Jane, I hear you! There are numerous components to self-publishing, which can easily feel overwhelming. I've adopted the mantra "slow and steady," which has helped me. Wishing you the success with you self-publishing journey.
Sandra, thank you for sharing your experience, both the inner and outer journey. A few years ago, I was given a small plaque with one word: JOY. It's actually a holiday ornament, but I keep it in a visible spot to remind myself daily that joy is a form of resistance and inherently ours.
Also, I love the composition journal I purchased. Thank you for encouraging us to try something different to spark our creativity.
Paulette, I love how the word and feeling JOY hold such a special place in your life. It’s a wonderful reminder for all of us that we can also give joy a prominent place in our lives. I’m so glad you like your composition book!
Thank you for sharing your inner and outer journey with this adventure! Sometimes doing something for pure fun and joy is enough.... even if the financial outcome isn't all that we would hope. But I hope this does flow for you more easily. And the fact that you posted this reminded me that you created these beautiful notebooks, and I just added two of them to my Amazon cart : )
Maia, I agree, pure fun and joy can be a good reason to do things. We often leave those experiences off the list when we consider an endeavor. What would life be like if we asked if a project would be fun or joyful? I'm thrilled you like the notebooks and have ordered two. Thank you! I'm so grateful!
I absolutely loved your insight that "creating composition notebooks was unexpectedly fun. The self-publishing experiment showed me that sometimes you need something new and different to revive your joy and motivation." This flips the conventional success narrative on its head. So often, we're conditioned to measure success solely by quantifiable metrics – income, sales, reach. But you eloquently make the case for joy and intrinsic motivation as equally, if not more, valuable indicators of a worthwhile pursuit. It's a gentle yet profound reminder that if the process itself isn't feeding our spirit, even external "wins" can feel hollow. What a beautiful way to recalibrate our internal compass for what truly matters in our work and lives.
Alex, I love the way you riffed on my insight! For most of my life, joy has not been a factor I've considered when it comes to work or new endeavors. Somehow, it's emerging naturally. Thank you for recognizing this and discussing how valuable joy is as a measure in our lives. Your conclusion is spot on: "wins" can feel hollow if we're not feeding our spirit. We witness that so much all around us. Thank you, Alex. As always, I deeply appreciate your support.
Ali, Thanks! I’m sorry that Medium is a tough place for you at the moment. It’s good to have the confirmation and to know that it’s not just me, but it makes me sad. It was so good for so long.
Love this, Sandra! I think the guided journals are a great idea! Composition notebooks are more of a commodity so harder to stand out, but your expertise in Buddhism will make your guided journals one of a kind!
Hi Suzanne! Lovely to see you! Your assessment is spot on. It was beneficial to learn the process using composition notebooks—there are numerous intricacies to self-publishing. Knowing all that will give me a head start with the guided journals. Thanks for your support! I appreciate it so much.
Wow Sandra, thanks for sharing your journey! It mirrors some of my own experiences with self-publishing and selling my artwork. I believe there are ways to navigate this strange "Creator Economy" in a way that is in integrity and sustains us. It's been a big experiment and journey for me!
Judy, I'm so glad you could relate, and you are right in there with me! I feel encouraged by your belief that we can navigate the "Creator Economy" with integrity and in a way that sustains us. I see people doing it, so I think it's possible, too.
And my sense is there is a role for community to play. Not quite sure what that would look like but I think mutual support, experience, and accountability could be really helpful. I often feel we're all doing a kind of "parallel play" and wonder what would be possible if we joined together. An intriguing idea for me.
Sandra, I've got mine all set up to start using on July 1st!
When I used to make decorative things, I thought I could make LOTS of them to sell! But after the 3rd or 4th one, I was done and did something else.
I've made my own monthly planner notebooks for years, but they're for my use because they take quite a while to create and I'm constantly tweaking and modifying each section. They're an outlet for my creativity and for getting organized.
Diane, you sound ten times more creative than I am, and I love hearing how you organize your notebooks so they work for you and bring joy, too. You brought out another vital learning point that I didn't mention in my article. We need to follow our energy and messages of our body with any project. I appreciate that you stopped after your 3rd or 4th decorative thing, realizing selling them in quantity wasn't the right thing for you.
Only 3 days to July! Your enthusiasm and support has meant so much to me.
Sandra, I wouldn't say I was more creative than you!! You have very creative ideas!! When I was a SAHM, I had the time to make presents and because it was less expensive than buying them. But I still like to buy supplies and not use them.
But as to the not wanting to make a lot of one item, it's because I usually quit in the middle of a long-term project. My follow-through gets bored. For years now, I start to read a book with every intention of finishing it, but end up reading only a few chapters then never picking it back up. I have a nice library full of books, too.
As to the planners...yes, I make one a month, BUT I have still bought other planners and didn't use them...I love forms and try to get my brain and life organized!!
I was thinking it would be nice if I added your last sentence in my planner since you made it, if you wouldn't mind?
Diane, I wouldn’t mind at all if you would like to add that sentence to your planner. Thanks for sharing your experience with projects. We have similarities when it comes to following through! I have been able to stay focused on my main special interests, but I can also easily lose interest or switch interests midway through a project. It’s one reasons I’ve never tried to publish a book. An article or blog post is about the length I can manage. I once wrote a course, which took three months, and it was like torture. I never thought I’d finish it. I’ve given up on planners many times. I’ve finally found my groove, but there are times when I miss a week. We have special brains! They just work differently!
Thank you, Sandra! Since you can't sign it in person, I'll see it as a dedication!
Yes, we have special brains that work differently!!
I always have lots of ideas and some for books and other projects, too, but that's why I don't have anything out b/c they're such time-consuming projects. Maybe when I retire...
My youngest son has authored multiple books, has several blogs, youtube channels, paints and performs, etc., but he finishes his projects! He earned the name Bulldog at a very early age because once he got his teeth into something, he finished it...except for getting to whack his older brother with a sharp hoe. He had every intention to do great-bodily injury, but we put the kybosh on that, of course.
Both my sons are very confident people, but I don't think they got all that from me!!
My planners are a combination of dates, to-dos, diary and other ditties.
Diane, that's so sweet of you! I hope you have more time for your ideas and projects at some point in your life. It's nice that you can put your creativity into your planners for now. It's good to hear that your sons have great confidence wherever it came from. Be well!
I love the composition notebooks! I am a yoga instructor with my own small business, so I can completely relate to the ideas of working and creating, yet struggling to increase income. I am in the early stages of planning a destination yoga retreat for next year, and if it comes together, I'd love to make these notebooks available to participants. I'll keep you posted!
Karen, I'm glad you like the composition notebooks and can completely relate to my creator's journey and challenges. I hope your destination yoga retreat comes together beautifully, and I'm thrilled you would consider using my notebooks for your participants. Thanks for touching base!
Looking forward to the guided journal!
Change can often be rewarding…and fun! It’s just taking that leap of faith that’s scary. Good for you ❤️
Thank you, Kat. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
Thanks for sharing this. I am in the process of self-publishing, and I am overwhelmed right now.
Jane, I hear you! There are numerous components to self-publishing, which can easily feel overwhelming. I've adopted the mantra "slow and steady," which has helped me. Wishing you the success with you self-publishing journey.
Thanks. I've been watching You Tube Videos and trying to go one step at a time
Sandra, thank you for sharing your experience, both the inner and outer journey. A few years ago, I was given a small plaque with one word: JOY. It's actually a holiday ornament, but I keep it in a visible spot to remind myself daily that joy is a form of resistance and inherently ours.
Also, I love the composition journal I purchased. Thank you for encouraging us to try something different to spark our creativity.
Paulette, I love how the word and feeling JOY hold such a special place in your life. It’s a wonderful reminder for all of us that we can also give joy a prominent place in our lives. I’m so glad you like your composition book!
Thank you for sharing your inner and outer journey with this adventure! Sometimes doing something for pure fun and joy is enough.... even if the financial outcome isn't all that we would hope. But I hope this does flow for you more easily. And the fact that you posted this reminded me that you created these beautiful notebooks, and I just added two of them to my Amazon cart : )
Maia, I agree, pure fun and joy can be a good reason to do things. We often leave those experiences off the list when we consider an endeavor. What would life be like if we asked if a project would be fun or joyful? I'm thrilled you like the notebooks and have ordered two. Thank you! I'm so grateful!
I absolutely loved your insight that "creating composition notebooks was unexpectedly fun. The self-publishing experiment showed me that sometimes you need something new and different to revive your joy and motivation." This flips the conventional success narrative on its head. So often, we're conditioned to measure success solely by quantifiable metrics – income, sales, reach. But you eloquently make the case for joy and intrinsic motivation as equally, if not more, valuable indicators of a worthwhile pursuit. It's a gentle yet profound reminder that if the process itself isn't feeding our spirit, even external "wins" can feel hollow. What a beautiful way to recalibrate our internal compass for what truly matters in our work and lives.
Alex, I love the way you riffed on my insight! For most of my life, joy has not been a factor I've considered when it comes to work or new endeavors. Somehow, it's emerging naturally. Thank you for recognizing this and discussing how valuable joy is as a measure in our lives. Your conclusion is spot on: "wins" can feel hollow if we're not feeding our spirit. We witness that so much all around us. Thank you, Alex. As always, I deeply appreciate your support.
Medium is a tough place at the moment. Good on you Sandra for finding alternatives to channel your creativity.
Ali, Thanks! I’m sorry that Medium is a tough place for you at the moment. It’s good to have the confirmation and to know that it’s not just me, but it makes me sad. It was so good for so long.
Love this, Sandra! I think the guided journals are a great idea! Composition notebooks are more of a commodity so harder to stand out, but your expertise in Buddhism will make your guided journals one of a kind!
Hi Suzanne! Lovely to see you! Your assessment is spot on. It was beneficial to learn the process using composition notebooks—there are numerous intricacies to self-publishing. Knowing all that will give me a head start with the guided journals. Thanks for your support! I appreciate it so much.
Wow Sandra, thanks for sharing your journey! It mirrors some of my own experiences with self-publishing and selling my artwork. I believe there are ways to navigate this strange "Creator Economy" in a way that is in integrity and sustains us. It's been a big experiment and journey for me!
Judy, I'm so glad you could relate, and you are right in there with me! I feel encouraged by your belief that we can navigate the "Creator Economy" with integrity and in a way that sustains us. I see people doing it, so I think it's possible, too.
And my sense is there is a role for community to play. Not quite sure what that would look like but I think mutual support, experience, and accountability could be really helpful. I often feel we're all doing a kind of "parallel play" and wonder what would be possible if we joined together. An intriguing idea for me.
Sandra, I've got mine all set up to start using on July 1st!
When I used to make decorative things, I thought I could make LOTS of them to sell! But after the 3rd or 4th one, I was done and did something else.
I've made my own monthly planner notebooks for years, but they're for my use because they take quite a while to create and I'm constantly tweaking and modifying each section. They're an outlet for my creativity and for getting organized.
Diane
Diane, you sound ten times more creative than I am, and I love hearing how you organize your notebooks so they work for you and bring joy, too. You brought out another vital learning point that I didn't mention in my article. We need to follow our energy and messages of our body with any project. I appreciate that you stopped after your 3rd or 4th decorative thing, realizing selling them in quantity wasn't the right thing for you.
Only 3 days to July! Your enthusiasm and support has meant so much to me.
Sandra, I wouldn't say I was more creative than you!! You have very creative ideas!! When I was a SAHM, I had the time to make presents and because it was less expensive than buying them. But I still like to buy supplies and not use them.
But as to the not wanting to make a lot of one item, it's because I usually quit in the middle of a long-term project. My follow-through gets bored. For years now, I start to read a book with every intention of finishing it, but end up reading only a few chapters then never picking it back up. I have a nice library full of books, too.
As to the planners...yes, I make one a month, BUT I have still bought other planners and didn't use them...I love forms and try to get my brain and life organized!!
I was thinking it would be nice if I added your last sentence in my planner since you made it, if you wouldn't mind?
Diane, I wouldn’t mind at all if you would like to add that sentence to your planner. Thanks for sharing your experience with projects. We have similarities when it comes to following through! I have been able to stay focused on my main special interests, but I can also easily lose interest or switch interests midway through a project. It’s one reasons I’ve never tried to publish a book. An article or blog post is about the length I can manage. I once wrote a course, which took three months, and it was like torture. I never thought I’d finish it. I’ve given up on planners many times. I’ve finally found my groove, but there are times when I miss a week. We have special brains! They just work differently!
Thank you, Sandra! Since you can't sign it in person, I'll see it as a dedication!
Yes, we have special brains that work differently!!
I always have lots of ideas and some for books and other projects, too, but that's why I don't have anything out b/c they're such time-consuming projects. Maybe when I retire...
My youngest son has authored multiple books, has several blogs, youtube channels, paints and performs, etc., but he finishes his projects! He earned the name Bulldog at a very early age because once he got his teeth into something, he finished it...except for getting to whack his older brother with a sharp hoe. He had every intention to do great-bodily injury, but we put the kybosh on that, of course.
Both my sons are very confident people, but I don't think they got all that from me!!
My planners are a combination of dates, to-dos, diary and other ditties.
Diane, that's so sweet of you! I hope you have more time for your ideas and projects at some point in your life. It's nice that you can put your creativity into your planners for now. It's good to hear that your sons have great confidence wherever it came from. Be well!
I love the composition notebooks! I am a yoga instructor with my own small business, so I can completely relate to the ideas of working and creating, yet struggling to increase income. I am in the early stages of planning a destination yoga retreat for next year, and if it comes together, I'd love to make these notebooks available to participants. I'll keep you posted!
Karen, I'm glad you like the composition notebooks and can completely relate to my creator's journey and challenges. I hope your destination yoga retreat comes together beautifully, and I'm thrilled you would consider using my notebooks for your participants. Thanks for touching base!