judgment or lengthy dogmatic texts. It is also a religion that doesn’t allow for anyone to feel superior to another and requires us to accept that we are equal. This religion inspired me to research how compassion and kindness are critical to one’s mental and physical health and longevity.”

Source: Into The Magic Shop James Doty, M.D.

5. A reason to keep Hubble Telescope pictures in your office.

“People always say it makes them feel insignificant, but I don’t find being insignificant depressing. I find it uplifting.” Jerry Seinfeld

Source: Cosmic Perspective by Austin Kleon

---

My children are too quiet now. Never a good sign.

As always, thank you for joining me here. I consider it one of my greatest joys to share my words and explorations with you!

And lastly, could you do me a favor, write me a DM on Instagram or leave a message here to tell me what you love most about receiving these weekly-ish letters, what resonated with you the most?

Traveling with you,

Charissa

PS: Did you read my latest post about what I learned from 15 minutes in my neighbor’s house last week?