Back with a new beat
The last post I published was in March 2022. I needed a break and, boy, did I take one. But before I share what’s new, let me say this in a measured, philosophical tone:
Life surprises you with what you want when you finally let go and allow.
Yup. Happened to me, and it certainly wasn’t the first time and won’t be the last. Since early 2022, here’s what changed:
I returned to oil painting after a twenty-year hiatus and WOW
I started a full-time corporate job with CBRE January 23, 2023, double WOW
I moved to a new town after five years in Palm Beach, WHAH?
I transitioned my business focus into a new creative side hustle—wait ‘til you hear
Want a bit more of the story? Here ya go…
Since 2006 I’d been self-employed as a designer, writer, strategist and marketer for all sorts of businesses, but my largest audience was solopreneurs. I’d niched myself well in the professional speaker/consultant arena and had much success.
Even though my business remained consistent through the pandemic, a large portion of my audience didn’t do so well, choosing either retirement or pausing their spend on business development.
Post-pandemic I had three large client contracts and stayed very busy into late 2022. However, I was starting to feel the heaviness of my business and took it as a sign to make a change.
I’d turned 60 that year and I felt a strong urge to do something different—something I thought I’d never do: go back into the corporate workforce—what I’d disdainfully referred to as a “J-O-B” during my decades of self-employment. (I am laughing at my ridiculousness as I write this… 🤣)
On a whim, I mentioned my desire to return to full time employment to one of my contract clients, CBRE, and they jumped at the opportunity to bring me on board.
The creative me was like, “WTF?”
The full-time job was a relief, I admit. It was a radical change but the timing couldn’t have been more cosmically aligned. Several months in to stabilizing my corporate sea legs, I noticed an unsettled feeling bubbling up inside. My creative muscles were atrophying because the full-time job wasn’t satisfying my entrepreneurial spirit—my need to create, coach and envision.
My first painting after 20+ years: water.
There were natural strengths in what I did running Better3 that no longer were being utilized in my new role. Visioning with clients. Coaching people through their blind spots. Helping solopreneurs remove barriers to their success. Writing. Podcasting. Shooting videos. It all came to a halt.
My big career move created a gaping hole in what I enjoyed most about having my own business—my natural strengths and creative abilities had no escape valve.
Until now.
Painting took center stage…
I’d gotten back to oil painting in late 2021, taking a few classes to see if I still had it in me (read my updated About page for more on this) and guess what—I did. I found myself returning to my favorite motif: tropical skies and blissful seascapes. In fact, my very first painting after 20+ years was of just that: water.
What is different this time is that I want to share my work with the world with deliberate intention. As you will hear me talk about in my intro video on the home page, I’ve decided to reinvigorate my strengths to serve those of us who earn a living working from home, whether corporate remote worker or self-employed business owner.
Since 2006 I’ve worked from home and learned what it takes to create a haven that generates my best creative ideas and contributions for those I serve. I’m combining my energy balancing artwork with creative guidance through one-on-one coaching—two passions I’ve cultivated throughout my life.
Let’s continue the conversation…
I’m thrilled to be back creating content now that I’ve allowed myself to take a break, realign with who and where I am in my life, and do what I’ve always wanted to do most: be 1000% me.
