In what seems like the blink of an eye, Liberated Spaces turned 18 years of age and became an adult this summer. The reflection that accompanies such a milestone has been punctuated by the occasional internal monologue that’s had me pondering “what’s next?” After too much overthinking and staring blankly at the computer screen between bouts of mindless scrolling, I have some answers.
First and foremost is continuing to be a steadfast partner and cheerleader for my clients. This is at the core of what keeps me doing what I’m doing each day: motivating and seeing others shift through challenging situations and spaces to greater empowerment and clarity.
Second is embracing an evolving chapter in my relationship with this thing I created that’s commonly called a business. Actually, the word “business” has always been too stiff, itchy, and buttoned up for my temperament. The work I do is more akin to a practice, and it’s best described by comfy, denim, and flannel (unsurprising for someone based in SF). It’s me sitting cross-legged on a chair with a hot beverage while holding space for clients whether I’m with them in person, on the phone, or on the screen. Long one to defy convention and buck conformity, this is yet another way in which I continue to honor the how and the why of doing what I do the way I know how to do it best.
Third is letting go to make space. Creating space often requires releasing the superfluous and underutilized, eliminating the “shoulds” and rearranging elements that remain for greater ease. Even I must practice what I facilitate and offer others. (There’s no preaching here!) I’ve written a newsletter with some degree of regularity from the earliest days until it became a complete irregularity. I wrote and sent my last one earlier this week. The content of this post comprises the majority of what was shared.
For the past many years, social media was a favorite outlet for sharing client project stories, event announcements, and musings more or less as they happened. In addition to being a place to stay up to date with friends, it became a place to make and connect with new friends and associates with whom a casual meeting would never have been possible. Annoyed as I am by what’s become an incredibly intrusive, visually noisy, algorithm-fueled corporate environment of advertising and ridiculousness, I’ve determined it’s best to reduce my time and content contributions there and hang out more often here in my quiet little nook on the internet.
Fostering the good and nutritious stuff is an imperative for all of us these days, and I aim to do my part to continue contributing to the positivity.
