Sunday, April 06, 2008

The Chronicles of Jessie: The Story of a Woman Who Succeeded (a story in progress...)

It's a gray spring morning and I've used the quiet time of this morning for an opportunity to clean the house. Vinny's been sick most of the week and things were starting to feel in need of a good de-germing and airing out. Luckily, spring has arrived to our frozen corner of the world and I was even able to open doors and windows. The house is now filled wish the smell of fresh air, candles, coffee, and quiet. *Deep breath* I am enjoying this feeling of freshness immensely.

But that's not what my post is supposed to be about. Hmmmm...where to begin? I want to tell you about a book that I'm reading and LOVING: Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny. I found the book through Jamie after she gave us questions from the book as homework for Circe's Circle. I found the questions interesting and, since I've been putting a lot of focus on my financial well-being these days, I of course ran to the nearest bookstore and bought it. Mind you, I've never shopped in the business/finance section of the bookstore before and I had absolutely no idea that there was anything in that section would be THIS GOOD! I haven't been able to put it down!

The book, however, is not a sit down and read from cover to cover sort of book. It's more like a read a chapter and then do a whole lot of thinking, journaling, excavating, visualizing, and realizing sort of book. I decided early on that I wanted to blog about my experience of moving towards my dream. Granted, dreams are ever-evolving, but I feel truly blessed to be walking the path I'm on. I'm beginning to see how I could even start mapping it all out. And, although we each will have a very unique experience in following our hearts, it's important to me that I share my journey here just in case it should inspire another to do the same. For me, there is nothing more powerful than knowing that there are others striving for similar goals and blogging has been an incredibly empowering tool for connecting and amplifying the positive energy of growth. We are a domino effect gently nudging each other forward--helping each other through our lows and celebrating our accomplishments no matter how large or small.

One thing that I quickly realized in reading Stanny's book is that I fall very easily into her category of UNDER-EARNERS. I mean, I was actually cringing as I read that chapter because of how well I fit all the credentials. I feel as though I have grown a lot in these past few months and also as though my vision has expanded enormously. I look back at the way I thought about what I was capable of having, doing, and earning at the beginning of the Be Brave Project and compare it to where I'm at now and I'm just like: WOW!! I was limiting myself in so many ways! But it's a learning process, isn't it. Because I'm still learning. There's still so much farther to go. Even now (especially now!!) I'm realizing just how many limiting beliefs I've been carrying around...but the weird thing is how much FUN I'm starting to have myth-busting my thinking patterns. Sure, it is sometimes painful and aggravating and enormously frustrating, but the more I experience myself moving past those feelings, the more I am beginning to learn that it IS possible to move past anything!

I'm beginning to think of this blog as "The Chronicles of Jessie." Right now is the part where I get to witness myself move from near poverty to enormous wealth. I've always had issues with money (who doesn't?). I've always equated money with shallowness, mental illness, loneliness, disillusionment, lack of soulful purpose, lies, and unhappiness. When I was in my teens and twenties I boldly committed to living a life true to my heart, not money. I do not regret that because it served me well and pushed me to live a wonderfully non-conventional young life: I traveled the world, lived great adventures, and learned about myself in ways that I could have never learned if I had lived those years striving for money. I lived well and I lived completely.

However, I am beginning to realize that my old beliefs about money no longer serve me. And, if anything, they are a hindrance to my ability to live from my heart. These days I am learning how money can be a positive force. Financial success. That is something I never thought would be a part of my story--that is, until now. I thought that living true to myself meant that I had to live with less. That was the trade-off (or so I thought). But my eyes are just now starting to open up to the possibility that there is no reason in the world why living passionately and soulfully can't bring you everything you want and more.

Yes, so this week, in my mind, I've been blogging about all of these thoughts (a whole lot more eloquently, I might add!), but basically, The Chronicles of Jessie is going to be the story of a girl woman living her dreams. Despite whatever hardships may or may not arise, I think (well, actually I know) I would like to make my life a success story.

I had a happy realization last week that I've made more money doing art than I have doing anything else in my entire life. LIGHT BULB! :) Who said you can't make a living off of art? Who said you can't make a GOOD living off of art? Myth: BUSTED.

Everything is changing and my life is already not the same life that it was before. These days I'm learning how to be open. I'm learning how to discard old crutches and belief systems. And ya wanna know what? ...this week is the first time in years that I've had more money than I actually need to squeak by. Coincidence? I don't think so. I'm nowhere near six-figures (yet? ;)), but I am standing here feeling AMAZED by how good this ABUNDANCE feels!!! :)

Recommended reading: Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny.

~

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Go Jessie! Like always I am right there with you. I think we are living
the same art life :-).

jennifer lee said...

So interesting, I just posted the other day about money and referred to Stanny's other book Prince Charming Isn't coming and some one commented about her other book that you mention here. Given what you shared here, you might want to check out Money Magic, too, by Deborah Price. I took her assessment as part of a money circle I was in recently and one of the types I scored high on was Creator/Artist, which I imagine you are, too.

Love how you're stepping into abundance and making a living doing what YOU love!

GreenishLady said...

Sounds like a really important shift in your thinking. If it will help to keep you doing what you love, I'm all for it! And you deserve to have abundance coming your way for the work you are doing. I do understand the feeling that there's something "bad" about money, and it's one to be overcome for sure. Bless you in your journey.

Anonymous said...

oh, jessie, i'm giving you a standing ovation (compete with clapping!) right now! i am very excited for how your journey is unfolding right now. circe's circle sounds like an amazing experience and it has really sparked a transformation in you!
love & miss you!
ruby

Colorsonmymind said...

hee hee-oh baby-this is so inspiring. You make such an impact on my life.

I am thrilled for you-to get this book and to see you continue to grow.

XOXOXO

Suzie Ridler said...

Way to go! What an awesome and inspiring post. I love your revelation about your actual financial reality when it comes to art. You have had huge successes and I know if you keep putting your energy towards your art you are going to be investing in your talents and personal magic.

Yoli said...

Very smart of you girl. I came across your blog through Maddie's. Love it.

Melanie Margaret said...

Fabulous post!

I love myth-busting!

I am so glad and grateful that you are sharing your journey with us.

XO,
melba

Violet said...

You're so brave!

I've written down the book title... i must go find it. Right now i'm also having to face my issues/thoughts about money.

Olivia said...

I am so happy for you, Jessie! I'm cheering you on. And I SO identify with you with respect to money issues. I ordered the book, and I'll read it with you. I'm a late bloomer about money, but...better late than never...and in your case, you're right on time! Here's to feeling abundance,

Much Love, O
xxoo

caroline : my pocket said...

Oh, this is so inspiring! I want to buy that book too, having got by with little all my adult life. I'm so happy for you, the changes that are taking place. Sometimes I think the only limitations that keep the good things from flowing into our lives is the fact that we can't accept them, never realising we are blocking them out. What exciting times for you! x

Amy Gethins Sullivan said...

Jess, again thank you. You once again have made knowledge surface in me, ("you know it, but have not come to terms with it"). Just the fact that you are saying these things out loud is amazing. BIG HUG:)!
My relationship with money has rarely been good......And,when pricing my work, I have always had fears...ending with, some money is better than no money:(. We have four children, so being an artist & committing to supporting yourself with art is scary.
But, like you, I do ,do it. No reason why I can't do it more!
I am getting this book!!!!oxox ,amy

Amber said...

Where have I BEEN?? You have so much good going on! I am so happy for you. :) I love reading it, and hearing your "voice" sound so full.

:)

Anonymous said...

Great post. I hope i get to where you are.