Change Is Like Renovation!

“What changes are on your horizon?”asked a writing colleague in an email.


“How did she know?” I wondered. I am in the midst of change. Maybe it’s more evident than I imagine. If you interact with me on Facebook or Twitter, perhaps you’ve noticed that I didn’t post much for weeks. I haven’t written many blogs, either.
 

Several people have asked how I’m doing and what’s going on. (Two practical reasons for my absence include: 1) Getting new tech equipment/software and losing programs in the transfer. 2) AND for some reason, Facebook hid my posts for about 2 months. When I figured that out early on, I just stopped sharing. Then one day my posts inexplicably became un-hidden!)
 

Anyway…after responding to my writing colleague’s email, I shared my answer with a couple other friends. Each said, “Thanks for sharing, Joan. It’s helpful to know.” So at the risk of sounding confused, lazy, unmotivated or egotistical, I’ve decided to share my email response with you, my Blogger-Friends. Here goes:

Thanks for asking, Lynne. I am definitely in transition. It’s been brewing for about 8 months. I’m in a renovating, refining, restructuring stage. It stems back to something that God seemed to show me in October 2011 in answer to a question given to us at a Life Coaching conference I attended. This became my goal for 2012: To work less, reach more people, and love with abandon.


Now I’m 1/2 way through 2012 and am amazed at the lengthy preparation that’s been going on toward this goal. I think I’m entering into the actual season now. It is definitely a transition of loss, grief, messiness, gratitude and good. In the preparation, I’ve said yes to saying no–for now. “No” to new projects, books, editing jobs. (Although “Yes” to coaching and lifeplans for people.)
 

This is not an idle time. I plan to get hands-on help. I know I can’t continue to do what I believe God is asking me to do without team members. Also, I’m going to review all my files and materials (on the computer, hard copies, in books and online) to see what God has given me through the years and then figure out how to reorganize, live and offer my life purpose/mission/message: “To reflect God’s brilliance, make His message relevant and help release His people to freedom.” In the end, I think some of the re-offering might be online.
 

In addition, I’m renovating my health–at least the parts that are within my control to change. Included with all this, I desire to spend time journaling, reflecting, reading, praying, studying and listening. I’m grateful for the new equipment to help me do this. Still it is a learning curve for me. And I’m going to take some time to figure it out. (I realize it’s easy for some people, but hey, not so much for me!)


It’s interesting that during this time we’ve beenrenovating our house. Very tiring, hard work, even though we’ve had a general contractor. But it’s been a kind of “visual aid” for what is happening with my ministry and business. Navigating the changes is MESSY, inconvenient and unpredictable! Well-worth it, though!


Relief-blessings to you,
Joan


P.S. By the way, I bought Michael Hyatt’s Platformbook and package and I plan to “hire” him (by reading and watching his stuff!) as a guide during this renovation time. It’s ironic since I think one of the reasons I’m so “tired” is because of the social media/marketing BIGGER, BETTER, MORE, FASTER mentality. God does ironic things sometimes!! 

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YOUR TURN: So, now that I’ve shared a little about what’s happening with me, I’m curious: Are you in renovation-mode? WHAT CHANGES ARE ON YOUR HORIZON RIGHT NOW? 

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