There are so many choices I have made in my life, that at the time, were motivated by one thing. Only later, to discover that the real payoff was something else. Something that my busy plotting mind could never have projected or predicted.

In every case, the end results or impact has been so much greater than anything I could have imagined! Perhaps this is one of the reasons I have always felt guided and blessed. I have begun many journeys with a destination in mind, only to surpass what my limited vision could imagine at the start.

One past example that comes to mind was over 30 years ago now. I was a fairly new manager in the corporate world. I was pretty young compared to many of my peers. I had a hard time relating to their authoritarian style. “Facilitative” management was an approach that was emerging at the time. I thought this would be a better fit for me.

So I began to study or research what that would mean. I looked for every opportunity to practice or expand my skills of being more facilitative.

This was in the mid 80s and the height of the AIDS epidemic. A time when the government was doing little to address the disease. So organizations like the San Diego AIDS Project were stepping in to address the growing challenges. I decided to volunteer to be a support group facilitator! I thought.., what better way to develop my facilitation skills!

Oh my!! I might have gone into that 5 year experience with one thing in mind. But the gifts, awareness, self-discovery, relationships and more that developed out of this experience were multiplied a thousand times.

That is how this past week also felt for me.

When I first started Storm Wisdom, I might have had a vision, but no real idea how I would actually get there! One of the opportunities that presented itself at the time, came from artists like Vikki Reed, Paige Ashmore and Pamela Becker. Local Artists who were willing to put their amazing creations in the store on consignment.

As a new business owner it was such a blessing. It was inventory that didn’t have an upfront expense! The choice to pursue working with local artists was motivated out of a singular desire. Offer more in the store, without upfront capital expense.

It may have taken awhile for me to finally raise my head out of the day-to-day business to see what was happening. But, as slow as I am, it eventually became clear. The local artists we work with (or have worked with) provide so much more! They too provide gifts, awareness, self-discovery, relationships and more than I could have imagined.

They are foundational to building community. One of our core missions. They are family and they help make us what we are! Sure we still do business together.., but their impact for me is also multiplied a thousand times.

Last weekend, a dozen local artists participated in our ‘Local-Summer-PopUp’ and helped to create a magical experience. It was such a joy to be in the presence of such creativity, support and love.

Each one adding their own unique flavor and spice. Contributing to the whole. I have never been more aware of.., or in awe of the potency and power of Community. I have no doubt this will continue to expand and grow!

I want send a HUGE thank you to all the amazing local artists who have been part of the journey so far. And to those who have yet to reveal themselves.., I look forward to seeing where we go from here!

With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles