Say "Yes" in a Big Way

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Do you really want what you want? How can you tell? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get what you want?

Even...THAT?

You know, that one thing that terrifies you. That one thing that will change the way you view yourself and the world. Yep. THAT one. Are you willing to do THAT?

Sometimes saying "yes" to the Universe means stepping into scary territory. Now, the definition of "scary" depends on who you ask. Your scary might be jumping off a cliff into a crystal clear pool of water. (That's my definition of "insane.") Or it might be calling a business contact. Or it might be complementing someone at work. Or asking your boss for a favor. What's scary for you?

For me, "scary" means thinking bigger than I can imagine. Jumping into the concept of "really, really big" terrifies me. Some people can make that quantum leap into a completely new image of themselves. I struggle with it. For me, I seem to need to tip-toe into a new view of myself, baby-stepping as I go. Some would say that even my baby-steps are pretty dramatic. It feels slow to me.

My professional life has completely changed since my last post. Well, maybe not completely, but certainly "significantly."

About a year ago, I wrote a "story" of my life one year from then. I wrote it as if it had already happened.

This is a powerful exercise that I strongly recommend if you haven't done it. Think of a date one year from now to check back in. Then start with "I am so happy and grateful that I have an incredible life." And then describe all the good things that are now (your future date) happening in your life. Then read it every day for 30 days. Out Loud. Then put it away. Check back on your one-year date and you will be amazed at how much you have created in that time. (This idea is thanks to the ONE seminar - www.CarolReynolds.com)

 I wrote about a music school. Not a "studio," but a "school." I wove a beautiful picture of happy students embracing their instruments, joyfully practicing, grateful for a place to share their beautiful music. I pictured a shop with inspiring decor, quiet lesson rooms, a comfortable place for the parents and siblings to wait, computer stations for additional learning, a small commercial area with music books and t-shirts. It's a lovely picture.

No, I'm not quite there. But I'm getting there.

About eight weeks ago I realized I had a choice to make. I was getting lots of assignments to teach on the road and was having some difficulty scheduling my students in any kind of consistent way. This just won't work. Families need consistency. This is crazy-making for them, thinking they can just adjust their schedules to match mine.

Do I want to continue with the music school? Or do I want to throw all my eggs in one basket with the speaking business? "Multiple streams of income, multiple streams of income," Robert Kiyosaki's voice echoed in my head. Do you really believe in arts education? Are you willing to do whatever it takes for this belief? Are you willing to think BIG? Are you willing to get outside your comfort zone, embrace new challenges, have people count on you?

Big breath. Pause. Think. Another big breath.

Yes.

Yes, to the Universe, to the challenge before me.

Edwene Gaines voice says, "The HOW is none of my business."

I realized I needed a substitute teacher...or a partner teacher...or a mix of the two...or something completely different. But it needed to be a "Mary Poppins" type of teacher who does everything. A generalist, if you will, who teaches piano, voice, guitar, viola -- ok, that's just crazy to ask for THIS mix of skill. I'll probably have to hire a couple of people. Wish, wish, wish...

And the Universe listened.

Thanks to my friend, S, I was covered for August. That gave me time. Then I met Thien-nga. And Edward. And realized that the Universe was sitting off to the side, probably giggling, listening to every wish. "Magic? You want Magic?" the Universe asked. "You want the 'impossible'?" No problem.

The perfect teachers have fallen into my lap. I am grateful.

More available days mean saying "yes" to more students. We have doubled our enrollment.

Then I had a crazy week out of town and realized I was dropping leads, missing calls, failing to give my students the follow-up I wanted. Then my daughter said, "Can I help?" And another miracle happened. Because of her efforts, parents are getting calls before and after their first lesson - "just reminding you," and "how did it go?" They are stunned at the high level of customer service. I like "stunned."

So the plan now is to get good and solid, create a formal business plan for expansion, then move into a commercial space no later than next summer. Right now, it's a little like living in a store with students in our house every day. We are motivated to make this work for many, many reasons (including we'd like the house to be a house!). I believe in music education. I believe in the power of learning an instrument, playing it every day, enjoying it fully. I believe in the powerful life lessons learned through music lessons. I believe in the powerful impact music has on thinking abilities and creativity.

So "baby-stepping" my way, I have become an employer with three people (besides me) on my team. I love having a team. I love using "we" when talking about the school. I proudly tell everyone how amazing my teachers and staff are. We are creating a fun and inspiring place for the kids and adults to be taught, be nurtured, and be celebrated.

Yes, it's scary sometimes. Yes, I have moments when I don't know how. Then I figure it out. Or someone who does know how shows up in my life.

"Leap and the net will appear." If I can do it, so can you.

With love to all,
Pam