Dear Friends,
I don’t know how to begin. But after a lovely email from Adam today – I know I will or rather I must.
You see, I talk about my life online. The good. The bad. The Awesome. The “Why Did This Happen To Me?”. I share a lot. Sometimes maybe I share too much. But I don’t know how to do it any other way.
It’s okay if you see me as “less than perfect”. It’s even okay if you don’t like me or my particular brand of authenticity. I’ve finally realized that even if I admire, love and adore you – my opinion of myself still trumps your opinion of me.
And maybe that’s why I don’t mind falling on my face, failing publicly, and getting back up to try again. The competition is not out there. The competition is with myself. If there is such a thing as “Winning at Life”. Then let me be the first to tell you it’s a Non-Zero Sum Game.
What Will ReinventingErica.com Look Like This Time Around?
I think the real question is why have I failed at this 3 times in a row? And what can I do to succeed this time around? In the past – was my project too ambitious? Did I adequately utilize my incredible support network? And most importantly – did I go after the things I really wanted – or the things society tells me I should want? (We’ll come back to this question).
I’ve always been a big fan of both 37Signals & Coudal Partners and their ideas about “Doing More with Less”. In fact one of my highlights of 2006 was meeting Jim Coudal and Jason Fried in person. I saw Jim again this past year – and I’m still in awe of the amazing things his company consistently does.
I want MORE of THAT in my life. I want to Do MORE with LESS.
I also want to listen to the sound advice of my friends, like Jenny – who told me that my real strength lies in speaking. That while I’m a fantastic writer – when I speak to an audience I become Remarkable. And that’s why ReinventingErica.com is going to be featuring more videos. Including the one featured in this post on one of my many projects called The Bliss Ring.
What I Know For Sure
This time around – ReinventingErica.com will focus on simplicity. On finding ways to accomplish more, quicker and faster than ever before. There will be a lot of low-hanging fruit. That way there will still be time to focus on and hopefully accomplish the tougher stuff. I’m going to consult with my team before I decide how I’m going to organize the project this time around. I’d of course love your support and encouragement. And I’d also love to help you with any Reinvention/Personal Development Projects of your own.
On that note – I’d like to refer you to some friends and colleagues who are doing similarly amazing things:
- Gretchen Rubin – The Happiness Project
- Maggie McDonald – MagsMac-N-Cheese Finds Happiness
If you know of anyone else doing awesome related stuff – let me know so I can list them here.
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Erica OGrady is the CXO of Peanut Butter Media. She is currently HOMELESS while working on a project called Twilight & Tea. Erica is a Writer, Adventurer, Explorer who Still Believes in Santa and Following Your Bliss -- For more information Text ERICAOGRADY to 50500
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I am always a fan of simple. I look forward of things to come. I know your opinion of yourself trumps mine, but I think you're awesome. Just my two cent.
You look fantastic ~ and thanks for sharing your perspectives, flaws and ambitions. None of us are ever perfect and, at any given time, we can reclaim our lives and enjoy what’s ahead.
I think the process of reinventing oneself is like software development > it’s not failure, it’s experimentation. You’ve crafted an even better personal framework this time.
I recently bought The Happiness Project, too ~ really love her approach and genuine inquiry to all of us to seek + discover our sources of happiness.
Here’s to a stellar 2010!
What a fantastic start to 2010 ~ thanks for sharing your perspectives, flaws and aspirations. None of us are perfect and, at any given time, we can reclaim our lives and enjoy what's ahead.
IMHO, reinventing yourself is similar to software development; there are no 100% failures, only experiments in design. You've created an even better framework to try out and share results from.
I recently purchased The Happiness Project, too. I really like her genuine inquiry to all of us to seek & discover our sources of happiness… thanks for sharing yours
Greetings Erica –
Just wanted to connect and add to the tweet I sent, regarding your exquisite *The Bliss Ring* video. Thank you so much for your candor, your wisdom and the relevance of this message for all girls, and for every woman. How timely it is in my life right now! And in these last few days most specifically!
I was referred your way some time ago, when Hank Wasiak mentioned you via Twitter. You mentioned in response to him , that you'd had a *soul-filling* conversation with him. Those words — >soul-filling – best describe YOUR communication for me in this video, and through your work.
I'll add in closing that the writing of the great Cynthia Occelli ( @CynthiaOccelli ) speaks from a wonderfully complementary perspective.
All the very best to you -
Erica:
I stand here in support of your journey. I have taken that path and each time I have come out better, more loved (by myself) and a women who can love, nurture and still hold my fellow sisters accountable in ways that we all benefit.
We had a rocky start, not sure why, I am open to holding space with you to allow for happiness and bliss to grow, (smile, this feels good)