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
It was a joy for me to participate in the Storm Wisdom event last Sunday. Many of my friends came who had never been to Storm Wisdom and one even won the door prize. It was a great day to learn about the other artists and several of us had many similar experiences on our life journey and are survivors of illnesses. I look forward to more fun days ahead at Storm Wisdom. Charles and his staff have been an inspiration to me over the past eight years. Thanks to you all from Heart and Soul Gems, Sandy.
You are such a networker and socializer Sandy! It was fun watching you create new relationships and to connect the long term friends with new people! Thanks for being a long time supporter, artist and friend to me and Storm Wisdom! You definitely make our community more fun!
Charles, I loved participating as a local Author! I met so many new artists and loved the feeling of a community who supported each other. I felt blessed to also meet a young man who said his mom, who lives in New Mexico, was a “big fan” of mine and would be thrilled to know he got to meet me. How beautiful and at the same time humbling. I love being a part of the Storm Wisdom family. Charles, you and the staff are continuing to create such beauty and a space filled with love, acceptance, and encouragement! Thank you! Victoria
It would not have been the same without you Victoria! We are family!
Sengstan (Third Zen Patriarch) wrote in “The Great Way”…..”The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.”
Beautiful thoughts Charles, you have captured the essence of trusting in the process of “letting go.” 🙂 Shea
Thanks Shea!
Charles, the blessings flow in every direction. The abundance that has blossomed in my life from knowing you and being part of the Storm Wisdom family…well the riches continue to multiply. You have a gift for recognizing, and with that recognition being able to bring forth more…of the BEST in people. You certainly have helped me become more and appreciate myself more. You are creating new life, new vibrancy in the community. I am DEEPLY grateful.
What sweet recognition Vikki! I love what we co-create! I am grateful too! Deeply!
Love the story, Charles, of how one sets out on a journey expecting an outcome, but a whole different world opens and the learning becomes about so much more in so many other arenas. I think it’s the nature of life… we show up, participate, step into the arena, and magic happens… rarely in the way we expect… I recall a similar profound story of my entry into “participative management” by writing a thesis in Leadership and Team Building, and ended up rewriting the State of New Mexico management development program for 6 years and working with President Clinton and Al Gore on Reinventing Government. Now, it has come full circle for us who are into participative or facilitative leadership, and Laszlo Bock of Google fame has written the BEST book ever on WORK RULES for how to combine the best of those worlds into running organizations… Charles, you and I were ahead of our time… no idea so powerful as one whose time has come! Keep up the good work creating so many opportunities at Storm Wisdom for growth and discovery and community. Wish I wasn’t 75 miles away; I would be there more often. Love and light, Darla Desautel
What a great memory and accomplishment Darla.. thanks for sharing! Thanks for always being so encouraging!