Sometimes a wrong turn is the only way to find the right path

By Andrea Schroeder / May 17, 2013

This week has been frustrating, all around. A special kind of frustration – the kind where you are doing exactly what you want to be doing and yet it feels off.

This is the thing about creative dreaming – in creating your dream as a real live thing you have to do things you have never done before. Which means you can’t know how it’s going to go ahead of time. ?

This is how it goes:

You’re inspired -> You act on it -> You learn stuff -> That feeds the next inspiration

But this is how we all seem to want it to go:

You’re inspired -> You act on it -> Everything is PERFECT BLISS – > Happily Ever After

Somewhere in leaping towards PERFECT BLISS and landing on YOU LEARN STUFF there is a world of pain.

It didn’t go the way you’d hoped.? Maybe your idea sucks.? Maybe you suck.? Maybe everything is impossible.? Who cares about dreams anyway?

But it just feels like a world of pain.

It’s actually a world of information.

Information about what does, and does not work.? Information about how to try it differently next time.? Real life information that helps you build your real life dream.

(Real life as opposed to DREAMS OF PERFECT BLISS.)

Your fantasy is not going to happen.

You’ll never just be handed the key to your dream.

Or a map that shows you how to get there without messy, painful detours.

Dreams come true through this messy process of:

acting on inspiration
having things go way differently that you thought they would/should
being upset about that
getting over it
finding the gems in the experience
letting that inspire the next step.

And so on and so on.

The people who live their dreams engage with that messy process.

I just wrote all of that to remind myself.

This was one of those messy weeks where I was doing a bunch of PERFECT BLISS kind of things and what I got was a pile of life lessons.

That’s me this morning (bedhead and all!) with one of my custom made Creative Soul Alchemy cards – a perfect bliss activity if there ever was one.

I learned A LOT.

And this morning I am remembering the magic of how letting go of how you thought it should be creates space for it be what it is.? And life, what it is, is beautiful.

PS: In case you missed it: You’re Invited! To a whole summer of healing + art-making with me, online. Click here for deets.

Sometimes a wrong turn is the only way to find the right path Read More »

You’re invited! A summer of rainbow~licious healing + art-making.

By Andrea Schroeder / May 16, 2013

I’ve got a wall in the dream loft that is 20 feet high by 20 feet wide that is EMPTY.? It’s a very big empty wall to have.

It’s hard to share photos of the dream loft because the angles are weird in some places and there’s a wall to wall south window on both floors that lets in so much light the shadows get weird.? But here goes, the first photo is the top – you can see the wall of the loft on the right, and the pom poms hanging up there, the second photo is on the main floor, which is beside my office space.

And I have finally decided what to do with it:? I am going to create a rainbow of healing chakra art for this wall!

With reds at the bottom, up to purples at the top.? Can’t you see it now?

I’m excited!? A summer of rainbow-art-making! Wheeee!

As soon as I had this idea I got out my Rainbow~licious Creative Healing Circle kit, so I could use the meditations and prompts in the kit to help me make sure my art is crazy inspiring (I want to feel all filled up every time I look at this wall!).

Then I decided to share the magic (normally that kit is available only if you have the Creative Dream Incubator).

?So for this summer only you’re invited to play along! I’m opening up my Rainbow~licious Creative Healing Circle, from May 31 to Aug 20, 2013.

“The Rainbow” combines a Chakra Healing Session with a Healing Meditation Circle and a Creative Journaling Workshop – Healing, Transformation, Play and Fun all rolled into one.

Plus overflowing with inspiration for a summer of rainbow-art-making.

I’ll be playing in the Circle all summer, and making a ton of art that is inspiring, healing and meaningful – hopefully enough art to fill this whole giant wall.

You can fill your walls with rainbow art, or keep your explorations in your journal – totally up to you.? You don’t even have to do art if you’re not into that part – you can focus on the healing and meditative aspects of the Circle.

The online classroom has space for you to share your photos and stories, and oodles of permission to participate only in the ways that feel fun and nurturing for you.

I can’t wait to share this with you!

You can read all about it here.? We’re starting May 30, registration opens May 23.

You’re invited! A summer of rainbow~licious healing + art-making. Read More »

A visit from the “I Don’t Have Enough Time” monster

By Andrea Schroeder / May 7, 2013 / healing

99% of the time, I don’t have enough time is a lie.

You have enough time, and you chose how you’re using it.? It only feels like it’s not a choice because you’re caught up in an un-helpful pattern, or you’ve got a sovereignty leak or you’re letting your inner critics run the show.

So, here I am this morning, convinced I don’t have enough time for all the things I have to do today.

Except I do.? They fit neatly onto my calendar.? So I mediate and journal and use aromatherapy and still this small voice of anxiety won’t go away.?? I re-read my post about You Are The Source Of Time which helped, but then my little inner I Don’t Have Time Monster got woken up…

So, let’s talk.

You DON’T have enough time!? Not for all these things!

Oh sweetie.

And you certainly don’t have time to talk to me about it!

Oh, so what should I be doing?

Running around like crazy, panicking about not having enough time.

That doesn’t seem useful.

But it would be honest!

Honesty is important.? See, I am being honest by talking to you about how you’re feeling, rather that just pushing through and getting the work done.

Oh, right.

I think you want me to to panic until I can’t get the work done, and then not get the work done, and then use this as evidence that I can’t handle this much work.

Well you can’t!

I know I can.? I love everything I’m doing.? The Creative Soul Alchemy Cards?? HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS. I’m having the best time ever.

But they’re taking you longer than you thought, to make them.

Yes, that’s a part of the Batter Tasting Process – learning all of that stuff!? Then I’ll take what I learn and use it to put the final thing together.

But you’re also doing Project 1 and Project 2 and Project 3!? All big projects!? Plus your regular stuff!? Aaeeeeeiiiiiiii!? There is not enough of you to go around!

Honey, I remain full and whole.? And I choose what I want to play with, and when I want to play with it.

Oh, wait, what?

I think you think I have to give parts of my energy to each thing.? But I hold all of my energy.

And the little monster disappeared and in its place is yesterday’s Creative Genius Planning Session with all sorts of amazing energy work that actually holds the container for all of the things to happen this week with great joy and ease and spaciousness.

And the monster says: I’m sorry, I forgot about the Creative Genius Planning Session.? I can see it all here in the magics.? You’re doing fine, nothing to panic about.

Ahhhh. Calm returns.? And I’m ready to enjoy my many activities today…

A visit from the “I Don’t Have Enough Time” monster Read More »

I turn 39 today.

By Andrea Schroeder / May 4, 2013

I woke up happy.

I’m noticing that the older I get the less I care about my birthday.? But at the same time it’s nice to mark one more trip around the sun and take stock of where I’m at.

post-playdate desk — My desk this morning is covered in notes + supplies from yesterday’s playdate.

Birthdays used to feel HUGE.? I had a lot of birthday rituals, including a lot of journaling, visioning and intention setting.? This year, gratitude and appreciation feel more important.

I am feeling HUGE appreciation that I left my job 2.5 years ago.

I feel so much more ME today and I know that is a big part of it.

My life feels so much more aligned with my truth and I know that is a big part of it.

I feel strong, empowered, creative and free.

I am proud of what I have built and excited for what I will build next.

I am excited to be at this exact place in my life.

Dreams lead you back to who you are.

Dreams are spirit and purpose, activated.

Dreams lead you into alignment with your soul, your self, your magic.

Living in the beauty of that alignment is what I am really grateful for today.? That and BAKED ALASKA BIRTHDAY CAKE! YUM!

I turn 39 today. Read More »

Conversation With My Inner Critic: Not Believing In Yourself Is The Worst Feeling In The World

By Andrea Schroeder / May 1, 2013 / healing

I wrote this on Monday, before sharing my new Creative Soul Alchemy Batter Tastings. ?I want to share it because I know a lot of people read my blog who want to be doing similar things to what I am doing, and I want to paint an honest picture of what it takes for me to be, and stay, connected to my creative genius, and be actively putting myself, and my ideas, out there.

Often we look at people who are “doing it” and assume it must be easy for her.

Which is not only not true, it puts you in the position of it’s not easy for me so I guess it’s not possible.

Which is bullshit.

And, which is why, even though it’s really uncomfortable for me to share so honestly and so publicly – it’s really the only way for me to be effective in my job of helping creatives bring their dreams to life.? So here goes:

I am tense achy sore cranky frustrated.

I lit some candles, sprayed some magic sprays, rang a bell and did a healing on the dream loft to lift the energy enough so I can breathe again. ?But I still feel 100% crappy, just down from %1000 crappy a few minutes ago.

It’s time to shift this, so I am having a Creative Soul Alchemy session with my inner critic. ??As always my inner critic speaks in?italics.

_______________________________________________________________

So here I am, ?sitting on my yoga ball, in my newly re-arranged workspace, with my two BIG tables pushed together to create a GIANT table.

Well that’s dumb. ?You re-arranged your space to do this new thing and no one’s going to buy it! ?How’s it going to feel to have to move everything back because you failed?

You know, even if no one buys new thing #1 I know lots of people are going to participate in that other thing this summer, which will require a GIANT table for GIANT art-making.

You’re such a fucking pollyanna it’s so stupid! ?This is why you get you heart broken so much, you know. ?If you would just…

Just stop hoping? ?And dreaming? ?I can’t do that. ?I AM GOING TO BE ME. ?That is final.

I know, and it’s terrifying.

Can you tell me what is scary right now?

No one is going to want your new thing.

I understand that you think that, and that’s cool. ?But why is it SUCH a big problem? ?I don’t remember feeling this scared or stressed out in a long time. ?I’m not sure why this particular thing is so scary.

Because the price is wrong.

The price is not wrong. ?I think you know that.

You’re right. ?The price is not wrong. ?But no one will pay this price for this product/service.

It’s cool that you think that, I’m still confused about why it’s such a huge problem. ?You don’t think anyone will buy anything. ?And this is just a batter tasting, to see how it goes. ?If no one buys then I know it doesn’t work as a thing-to-sell and I move on.

This is awful because the price has to be even higher for the real thing than for the batter tasting, to be sustainable. ?And no one pays that much money for art! ?And your Creative Soul Alchemy cards are life-alteringly gorgeous, like on a SOUL LEVEL. ?Like, Creative Soul Alchemy is what they actually are! ?This is needed! ?And it’s going to fail! ?I’m not sad for you as much as I am sad for the world that it’s going to miss out on this. ?Also kind of sad for you but I know you’ll still make the cards for yourself so that’s good.

So there are 2 things there:

the idea that no one pays for art
immense immense love for the cards

Let’s start with #2.

I didn’t?realise?how much love you have for the cards! ?I?appreciate?that so much! ?Suddenly I feel less tense and stressed out. ?I feel grateful for everything that has happend in my life, that brought me here to this idea and feeling ready to bring this idea to life.

But it’s not ready, that’s the thing.

So what would it take for it to be ready?

That’s impossible.

And that’s how we know that you are believing a lie. ?Nothing is impossible, there is always a way. ?I think we should address that thing that is sitting just beneath this conversation: the idea that people don’t buy art. ?You understand that this is absurd, right?

Let me explain. ?I know people buy art. ?And for millions, not hundreds. ?Or at least thousands. ?But the kind of people who want your art don’t buy art.

You can hear how ludicrous that is, right? ?Let’s think back to the love you have for this project. ?Let that love be a bubble of sparkles. ?Take the idea that no one wants to pay for this thing and put it in the bubble. ?What happens?

The idea that no one wants to pay for this thing shows up as a dusty deck of cards that no one wanted. ?When I put it into the bubble the dust goes away (because of all the glitter) and it turns out the bubble is full of tiny people who run over, like RUN over to take the cards. ?Then they hug the cards and you can see tiny red hearts coming out of them. ?They love the cards. ?They get it.

Yes. ?There’s the shift. ?So what is true now?

There there are people who will love the cards. ?There are people who will get it, see the value in it, and be so so so so SO thrilled to get their own custom made deck of magic.

I only have space for 8 batter tasters. ?And if that goes as I hope it will and I start to do this regularly, there is still a very limited about of these that I am going to be able to create each month. ?If you take that number, and compare it to the number of people in the world – how likely is it that there are enough people out there that will want it?

Very. ?It’s just a matter of finding them.

Right. And we can work on that part.

Right.

So I feel better, do you feel better?

Yes. ?I can’t wait!

So let’s do a blessing for all the people that the Creative Soul Alchemy cards are for.

OK.

{do blessing together}

_______________________________________________________________

And there it is. ?I feel ready to put this thing out tomorrow. (which is now yesterday)

That conversation is only the last in a long line of conversations and healing sessions I do with my inner critic(s).

I say that to make it very very clear for you: feeling like you can’t do something doesn’t mean you can’t do it. ?It just means you have to work on the inner stuff first.

PS: Creative Soul Alchemy Card Batter Tastings are available here.

Conversation With My Inner Critic: Not Believing In Yourself Is The Worst Feeling In The World Read More »

Batter Tasters Wanted.

By Andrea Schroeder / April 30, 2013

I?ve whipped up this cupcake batter which I am sure is going to result in the Best Cupcakes Ever. ?But before I pop these babies in the oven, I?d love to have a few people taste the batter.

I want to thank my friend?Victoria?for the idea of ?Batter Tasting?.? This is so much sweeter than the more common ?Beta Testing? of a new product or service, though the spirit remains the same.

As a Batter Taster, you are helping me refine and perfect my new service/product, so you will got lots of extra attention from me. ?I want to do my best to make sure you are thrilled with it, so that I can learn all about how to BEST bring this new thing to the world.

In return, you’re the first to get my awesome new thing, plus you get it at the lowest price it’s ever going to be.

___________________________________________________________

The cupcakes are Custom Made decks of Creative Soul Alchemy Cards.

Busting with colour and alive with magic, each card contains a supportive + inspiring a message from your soul.

They remind you of your truth and bring you back into alignment with your inner genius.

How it Works:

Your tasting experience begins with a Creative Soul Alchemy session where we’ll take a deep-dive into your inner world to activate the magic, power and creative genius that lives within you.

This is you and me, on the phone or Skype, for about 45 minutes. ?The call will be healing, magical and leave you feeling like you can fly.

We’ll capture the wisdom and guidance from your intuitive soul that will help you walk your path with ease and grace.

When we finish our time together, I will take these nuggets of inspiration and create a Custom Made Just For You deck of Creative Soul Alchemy Cards.

Your Inner Wisdom + My Creative Genius (and crayons!) = Creative Soul Collaboration at its best.

The cards will help you:

Connect to your Creative Genius and Inner Wisdom.
Get back into the flow, when you fall out of it.
Remind you of your unique truth.
Make you smile every time you see them!

Even my harshest inner critic described these cards as: life-alteringly gorgeous, like on a SOUL LEVEL.

Because each card holds a transmission of healing, inspiration and magic, meant just for you.

**Imagine an oracle created?just for you.**

With your words, with the messages and qualities that are profoundly meaningful to you, right now.

Monday Morning Messy Desk. Have a new art project to share this week. Excited! Your unique deck of Creative Soul Alchemy cards will be 100% hand made just for you, with love, on heavy cardstock. ?I’ll use markers, pastels, paint, glitter, collage? whatever I am inspired to play with after our session.

The size is about 3.5″ x 5″, with rounded corners – they are hand cut, so sizes will vary slightly and the lines will be charmingly wonky.

You’ll get at least 12 unique cards.

I?ll email you photos while I?m working on your unique deck, though I won?t send you a photo of each and every card – so that there will be some surprises for you when your deck arrives.

Imagine your unique Creative Soul Alchemy deck arriving at your door!

Each card, a message from your creative genius, shining out to you like a beacon leading you along your path.

There is something so magical about custom made soul art that can’t adequately be put into words.

Ways to Work With You Custom Made Deck of Cards:

Some cards will have important reminders that you?ll want to keep out where you can see them every day. You could put these into a picture frame on your desk, or hang it on your wall.
Or frame them all and cover a wall in inspiration + magic!
You can shuffle and choose a card when you need some guidance and direction.
You can pick a weekly card as your guiding theme for the week.
You can ask a question and then pick a card to find the answer.
You can use the cards as journaling prompts.
You can leave them on your desk, shining brightly and reminding you of your genius.

I am literally wiggle wagging with excitement to share this with you!

~~Right now, I have enough batter for 8 tasters.~~

There are no more batter tastings left.? I am now happily working with my tasters, creating cards and making magic.

Batter Tastings cost $275 (Canadian – but it’s super easy to pay in your currency – when you click the link and log into PayPal it will convert it for you).

Your session must happen within the next 4 weeks.? (DO NOT sign up for this if you can’t do it now, that’s the point of batter tasting!)

When you click the link below to order, you will be taken to PayPal to make your payment.? Then I’ll email you (within 24 hours) with the details to get our appointment set up.

There is no way to “hold” a spot. ?The 8 spots will go to the first 8 people who place their order.

~~>>> CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW.~~

As a Batter Tasters you’ll be helping me refine and perfect my new service and product, so you will got lots of extra attention from me. ?I want to hear all about your experience, and do what I need to do to make sure you are thrilled with it, so that I can learn all about how to BEST bring my Creative Soul Alchemy Cards to the world.

Batter Tasters Wanted. Read More »

Talking to a Creative Block

By Andrea Schroeder / April 27, 2013 / healing

I?m happily working on my new thing and hit a speed bump. Nothing I write feels right.? Some part of my brain wants to say that this project is too big, too complicated, there is too much to do so I am lost and don?t know where to start.

Another part of my brain calls bullshit though.

Earlier this week I thought to myself, The Art of Bringing a Dream To Life could also be called The Art Of Not Bullshitting Yourself.

And here I am bullshitting myself, or attempting to anyway.

So, if I wasn?t bullshitting myself about not knowing what to do, what would I do right now?

And, not surprisingly, I hear an answer…

I?d totally finish part 1 before working on the draft of part 2.

That?s interesting, why would I do that? I always do a full draft first.

You know how the longer you work on something the better you get at it? You?re already at the place of being able to totally rock part 1. The act of finishing part 1 is how you get to be able to rock part 2. That?s why you could write part 1, and the first part of part 2, so easily. But now you need to go back and to a final version and record it and create artwork. The part 1 can nurture and fuel part 2.

Hmmm, that?s kind of brilliant.

But now I feel kind of tired at the thought of editing the draft, recording, editing the recording, creating artwork and putting it all together.

What’s tiring about that?

Well, no the project itself isn’t tiring.? Normally I’m inspired and energized by my projects.? What’s tiring is…

You’re doing it again. Bullshitting yourself.? You’re not tired, you’re in resistance.

Oh, right.

So what if you wrote out all the reasons why you resist this?

Oh man, that’s scary.

When I breath into the resistance the main thing there is that… this is so much work, what if it bombs?? Maybe I can’t afford to take all this time to work on something new.? Financially I’m really banking on it going well, because I can’t do paying work while I am working on this.? Holy crap that is scary.? No wonder I am in resistance.

And is this true?

Well, no.? It’s not 100% of my business.? I have that other thing I want to start doing.? And tons of other things in the works.? I don’t have to stop doing all income-generating activities in order to get this done.? Argh, I’m still bullshitting myself.

So where is the resistance now?

It’s a little lighter.? It’s seeing the long-termness of this project and feeling tired about the journey.

Is this more long-term than anything you’ve done before?

No, not at all.? It won’t even take that long, once I get into the flow with it.

So where is the resistance now?

I’m putting it in a bubble of creativity, enthusiasm and flow.? Ha, now it’s skateboarding around the bubble.? It’s giggling.? It wants to be creative and make stuff!? It wants to sew skateboarding costumes.

How do you feel now about your project?

Kind of excited.

What do you need?

To map our this project and make a list!? Oh Holy Crap!? A map! A list! How did I forget that?

It’s SO hard to get to where you want to go without a map!

Deep sigh of relief.

It’s mapmaking time!? I LOVE mapmaking time!

Talking to a Creative Block Read More »

I’m working on a new thing.

By Andrea Schroeder / April 26, 2013 / Manifest Your Dream Life

This week I am equal parts excited/inspired/in the magic and terrified/doubtful/wanting to hide under a rock.

When those 2 reactions are equal, I know I’m onto something really good.

Excited!

I’m working on a new thing. Read More »

What Happens When You Let Courage In?

By Andrea Schroeder / April 23, 2013 / healing

I’ve been having regular meetings with courage, in preparation for the?Playdate with Courage on May 3.

While I’m not expecting myself to feel courageous by May 3, I do need to be able to weave a field of healing and transformation for the group and hold that space as I invite Courage in. ?So I keep meeting with Courage to build my relationship and connection with it.

Courage keeps showing up as a little boy.

Sometimes he’s playing baseball, wearing a helmet. ?Sometimes he’s wearing a superhero cape.

Today he’s wearing his cape, sitting down cross legged, arms crossed across his chest, a scowl on his face, aimed at me.

So I sat down, we’re sitting on concrete outside a school. ?Oh, this is where I went to elementary school. ?He’s showing me the story of when I stopped playing with him.

He’s showing me the stories of what could have happened, going into junior high and high school, had we stayed friends.

Which, of course, makes me think of what could be happening right now, if we were to rekindle our friendship.

I take a deep breath.

I want to say I’m sorry about that story of when I stopped playing with him but he knows. ?And actually he is sorrier than I am about it. ?That scowl isn’t so much a scowl, he’s sad.

He understands that I got scared and he wishes he could have found a way to stick by me anyway.

Then he says that later on, he did figure out how to stick by me anyway. ?Showing me the trajectory of my life I can see where he came back to me.

But he’s done all he can while hiding in the shadows like this. ?It’s time for me to do my part and claim Courage.

Deep breath.

I don’t know what to do.

He shows me that of course I do know what to do. ?What would you tell yourself right now if you were your own client, he asks.

I’d bring this whole story into present time. ?I can’t claim seven year old courage, I need to claim thirty eight year old courage.

I bring us into the DreamLoft but no, that’s too uncomfortable.

We meet at Starbucks instead. ?I see myself sitting there, ready to meet Courage and now he’s an elephant, sitting the chair across from me.

I reach out and take his hands (hands? hoofs?). ?He transforms into me. ?A brighter stronger me, who floats through the table and merges with me.

I am Courageous.

I can feel that energy shift and can tell that there is Courage in me now. ?Of course, there always was, we all have Courage in us. ?But now I’m aware of it and making space for it.

I have a lot of energy work to do to acclimate to Courage and to create spaces in me, and my life, where it can live comfortably – so it has what it needs to do what it needs to do.

I have huge internal resistance to Courage. ?I can feel that part of me wanting to slow down this process, letting me know that I have more important things to do. ?And that Courage is boring, can’t we work on something more fun?

What does Courage do, inside of me?

It heads to the Department of Internal Steadiness and pours a solid concrete foundation for the whole department.

That feels very good. ?Even the parts of me who resist courage are pretty happy to have that new solid foundation for the Department, so they’re starting to appreciate that Courage may be helpful to have around.

ps: The May Courage Event is for Creative Dream Circle members, which you are welcome to join right?here. ?I?d love to have your courageous (or not-so courageous) self be a part of it!

What Happens When You Let Courage In? Read More »

[Knitting Pattern] Rainbow Superhero Blanket

By Andrea Schroeder / April 22, 2013

One of my favourite self-care things is my Rainbow Superhero Blanket, which I designed and knit so that I could have something cheery to?wrap around me any time I need a shot of nurturing/refuelling/comfort or a little nudge of remembering that I am a creative genius.

And I leave it in a pile of colour on my giant hot pink cushion and it makes me smile all day long.

Because it’s one of my favourite things, I share a lot of photos of it in Facebook and people are always asking about it, so I am sharing the pattern, which is a very simple pattern I designed for it, so you can knit your own.

Let’s all be superheros!

Supplies

7.5 mm knitting needles (If you knit loose, use 6.5 mm needles)
14 balls of?Knit Picks Shine Sport yarn?(or similar, or totally different – your choice! Shine Sport is what I used – it’s soft and silky and easy care plus comes in bright colours)

There are 7 colours in the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) you can get 2 of each or 2 different shades of each (which is what I did – though some colours I used have been discontinued since then) or make up your own rainbow using just your favourite colours.

Blanket Size

14 balls will give you (roughly, depending on your gauge)?147 cm (58″) square.

You can, of course, get more yarn if you want a longer rectangle blanket.

Blanket Knitting Pattern?

Cast on 226 stitches in red.

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

Begin stitch pattern.

STITCH PATTERN

Row 1 (right side) ? knit

Row 2 ? knit 5, purl to 5 stitches from end, knit 5

Row 3 ? knit 5 *(K2tog) 3 times, (yo, k1) 6 times, (k2tog) 3 times; repeat from * to 5 stitches from end, knit 5

Row 4 ? knit 5, purl to 5 stitches from end, knit 5

To make the rainbow: Start with red, work your way through the rainbow??(red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple – or else make up your own rainbow!). ?What I did was knit each ball to the end, and just attach the new colour wherever the old one ended.

Continue in stitch patten until you have about 6 rows worth of yarn left (I measured it out, measuring 3X the length of the row for each row, and then leaving extra for binding off) then:

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row

Knit 1 row

Purl 1 row, bind off.

Enjoy! And if you knit it, I’d love to see your photos on the?Facebook?page!

99 Shares

[Knitting Pattern] Rainbow Superhero Blanket Read More »

Courageous. I don’t feel it.

By Andrea Schroeder / April 18, 2013

On May 3rd we’re doing something special in the Creative Dream Circle… we’re going to invite the Goddess of Courage to join us in the Circle of Miracles (AKA Tele-Playdate), and see what kind of treasures she brings us.

Even though I’m the one who planned this event, I am afraid of this.

I’m noticing that I often do things that I would define as courageous, but still I don’t feel courageous.

I imagine that a person who is courageous does brave things and never feels afraid.

Which is ridiculous! ?I know that the only people who are never afraid are the people who never do courageous things.

And yet – it’s how I feel.

I don’t feel courageous.

And I want to feel courageous.

Well, part of me wants to feel courageous. ?Most of me is scared!

Given the fact that I have done all sorts of courageous things even though I don’t feel courageous – what kinds of crazy risks would I take if I did feel courageous?

That is the fear.

It’s pretty ridiculous, I mean embracing courage and building a healthy relationship with her would probably only help with the work I’ve been doing in developing my Department of Internal Steadiness.

So I am really looking forward to inviting the Goddess of Courage into our Circle of Miracles.

It feels like she can help me.

I imagine, with the Goddess of Courage on my side, that I could:

deal with my inner critics even more effectively and quickly than I do now
feel more confident in deciding to do things that I know are right, even though they scare me
more forward faster with new ideas + plans

Which will help me:

be happier and more creative
have more energy because it’s not all tied up in making those decisions
make more money, faster

Wow, seeing it broken down and written out like this has already shifted something inside.

My fear about befriending courage is a grumpy little old man peeking out from under his hat and looking at this and is almost-actually-interested-but-totally-not-willing-to-admit-it. ?He is saying “Hmmmmm courage may be helpful after all…” ?

I’m going to leave this right there, if I try to push him, he’ll fight back. ?If I give him some space, I think he’s going to come around…

ps: The May Courage Event is for Creative Dream Circle members, which you are welcome to join right here. ?I’d love to have your courageous (or not-so courageous) self be a part of it!

Courageous. I don’t feel it. Read More »

Creative With MONEY

By Andrea Schroeder / April 17, 2013 / money

I am so happy to share that my new program, Creative With Money, is now available!

Money wants to be your friend and your ally in bringing your dreams to life.

This self-guided program leads you through the process where you can start to create that kind of helpful and supportive relationship with money.

Participants say that this process has helped them heal and evolve their relationships with money and bring spaciousness and ease into how they handle money.

More than one person has called it “life-changing”.

>>> CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT IT.

Creative With MONEY Read More »

[note to self] The bigger your dreams are, the more steady your foundation needs to be.

By Andrea Schroeder / April 10, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, Manifest Your Dream Life

I have declared April, May + June 2013 to be a Creative Cocoon.? I am working on a new project and wanted to create this cocoon that is filled with all of the qualities it needs to grow into all that it cam be: spaciousness, trust, wonder, magic, creativity and structure.

What is really cool + different about how I am approaching this project is that I am creating it IN in the Creative Dream Circle.? So my fellow creative dreamers get to watch how I bring it to life – they get to see the magic unfold.

And, of course, they get to see my every stumble along the way.

What I really want to share with them is that you don’t just have an idea and then *pouf* make it real and it’s done.? You enter into the creative process with your vision, but the creative process itself changes your vision and it even changes you.

It’s basically walking through fire with your dream.

Dreams only stay perfect when you leave them on the shelf.

The path, the creative process, changes everything.? And it is so disorienting!? Some days I don’t even know what I’m doing or why I’m doing it.

This is hard/scary enough to do in the comfort and safety of my Dream Loft, but holycrapterrifying to do it with my fellow creative dreamers watching.

So I keep coming back to steadiness.

How I need to focus less on whatever is happening in my creative process and focus more on developing and maintaining internal steadiness.

This morning I am scared, scattered and confused.

I can’t connect to the deeper purpose of why I am doing this and so I can’t tell what direction to go in.? My internal compass is spinning around wildly.

My inner critics, fears, doubts, unhelpful patterns and limiting beliefs are trying to throw me off path.? To get me back safety into the center of my comfort zone.

My inner wisdom, spirit, purpose and infinite creative potential are holding onto the vision for me.? To call me forward along the next steps of my path.

So I am doing the work of creating internal steadiness.

Meditation. Energy work. Extreme Self-Care. Journaling. Creative Journaling. All the stuff in the Creative Dream Incubator – to access the courage I need to be able to see my next steps clearly.

You don’t always need to figure out what to do about the obstacles.

If you focus instead on developing internal steadiness sometimes you can hit them, and bounce over them without falling over.

I guess that is my assignment for today.

I started writing this because I couldn’t work on the thing I was supposed to be working on this morning.? So I am changing course and going to work on steadiness.

I’m going to create a Department of Internal Steadiness for this new project.

Oh!? That’s it – I’ve found my zing, my internal compass has stopped spinning and is now set on “GO!”

Yay!

PS: Yes my internal compass is a real thing.? And I taught a class on how to access your internal compass, you get it with the Creative Dream Incubator Kit.

[note to self] The bigger your dreams are, the more steady your foundation needs to be. Read More »

Permission to change.

By Andrea Schroeder / April 4, 2013 / creative entrepreneur

My creative journal kit has been in overdrive lately as I’ve been mapping out new plans.

I am taking 2 classes starting in April, 2 transformational classes that I am both super excited about and totally ready for.? They are providing me with the structure and support I need to make some really big changes in my life and my business.

And there is this part of me that is all geeeeeeeez, again?? You just changed everything, not that long ago.

Yup, I did.? And yup, I am doing it again.

Actually, that change led to this change.? Every change leads you to the next change.

There is this insane idea in our culture, that we’re supposed to do something once, and it’s done.

This is not how anything actually works, though.

And this idea actually makes it harder to start, because while it’s telling you that you have to get it right the first time it’s activating your inner perfectionist.

Perfectionism kills creativity.

Plus – how can you know the right way to do it if you’ve never done it before?

That’s IMPOSSIBLE.

Creativity is flow and joy and trying things in an atmosphere of delight and letting your work, and your self, evolve.

Learning as you go.? Building as you go.? Growing as you go.

It takes the pressure off right now and it makes much bigger dreams possible, because each new thing builds on the last.

With each new thing you’ve got a stronger connection to your vast internal resources, so your possibilities become larger.

Change is the best!? Change is magic!? Change is INEVITABLE, it’s the only thing in our world that actually stays the same.

And yet, here I am, writing this post to myself to convince myself that it’s ok to change.

Reminding myself that the “what will people think?” voice is not a voice that knows how to lead me to where I want to be.
Reminding myself that the “holy CRAP this is so awesome!” voice has always led me to somewhere really amazing.
Reminding myself that I am ready for this next step.? If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here, at the starting point of this new journey.

Deep breath.

One of the crazy/beautiful things about my work is that I am always in this container of transformation with my clients.? As I do the work of supporting their dreams in coming to life my dreams are supported in the process.

Taking classes and working with mentors creates this gorgeous smooth supportive space where you can get what you need, to create what you want in your life.

Teaching classes and being a mentor speeds that process up.? They say you should teach what you need to learn.? What I love is teaching what I want to learn.? Helping others grow in the exact same ways that I want to grow.? There is so much beauty in that.? And as long as I am actively engaged in this kind of work, my dreams will be actively growing

Any place where I fight change stunts that growth and that is actually more uncomfortable than the uncomfortable parts of change.

So in conclusion,

Change: Bring it on!

Consider this your permission slip to change anything and everything you want to change.? If you want to share your thoughts on change, join the conversation on the Creative Dream Incubator Facebook.

Permission to change. Read More »

Hello week: TKO

By Andrea Schroeder / April 1, 2013

I just woke up from a delicious dream… there was a cartoon marching band, making playful music (it’s still floating around in my head) and bopping around.? Each band member was a different kind of being, all shapes and sizes and types of instruments.? It felt like they were each playing their own song, but they came together beautifully.

It was sooooooo happy!

It feels like how I feel about the Creative Dream Circle – everyone’s playing their own song and then when those songs come together it’s beautiful music – all in tune with each other because we’re all playing from the same energy and intention: we’re here to make our dreams real.

We trust (more some days than other, but still) in the importance, beauty and magic of our purpose and are willing to do to the work of bringing it to life.? I am so grateful to be a member of this community and honoured to be the leader of it.

It’s Monday morning and I’m sitting here with three different journals open, looking over Friday’s Creative Genius Explore, Play + Plan Session.

Inviting in the qualities that I want in my week.

Looking over my schedule to see if it still fits my energy.

Looking at my plans to see if they still feel delicious.

Feeling my way into how I want to create this week.

This week I am opening up to a new layer of who-I-really-am.

We’re doing the Playdate with Authenticity on Wednesday. (You’re invited, of course)

Playdates always knock me out with the intensity of re-connecting with parts of my soul I’ve disconnected from.

This time, I’m giving myself lots of time to ease into the playdate, and then lots of post-playdate integration time.

So, I am basically playdating my whole week.

Wheeeeeeeeee!

Hello week: TKO Read More »