Don’t Go Back

I’ve been asking the question, “What next?” and I keep hearing, “Don’t go back. Whatever you do, don’t go back.” I hate to this say but that isn’t helping me. Why is it that the activities that normally inspire me haven’t been lately and the paying work that normally flows to me seems to be on holidays? I hear the words, “Don’t go back” and truthfully, I’m listening. I’m not going back. I’m going forward — eyes, ears and heart open to the world as much as I know how.

So today I ask for guidance. Show me what is next. Bring to me the ideas so that I may leap forward with them. Allow me to be a vessel through which love, abundance and creativity flow. Thrill me with synchronistic encounters… I love these. Remind me there is truly only one direction… forward… and all paths lead home.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 at 1:25 pm and is filed under Soul Chats. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 responses to “Don’t Go Back”

  1. #1. Debbie on November 30th, 2007 at 4:32 pm

    Hi Paula,

    I’m enjoying reading your new website.

    I find that when I am no longer inspired by something, I need to put it away for a little while and give my mind a break from it. Often inspiration comes from an absence (for me at least) from a project. It’s like putting down an unfinished crossword puzzle.

    Sometimes the absence provides you with a new outlook, perspective or experience that serves to refresh your inspiration. In which case, a return to the project is welcomed and invigorating. Other times no such feelings are present, in which case, it’s OK to leave that crossword puzzle unfinished.

  2. #2. Paula on December 2nd, 2007 at 5:18 am

    Heh Debbie! Thanks for sharing… I agree that breaks from projects can refresh and remind us what inspired us in the first place! My reality is that I have an abundance of unfinished projects that have served to weigh me down. So, shedding some of them was the only solution that really inspired me. It feels great!

    It’s so important to give ourselves permission to not finish… and be okay with that. I’m noticing that the ‘gold’ in certain projects is not in completing them but gathering an important piece of information for the journey. Only in hindsight can we truly see this. Letting go feels much better than banging my head!!! Ouch!

    Stay warm my friend :)

  3. #3. Shala on December 2nd, 2007 at 3:58 pm

    Not only do I have this same “abundance of unfinished projects that have served to weigh me down” I have so many unSTARTED projects in my mind that weigh me down. So many ideas, so little time, energy, resources….

    Is that the curse of the creatives?

    I have fears of ideas escaping, dying or even being born before they are ready.

    Taking a break from these ideas seem like the last thing I want to do. I’ve got to get moving on them! Although I know this perspective is futile, it’s easier said than done to give myself permission to not pursue them all at the same time!

  4. #4. Paula on December 2nd, 2007 at 4:33 pm

    I hear you Shala…

    I keep a voice recorder with me at all times to capture ideas before they abandon me… it’s a common occurrence for me to be speaking or singing into this little gadget while strolling through Safeway or down the sidewalk.

    Always trust that ideas come and go. And that you can never run out of ideas. There is an abundant source.

    As you know, there are certain projects like Hanna’s keepsake book that are SO dear to me that they remain on the list. Others… like a series of greeting cards was an interesting idea that brought about ideas for other projects I did do. What I notice is that the more I take pressure off myself to create, the more creative I am.

    What a novel concept!

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