Playdate #2: The Center of Your Creative Power (Boundaries, Sovereignty & Harnessing the Power to Create Your World)

By Andrea Schroeder / January 9, 2014 / healing, Manifest Your Dream Life

I totally stretched my comfort zone this week with my first ever live streaming video.

And I loved it so much I want to do it again!? (And this morning it’s closing in on 1,600 views so it seems like you guys love it too!)

In fact, I want to do a WEEKLY Playdate, until the next session of the Creative Dream Incubator e-Course starts inside the Creative Dream Circle (on January 28).? So here they are:

Creative Dream Journal Playdate #2: Tuesday, Jan 14 at 2PM (Central, North America).

Topic: The Center of Your Creative Power (Boundaries, Sovereignty & Harnessing the Power to Create Your World)

If you’re on Spreecast, click here to RSVP. ?If you’re not on Spreecast, it will show up on my blog on Tuesday morning – with a handy dandy countdown timer so you can see what time it’s starting in YOUR time zone.

Creative Dream Journal Playdate #3: Tuesday, Jan 21 at 2PM (Central, North America).

Topic: TBA

The Center of Your Creative Power (Boundaries, Sovereignty & Harnessing the Power to Create Your World) is something that I have a LOT to say about.? And it came up during our first playdate so I wanted to dive into it a little deeper with you guys.

Bring your journal and your dream – art supplies optional.

Hope to see YOU there!? If you missed Playdate #1 catch the replay here.

Playdate #2: The Center of Your Creative Power (Boundaries, Sovereignty & Harnessing the Power to Create Your World) Read More »

A Glossary of Creative Dreaming

By Andrea Schroeder / January 8, 2014 / Manifest Your Dream Life

Because successful creative dreaming requires a radically different approach than most things, I am creating a glossary of terms that helps to explain it all.

This is the START of the glossary of Creative Dreaming.? I’m going to be adding whole posts on some of these terms, and then linking back to them on this page.

Boundaries: one of the tools of sovereignty (see sovereignty, below).? Boundaries help you create space within which you can do the work of creative dreaming.

Healthy use of boundaries frees you up to create your unique life.? Unhealthy use of boundaries just cements you in whatever ego-patterns you are in.? Setting healthy boundaries stems from a healthy inner relationship with sovereignty (see sovereignty, below) .

Creative: your inherent nature.? You are here to create your life.

Creative dream: is any idea that lights you up… from wild life-changing adventures to the tiniest slice of joy.? The creative in Creative Dream speaks to how this is something that you are going to create in your world.

Creative Dreams are the breadcrumb trail your soul leaves for you, guiding you along the path to your authentic sparkling life.

Creative Dream Path: each path is unique, but it is rare to find one that is a straight, simple, well-defined path leading from Point A to Point Dream. ?It twists, it spirals, it leads you not to am outer destination, but into deeper alignment with your own self.

The thing about the Creative Dream Path is that YOU have to create it.? This is messy sometimes, that’s a part of the process.? We always seem to want it to be all clearly defined and already laid out for us – but if someone else laid it out for you, that makes it THEIR path, not yours.

Creative Dreamer: a person who hears the call of her soul, and responds. ?She is not satisfied with just dreaming, she knows she’s here to create her dreams in her world. ?A Creative Dreamer is deeply attuned to her inner world, she is creative and soulful.

Creative Genius: this term is sometimes used interchangeably with Creative Dreamer. ?Creative Genius is the magic within: tapping in the power of your soul, your creativity and your purpose.

EVERYBODY has Creative Genius within them, but many people choose to leave it dormant within them. ?A Creative Dreamer chooses to activate the Creative Genius within.

Creative Journaling: really different from art journaling!? This is about getting creative in your journal as a way of activating your inner creative genius.

It’s about creating your life, it’s not about making art, so it’s not just for artists!? Click here for my free Dreamtastic Creative Journals course.

Creative Soul Alchemy: is the process I have developed over the years, drawing from my training as a spiritual teacher, healer and counsellor, energy healer and intuitive development plus my personal explorations in bringing creative play into the healing/transforming process.? More about that here.

Inner Critic: those voices that say you can’t, you’re not good enough, no one cares about what you have to offer, it’s too hard anyway so why bother?

Like Stucks (see below for Stucks), the Inner Critic is a master at making their opinion appear like a Legitimate And Reasonable Unchangeable Fact.

Inner Critics need to be met with care because deep down inside – they’re not critics at all. ?They’re wounded inner children with huge helpful gifts to share, and with a little love and attention they become powerful allies on the Creative Dream Path.

Intuition: the voice of your inner wisdom. ?Learning how to connect with your intuition is a key skill for successful Creative Dreaming. ?You need the brilliant advice of your intuition wisdom to build your Creative Dream Path.

Obstacle: the Thing that’s in your way, making your dream seem impossible. ?Most common obstacles: time and money.

At the heart of EVERY obstacle is an opportunity. ?A Creative Dreamer knows that the obstacle is never a reason to delay… the obstacle is actually the way forward.

Resistance: the enemy of the Creative Dreamer. ?Resistance shows up as: being too busy, indulging in activities that don’t move you towards your dream, not making time for your dream, believe the things your inner critic says about how you can’t do it anyway or that you have to wait for something outside of you to change first.

Resistance happens when you’ve got a stuck or an inner critic stirring.

Sovereignty (AKA Living from the center of your creative power): is one of the least understood and most important keys to successful creative dreaming.

Everything I say on this page about your creative power applies only to you and your life. ?The second you attempt to create in someone else’s life, you cut yourself off from your power source.

Every. Single. Time. You think someone else should be doing something differently than how they are doing it, you are stepping out of the center of your creative power.

When you truly take responsibility for your path, it becomes natural to honour everyone else’s sovereignty. ?You understand that you have zero creative control over their lives, and you trust them to create their own unique path.? Our whole world is set up the opposite of sovereignty, which is why this can be so hard to understand.

But when you really get this, it’s a total life-changer because it leave you with no choice but to stand strong in the center of your own creative power.

Stuck:? inner obstacles: resistance, fear, procrastination, limiting beliefs, etc.? Hint: if you are not moving forward with your dreams – you’re stuck.

Stucks often try to convince you that they are legitimate. ?That the thing you are doing instead of moving forward with your dreams is actually something you need to be doing right now. ?That there will be time for dreaming later.

That is not true. ?The time is always now. ?Anything that truly needs to get done before you can have your dream will show up on your Creative Dream Path.

Transformation: changing states. ?A total transformation happens when you are working with it on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – it happens inside of you, and that inner transformation impacts your outer world.? (It’s not directly about transforming your outer world.)? This is deep inner work and involves a certain level of letting go of control which can be very confusing.

So while you are in the process of transformation, feeling totally confused is a good sign, it means you are letting go of control and venturing into a new place.

A Glossary of Creative Dreaming Read More »

Hello 2014, Hello Dream

By Andrea Schroeder / January 6, 2014 / intention, Manifest Your Dream Life

The next session of the Creative Dream Incubator is starting on January 28.

This class has helped hundreds of dreamers bring their dreams to life and now it’s YOUR turn!

This year I’m doing things a little differently, you get the Creative Dream Incubator e-course (along with EVERY other e-course I run this year) when you join the Creative Dream Circle.

Not only does this mean you get a HUGE cost savings, you also get a whole YEAR of creative dream support!

Plus, you’ll get the Creative BUSINESS Incubator plug-in along with the Creative Dream Incubator.

If your dream does NOT include making a living from your creative soul work, you can ignore this part (it happens in a separate group so you won’t get overwhelmed with business stuff that you’re not interested in).

If your dream does include making a living from your creative soul work, you’re going to LOVE the Creative Business Incubator!

It’s not one of those sleazy “make a zillion dollars online in 3 easy steps” kind of things.

It is an honest and vulnerable sharing of what I have learned while taking my creative soul work from thing-I-do-on-the-side to thing-that-supports-me-financially.

How it Works:

The Creative Dream Incubator e-course will happen inside the Creative Dream Circle. It includes:

The amazing Creative Dream Incubator 6 week e-course (playbooks, videos and audio meditations, up the wazoo!). We’ll be exploring this together in the Creative Dream Circle forum where I will be VERY active, answering your questions and offering my support as you bring your gorgeous dream to life.

The Creative BUSINESS Incubator plug in (additional playbooks and resources plus hours and hours of videos about how to apply the principles of Creative Dream Incubation to growing your business)

Group coaching call to close out the course. While I will be active on the forum answering your questions all the way along, this is a chance to ask me questions directly while we’re on the phone, or get coached through any tight spots you may find yourself in. If you can’t attend live, you can email me your questions and I’ll answer on the call. This will happen on Tuesday, March 11 at 2pm, Central. (There will be a recording)

Plus a WHOLE YEAR of follow-up support in the Creative Dream Circle, including access to all of the other courses I run in 2014.? For just $100.

The right time to start bringing your dream to life is NOW.

This class is specially designed for creative, soulful dreamers – to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing path to bringing a dream to life.

If you like my videos and my blog – you’re going to flip over the Creative Dream Incubator.

Ready to make some MAGIC?
Click here to join the Creative Dream Circle today.

PS: Join me for my FREE Live Stream Creative Dream Journal Play date tomorrow!

It?s happening January 7, at 2pm (Central, North America).

You can participate from anywhere in the world, via the web.

You can participate live, or play along with the recording.

I?ll be leading you through a process of connecting with the heart & soul of your dream (for more on this, check out the Keys to Successful Creative Dreaming audio on the Creative Dream Circle Initiation page).

Then we?ll explore and discover what kind of magic your dream has in store for you.

You?ll be able to ask questions by typing them into the text box, or if you?re brave and want some coaching (and if you?ve got a web cam) ? you can come on the live webcast.? (If you?re thinking you may want to go for that ? please have headphones handy)

Join the email list for your invite (you?ll also get my free Creative Dream Starter Kit to play with):

Hello 2014, Hello Dream Read More »

Making a Big Dream Real #5

By Andrea Schroeder / January 3, 2014 / creative entrepreneur, healing, Manifest Your Dream Life

I set a big goal for my business for 2014: to welcome 800 dreamers into my Creative Dream Circle.? And to do this not by getting super pushy about selling – but to do this with heart and soul and creativity and joy and LOVE.

(you can read my original post about this here)

In support of this goal, I am writing weekly updates on Fridays, for all of 2014.? This is where I’ll share the story of all the ups and downs of bringing a big dream to life.

This week I’ve been focused on working on the Creative Dream HOLYday creative playdate & virtual creative dream retreat (which is happening today in the Creative Dream Circle)

I “work on it” mostly by attuning to it and aligning with the energies of it:

inner transformation
creative freedom
deep spiritual healing
infinite possibility

… creating an energetic space for deep down communion with the heart and soul of your dream which creates space for miracles.

Completely. Fucking. Amazing.

I can’t describe how grateful I am that this is my job.? Bringing energy healing, spiritual healing and creative play all together in a profoundly and practically helpful way.

As I work on this, I am so filled with gratitude I do feel like I am levitating and so excited I could almost burst.

At the same time, I spent a lot of time in resistance earlier this week.

Scrolling through Facebook.? Playing Bejeweled Blitz.? Watching Netflix.? Getting up to make another chai latte, just a minute after I sat down to get some work done.

Transformation is scary, and resistance is natural.

So that part was hard.? While the actual work I was doing was so awesome I felt like was levitating.? Creative dreaming is an emotional roller coaster!

I’m doing my best to notice when I’ve slipped into resistance, meet myself where I am, take care of how I’m feeling, and bring myself back to where I want to be.

And the longer I spent right here every morning, the better this goes:

Sitting on my miracle pad with a spruce soy candle, meditation, Creative Soul Alchemy and creative journaling.

I’m playing along with Lisa Sonora Beam’s?Root: 30 day creative journal project.? I ADORE Lisa.? Her Creative Entrepreneur book was the first book that helped me feel inspired about business.? And the more I get to know her online, the more I like her.

And as a person who teaches creative journaling it’s important to participate in creative journaling groups and classes as a participant, to sink deeper into my own practice and have space to explore & play without supporting others in their process.

I am feeling really inspired & excited about my goal.

Like I wrote in my year in review of 2014 (not 2013), this goal is a GIANT BUNDLE OF LOVE. ?I’m letting that love nourish, inspire and lead me.

I’m feeling sure of my ability to handle to increase of all the things that increase when a business grows.

What else happened this week:

Explored some of the reasons why I have not wanted my business to grow before, and looked at creative and soulful ways of dealing with them.? Like having copy/paste responses to common questions, clarifying my boundaries, creating smoother systems, increasing self-care and exploring my relationship with vulnerability.
Freaked out about feeling not organised enough.? Then I noticed that this is a common theme for me and this is an inner critic voice, not the voice of logic.? It doesn’t matter how organised I am, I have this voice that tells me I am not organised enough.? Eureka!? I am very excited to discover this and work with this part of me who is trying to create safety through organisation… once you spot & name an inner critic for what it is, it looses its power.
I worked on my Strategic Action Plan for 2014, using the format from Lisa Sonora Beam‘s amazing The Creative Entrepreneur book.? That was the first business book that inspired me years ago and it remains crazy helpful.? I’ve had a TON of business coaching & courses over the past few years and sometimes it feels like I have too many ideas to work with.? Spending time streamlining and putting everything into one plan was super nourishing and helpful.? I’ve shied away from planning recently, because when I first started doing this work full time I made completely unrealistic work-my-ass-off-all-the-time-and-still-be-behind plans.? Now I’m happy to come back to planning, in a balanced, nourishing and sustainable way.
Got this fantastic idea, to take my List of 100 Reasons Why I Can Do This and make a whole series of artworks from it to cover my studio walls (I’ve still got some 2 story walls in my loft that are mostly blank)
Explored & experimented more around what needs to shift in my daily creativespiritual practice to help me be more steady in this goal.
Had daily meetings with the heart and soul of my business and the heart and soul of the circle.? So much is changing here!? Obstacles are dissolving and possibilities are opening up. So beautiful.
Ran a few Facebook ads and my ads at KindOverMatter and RebelleSociety are up.? Web traffic and email signups are WAY up.? I am particularly happy about how many of my new visitors are signing up for the email list.
Announced my first live, streaming video free creative dream journal playdate.

I am looking forward to next week being here and the holidays being over.? Part of this is the inner-prep-work for the HOLYday, part of it is it being the holidays… I look forward to the routine/structure of a regular work week next week!

Now that 2014 is here, I am ready to get to work.

If you like to sound of the HOLYday but can’t join us for the live event today – you do get recordings & playbooks from today’s event plus space to play with it in the Creative Dream Circle.? While attending live is special, past HOLYday participants do say that they find miracles & magic in playing with the recordings.??

Click here to read more about the Circle.

Making a Big Dream Real #5 Read More »

Creative Journaling Prompts For The New Year

By Andrea Schroeder / December 31, 2013 / healing, intention, Journal Prompts, journaling, Manifest Your Dream Life

Today’s post is a Dreamtastic Creative Journals post. Dreamtastic is an ongoing (free!) e-course about using your journal as a tool for transformation, healing and dream-growing… new Dreamtastic posts show up regularly right here on my blog, click here to check out what’s happened in the course so far.

These prompts are for playing and creating with.

Use them as little diving boards to dive off into other things to explore – the most important part of creative journaling is following your creative impulse.

Use lots of different coloured pens, markers and pencil crayons (when you engage your creativity in your journaling you access your creative genius, the part of you that knows how to bring your dreams to life – plus it’s more fun that way!)

Use collage or make your own art to illustrate your answers.

As you get creative with this pay attention to your inner voice… once you’re in your creative flow it’s much easier for your intuition to speak to you.

If getting creative in your journal is new to you – check out Dreamtastic Creative Journals, (my free creative journaling e-course) for loads of videos & ideas to help you get started.

When you’re not sure about your answers – draw mandalas to help you connect to your inner wisdom.

The prompts are divided into 2 sections: looking back and looking forward.? Start with whichever one you feel drawn to.

Goodbye 2013. Looking back:

What was amazing in 2013?

What did you do in 2013 that you’re proud of?

What do you learn/discover that you want to bring into 2014?

What do you want to leave behind in 2013?

What are you most grateful for about 2013?

How did your dreams grow in 2013?

What did you do to help your dreams grow in 2013?? What worked?? What didn’t work?

How did YOU grow in 2013? What gifts and strengths do you have now that you didn’t have in 2012?

Is there anything you need to do to complete your year? Any unfinished business that you’d like to finish, and leave behind as you move into 2014?

Hello 2014! Looking forward:

List 5-10 things you’d like to have happen in 2014, in each of these different parts of your life:

health
relationships
creativity
purpose/career
money
self-love/self-care
spirituality
happiness
adventure/play

Remember that as you get creative with this pay attention to your inner voice… once you’re in your creative flow it’s much easier for your intuition to speak to you – so as you write this list brilliant ideas may come to you for how to bring these dreams to life.

Go back through your list and imagine how each of these things will make you happier in 2014.? If there is anything on your list that won’t make you happier – consider crossing it out.

What is your Big Dream for 2014?

Why do you want this?

Do you already know how to make this dream real, or is this something you need to learn more about first?

What’s your plan for giving this dream what it needs to thrive in 2014?? Brainstorm 10 things you can try.

What do you want to STOP doing in 2014?? And what are some things you can you do to make that as easy as possible?? How will not having these things in your life make you happier?

Write your year in review for 2014.

Then imagine yourself at the end of the 2014 that you described in your year in review – how are you different?? How did you grow?? What new strengths and skills do you have?? Does you-from-one-year-from-today have any messages or advice for you?

Here’s to a sparkletastic New Year, for all of us.

I would love to help you bring your brightest dreams to life in 2014 – join me in the Creative Dream Circle for a whole YEAR of Creative Dream Support.

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Creative Journaling Prompts For The New Year Read More »

Writing your 2014… a year in review of the year that hasn’t started yet.

By Andrea Schroeder / December 30, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, intention, Manifest Your Dream Life

In my first and second years of being a full time Creative Dream Incubator I was excited to write a year end review… to look over what I’d learned and how it all went and and plan out what I want to do different next year.

This year I feel very meh about that.

Though I did flip through my instagram to share some of my fave photos of the year…

Right now, what I really want is to look forward.

As I sat with that feeling, I realised that what I want to do is want to write a year end review for my business for 2014.

Do this with me… let’s zoom into December 2014 and look back on a truly sparkletastic year.

I started the year feeling fresh, focused and excited about what I wanted to create.? I had the clearest, solidest goal I’ve ever had for my business – to welcome 800 dreamers into the Creative Dream Circle by the end of the year.

This goal was a giant bundle of love.

Love for the dreamers and their courage & brilliance.

Love for the sweet, sparkling dreams.

Love for the Circle and it’s dream-growing magic.

Every time I thought about the 800 dreamers and their amazing dreams, my heart beamed.

With this much love on my side, I knew I could not fail.

With this much love on my side, I was able to heal my wounded relationship with “business”.

I have long thought of myself as “an artist, not a business person”.? I have been angry about the destructive effect a lot of big businesses have on our world – fueling my beliefs about how “business is bad”.? I have felt like I just don’t know how to successfully grow a business.

I started my business with a strong belief in the quality, power and importance of my work, fueled by purpose and spirit and love – and a belief that these things, not business skills, were enough to get me where I want to go.

As I learned more about business, I came to understand that these are 2 different things: your soul work and your business skills.

And most people are not naturally equally gifted in each.? I mean… It’s possible for lackluster products to become superstars in the marketplace.? It’s possible for superstar products to be virtually invisible in the marketplace.

And it seems true that as you polish and perfect the shining jewel of what you are here to offer you’re going to start looking for ways to get better at offering it.? For many, like me, this means a business.

So then the journey of activating and living your purpose merges with the journey of starting and growing a business.

Creativity, heart and soul cannot replace the need for practical business skills.? What they can do is fuel and activate the practical business stuff so that your business can be your (very helpful!) partner in bringing your creativity and your purpose to life.

I knew that already.? But in 2014 it changed.

It’s like I had marinated long enough in ideas about spiritual business and creative business to be able to live from them in a new way.? I developed a new sense of trust in my ability to do this.

I spent the first 35 years of my life marinating in ideas about how I am not a business person.? I needed to spend a few years marinating in ideas about how I am a capable and gifted business person before they could really clear out the old beliefs and sink in.

Ultimately what this means is approaching all aspects of my business from my creative genius, which means not being all tangled up in my limiting beliefs.? Being in the flow.

In hindsight, this harder to do before this year because I was still getting my business sea legs, so to speak.

Which is why I had to keep things smaller before.

Which is why, in 2014, I didn’t need to keep things small anymore.

I spread my business wings wildly and widely.

I tried all the things I knew to try, to get the word out about my work.? When things didn’t go as I’d hoped, I re-adjusted and tried again.

I stretched some more and sought out more ideas for things to try.? And I tried those.

I played with my business.?

I brought a whole new level of creative genius to it.? Just like being in my art studio – throwing paints down and fooling around and trying new things and experimenting and exploring.? I approached my business like a fantastically inspiring art project.

Meanwhile, I was more committed to my personal daily creativespiritual practice, to build stronger roots, so my dream tree could grow giant leafy branches.

And it worked.

My business grew wildly in 2014.

The Creative Dream Circle started to fill up… and as the Circle members practiced the art of Creative Dream Incubation and delighted in all the magic of that – word spread and momentum came to play.

The more fun I had, the larger the Circle got, the easier it became to grow it.

The important feelings + qualities of my 2014:

Trust. Alignment. Purpose. Spirit. Joy. Knowing. Stability. Growth… all of it Glowing with Love.

Writing this feels amazing.

I didn’t set out to write exactly what I wanted to have happened.? I started by looking at how I’m feeling about my goal for the year, and then followed those feelings and the story started to write itself.

When I got to the end it felt like a deep affirmation of how, as long as I stay committed to being true to myself, my spirit and heart, and to clearing/healing all the things that make that hard to do, of course I am going to get to somewhere that is gorgeous, abundant and fulfilling.

What’s your story for 2014?

Success, love, wild creative abandon – it’s all possible for you.

And I’d love to help you make it all come true, in the Creative Dream Circle.

Writing your 2014… a year in review of the year that hasn’t started yet. Read More »

Making A Big Dream Real #4

By Andrea Schroeder / December 27, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, intention, Manifest Your Dream Life

Christmas happened this week! I had a great time doing Christmas things, and did not make much progress with my dream.

Though I did spend some time with it – meditating and journaling.

And I spent making art, really enjoying getting into the flow of my creativity.

I took Samie Harding’s Gelli Printing class this fall and have really been in love with gel printing ever since.? So playful and fun!

While I was playing with my gelli plate this week, I got inspired to add something new to my weekly Creative Genius Planning Sessions.

Right now I’m using my large Moleskine planner with a page a week, with a blank page on the other side for journaling, which is perfect for Creative Genius Planning (I shared it in this video about the Creative Genius Planning Sessions).

Now I’m adding a sheet of watercolour paper, taped onto the edge of each page, so it folds out.? One side has fun gelli prints on it.? On the back of that sheet I journal about the inner work I’m focusing on for the week – affirmations and energy I want to focus on.

That leaves the whole blank page in the journal free for keeping practical lists of what I want to get done and journaling my way through the blocks I encounter in getting it done.

And it makes my planner more fun and creative looking, which just make it a happier thing for me to work with.

How art-making helped me grow my dream this week:

While I was making the gel prints for this new project, I was wishing I had a really cool feather stencil.

I’ve wanted one for some time, but I don’t ever go to places that sell stencils, and I guess I have not wanted one enough to go out specifically looking for it.

This morning, I was thinking about wanting one and thought… well why don’t I just try to make one?? I’ve never drawn a feather, but I do have a degree in fashion design which included 4 years of fashion illustration, visual communication and life drawing classes.? Surely I can draw a feather?

Surely I CAN draw a feather!? I made many feather stencils and I love them.

I was so happy with my feathers.? And then I sat with that story:

I thought I couldn’t do it.
I let that thought control the story and keep me from having what I wanted.
When I questioned that thought, possibility opened up.
When I brought my creativity and curiosity to it, everything lightened up.
Just the act of being in creativity and curiosity was so fun it didn’t matter what the outcome was.
Getting what I wanted, and finding out that I can do it was really delicious icing on the cake.

And I let myself marinate in that energy.

When I am willing to question my story, possibility appears.
When I approach my dreams with creativity and curiosity everything changes.
When I approach my dreams with creativity and curiosity what I want is in my reach.
When I am willing to change my story, miracles happen.

And I am reminded that as long as I stay connected to the heart and soul of my dream, EVERYTHING I do helps me move towards my dream.? I love that!

I also started making a deck of cards with affirmations specifically about this dream.? Not so much “I now have 800 dreamers in the circle” but juicy nuggets of inspiration that help me develop the bigger/stronger roots I need to grow this dream.? As I play with this, I am thinking of doing an affirmation workshop in the Circle later this year.

Discipline: Continued from last week

Last week discipline came up as I was exploring how to make this dream real.? This week I’m noticing how I move in and out of being disciplined.? And how I used to think being less disciplined was worse, and being more disciplined was better.

I’m seeing now that it’s more of a cycle.

Your desire to make your dream real puts you on the path.? Discipline puts you on the superhighway.? Sometimes you need to pull over and have a picnic.

And then when the picnic is done, sometimes it takes a little while for your car to back up to full speed.

I think that’s where I’m at – revving the engine and getting myself back up to full speed.

And that’s all the update I’ve got this week!

I’m feeling creatively all filled up and ready to GO in 2014.

I hope you’re having a gorgeous holiday season!? Next week we’ve got the Creative Dream HOLYday – a creative playdate and a virtual creative dream retreat.? I am SO looking forward to that.

Making A Big Dream Real #4 Read More »

What I want to create in 2014

By Andrea Schroeder / December 23, 2013 / intention, Manifest Your Dream Life

This is when I am happiest:

Not just making art, not just journaling – playing with my creative genius fully engaged.

Reaching for new depths of connection with who I really am.
Stretching out into who I want to become.
Creating the foundation to bring my vision to life.

As a celebration of and commitment to all of this, this is what I want to create in 2014:

Playbooks for Creative Dreamers

Guided Journals & Colouring Books (but secretly they’re magic wands).

Mind-expanding journaling prompts, transformative energy processes, delightful mandalas to colour, adore and make your own. Space to PLAY your way into deep connection with yourself, your genius and your dreams.

I want to make them, and sell them on Amazon in 2014.? (And give them away to Creative Dream Circle members)

I did make about 15 Playbooks For Dreamers in 2013, as a part of my classes and playdates I did in the Circle. These Playbooks will be different – they’ll be for you playing in on your own instead of as a part of a class.

What do YOU want to create in 2014?

I would love to hear – share in the comments below!

And, if you want my support & guidance in making YOUR (big or small) dream REAL – join me for the 2014 session of the Creative Dream Incubator – my master-class in the art of bringing a dream to life with ease and joy.

We’re starting on January 28.

The Creative Dream Incubator is a part of the Creative Dream Circle – which means when you join the Circle for just $100, you’ll get the Creative Dream Incubator PLUS a whole YEAR of Creative Dream Support.

Join us today.? Your dream is waiting.? (PLUS PLUS if you join by Jan 2 you’ll also get the Creative Dream HOLYday Creative Playdate & Virtual Creative Dream Retreat on Jan 3)

What I want to create in 2014 Read More »

Making a Big Dream Real #3

By Andrea Schroeder / December 20, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, Manifest Your Dream Life

It’s already week three of my new adventure!

Early this week I started to really come into alignment with this new dream.? I started feeling more flow and inspiration.

I had so many ideas for things to try, and so much energy to play with them.? Sunday night I had a hard time falling asleep because I was So Excited for Monday morning to come so I could get to work.

It felt amazing.

Until it didn’t.

I went from super inspired on top of the world to way down in the dumps.

This happens with dreams!? You dig through stuff, get to a new layer of clarity, but then there is all this… debris from your digging.

The debris was messy this week.? Remembering all the reasons why this is impossible.? Loosing my connection with why I want this.? Not trusting my dream.? Not trusting myself.? Not fun.

And I kept trying to push myself to act anyway.? Which is never a good idea. But I felt frustrated and impatient and wanted to see some results.

I found myself very focused on externals, which is usually what’s happening when you feel stuck like that.

So then I thought… hey why don’t I do the things that I know work when I’m down in the dumps.

Treasure mapping.
Meditation.
Drawing mandalas.
Journaling.
Meeting my sadness with creativity & love (there is a beautiful class on this in the Creative Dream Circle).
Using the Un-Sticking Station in the Creative Dream Circle.

That stuff kept this week from being a total disaster.? And as I played with these tools, I learned A LOT about why I was so in the dumps.

And even found gifts & treasures in the dump.

Bringing a dream to life is more about growing yourself than it is about making things happen in the outer world.

I’ve got painful stories that I carry that me-who-lives-this-dream does not carry.? These stories were so troubling for me this week because I was waking up to how troubling they are.

You know how when you’re just used to something you don’t really notice it?? It’s like that with your stories and patterns and limiting beliefs.

When you consciously choose to grow, and set your sights on a new way of being – the old ways of being start to become horribly uncomfortable.

This was uncomfortable this week and I’m guessing I’m not finished being uncomfortable.

I am grateful to start to see the patterns behind the patterns more clearly.? I’m grateful to have the tools & skills to transform this.? I’m grateful that no matter how sad & frustrating this gets, I do hold onto the knowing that I will move through this.

I made friends with Discipline.

Discipline appeared this week.? Not all drill sargeant-y and pushy, more like a beautiful and benevolent Goddess of Possibilities.

Last week I talked about creating daily and weekly practices that support and sustain me as I support and sustain this dream.? Daily meditation, energy work, journaling and art-making.? Weekly learning.

This week I learned that I need this to be more disciplined.? It’s not enough to just to these things each day, they need more structure and I need more structure in how I approach them.

These structures are the most supportive things, ever.

This boy became my business role model:

Everything about this represents everything I want in how I approach my work.

He’s relaxed and trusting and barefoot.

He’s playing.? In a soft space in the sunshine.

He’s got pens and toys and an open book.

Spaciousness. Freedom. Creativity. Trust. Alignment. InTUNEment.

Flow. Flow. Flow. Flow. Flow.

Tangible Things I did this week to move towards my goal:

Given how hard this week felt, it feels like a complete miracle that I did anything.? But I did!? Because I am kind of chatty here talking about why I’m doing things, I am making the things I did bold, and everything else plain.

I figured out how I want to start advertising, and started!? I updated my Fabulous Free Stuff page, created a button for it and signed up for an ad on Kind over Matter, to advertise my Fabulous Free Stuff page.

(Advertising my free stuff has been the best way for me to advertise my business.? This way the ad is an invitation to peek into my creative world and see if you want to play here.? Ads that point to a sales page are NOT how I want to grow my business – I would much rather people got to know me FIRST, then decide if they want to join the Circle, instead of advertising the circle.)

I’ll also advertise the freebies page on Facebook, starting in January.? And I did some research for some new places to place ads in January.

I did a lot more tweaking to the Creative Dream Circle page.? (do check it out!)? I thought a lot about how I want to connect with people as they’re reading that page, and what I want them to know.

Made some images to promote the Creative Dream HOLYday to share on Facebook and Pinterest.

Spent more time exploring my new favourite question: Do I need to step up what I’ve been doing or do I need a totally new plan?

Did more inspiring business reading to nourish my brain with possibilities.

Worked on my promotional plan for January.? I’ll be running both the Creative Dream HOLYday (Jan 3) and the Creative Dream Incubator e-course (Jan 28).? This is an amazing course that really does grow dreams – I want to get as many people as possible participating this year.

Planned my first Spreecast: The Creative Dream Journal Playdate (it’s free and it’s happening January 7)!!? On Monday I got to play with Connie and Lisa on Spreecast and wheeeee it was fun.? I’ve been thinking about doing this forever and finally – I’m doing it!

Being able to speak to people one-on-one has been the best way for me to grow my business.

People do not realise how much I can help them – until I do it!

When you have a mindset like “this is hard” or “I don’t live my dreams – that’s for other people” someone telling you they can help with that doesn’t even register.? Because you’ve been carrying that story so long it feels like Absolute Truth for you – you don’t know that you’re carrying it.

When I work with new people and start to shift the energy around the story to open up new possibilities – they’re stunned.? Then they start to get what it means to play with possibility.? Then they start to want more for themselves.? It’s so beautiful.

Last year I gave away 100 free mini coaching sessions.? As much as I loved that, energy work takes a LOT of energy and I simply can’t do that again.? So this year I’ve been doing free monthly coaching circles and tele-classes since November, and now I’m going to branch out into the free live stream.

I think the tele-classes/circles may work better because then people get to actually talk to me and I can do energy shifting & coaching with them.? For that to happen on a live stream, they’d have to be willing to go on camera and a lot of people are not comfortable with that.

On the other hand, a lot of people don’t want to pay long distance for a phone call (though I do have to pay long distance charges to call my own conference line!) but would watch a video stream online.? So I think the video stream will have more participants – but will they be as engaged?

I don’t know!? Let’s see if I find out at the Creative Dream Journal Playdate.

I added new posts to Dreamtastic Creative Journals.

Did a little re-tooling of the space inside the Creative Dream Circle to make space for more members.

This week wasn’t easy and I feel like I didn’t get nearly as much done as I would have liked, but still I’m proud of how I faced how I was feeling and brought in love & creativity to transform it and stayed on track as much as possible.? The inner critics are not going to knock me off track!

Last week I started a score card to keep track of everything I’m going, inner and outer, in bringing this dream to life.? This week I’m exhausted at the thought of even looking at it, so I’m just going to ignore it.? Suffice it to say – it’s going to take a zillion steps and in the process I will defeat a zillion inner critics, fear & limiting beliefs.

Making a Big Dream Real #3 Read More »

Creative Journal FAQ: Help! I Get Stuck Trying To Put My Dreams into Action

By Andrea Schroeder / December 19, 2013 / journaling, Manifest Your Dream Life

Today’s post is a Dreamtastic Creative Journals post. Dreamtastic is an ongoing (free!) e-course about using your journal as a tool for transformation, healing and dream-growing.

Today I’m answering a question I got…

My question is the best ways to use your journal to put those dreams into action. I am decent about dreaming it up a bit in my visual journal however I seem to often get stuck on that part.

It’s good to start with more clarity about why and where and how you get stuck.

Often, when we get stuck we just… stop.? It’s good to remember that it’s not the stuck that gets you stopped, it’s the decision you made to stop that gets you stopped.

Stucks are our fears, limiting beliefs and established patterns.? They try to put up a wall when we try to change out of that old way of being and step up to create something new.

And they are a natural part of the process of bringing a dream to life.

Exploring stucks ALWAYS leads to something amazing.

Start with the assumption that there is a good reason why you got stuck.? The stuck indicates that there’s something for you to look at.

Welcome the stuck.? Make space for it.? Let it be a part of the process.? Find out more about why it’s here and what it wants.

Journal about being stuck about how to bring your dreams to life.? Journal about what you would do if you weren’t stuck.? Journal about it every day until you don’t feel stuck anymore.

Journaling through the emotional stucks gets you clear enough to be able to take action.

Yesterday I felt stuck.? I drew it out in my journal:

See here at the bottom – that yellow circle with small orange rays?? And the arrow pointing to it that says “I AM HERE”?? Right on top of that – that’s a pile of boulders.? That’s how I was feeling when I started exploring the stuck – like I was buried under a giant pile of boulders, and my dream was on the other side, and I had no tools.

Because I do this all the time, I quickly found the gift in the stuck, and got myself un-stuck.

You can see the rest of the page looks pretty happy… this was me working it all out and getting myself back on the Woo Hoo I Can Do It Possibility Train.

If you’re new to exploring stucks, it will take a little longer.? It’s like with anything – the more you practice, the better you get at it.

Resources:

Read Creative Journal Prompt For When You Don’t Know How To Make Your Dream Real.
Read 100 Reasons Why You Can Do this.
If you’re in the Creative Dream Circle you have an entire Un-Sticking Station to quickly un-stick ANY stuck.
And, of course, sometime you need support to get through a stuck!? We’re starting a session of the Creative Dream Incubator on January 28… I guarantee no stuck is stronger than the Incubator.

Creative Journal FAQ: Help! I Get Stuck Trying To Put My Dreams into Action Read More »

More on why Dreams/Ideas are DANGEROUS

By Andrea Schroeder / December 17, 2013 / healing, intention, Manifest Your Dream Life

Yesterday during Connie’s Holiday Paint Party (a super cool live streamed art journal party – you can watch the whole thing here) Connie asked me if I get a lot of ideas and I said yes… and I added that following an idea blindly is DANGEROUS.

I was at the paint party to draw a mandala and chat with my friends, I wasn’t in teacher mode.

This morning, teacher me really wants to clarify and explain this because it is really important and what I said may be misconstrued.

Creative people have a lot of ideas.? We’re open minded, we’re connected to inspiration, we love ideas so ideas come to us.? This is good!

But acting on all of those ideas is NOT good.

Ideas will meet you in the state of consciousness you’re at, in the moment.? Most of the time, we’re not fully aware of our state of consciousness.

For example, let’s say you’re carrying a story about how our mother doesn’t approve of you.? You’ve carried the story so long you’re not longer aware that you’re carrying it, but it is energized in your consciousness.

An idea comes in that is a perfect match for this story about your mother.? An idea that this part of you believes will finally win her approval, once and for all.? Again – you’re not aware of what’s happening on this level.? You just know the idea feels exciting and inspiring.

So you jump into it.? You ride the wave of inspiration.? You pour your heart and soul into bringing this idea to life.

Either the creative process goes well or it goes badly.

If it goes well:? you successfully bring your idea to life, but your success feels hollow somehow and you don’t know why.? You don’t feel the way you thought this would make you feel.

This is because deep down inside you wanted the idea to succeed so that you could gain your mother’s approval and change how it feels to walk around carrying this painful story.? But even if your mother loves the idea and cheers you on – the story is deep inside of you.? You have to consciously change the story that you carry in order to change how you’re feeling.

This is so dangerous because it feeds a new story about how dreams aren’t worth it and it’s better to just ignore them and you’re not going to be happy anyway so why bother.

Or, if the creative process goes badly: you end up all tangled up in fears and painful feelings you don’t understand.? Or you resist the creative process because on an unconscious level you know this is attached to that painful story you don’t want to go anywhere near.

This is so frustrating because you know you’re more than capable of doing this thing, but it’s like something is holding you back.

This is so dangerous because now you’re going to add a new story to carry around about how when you go after your dreams you fail.? About how you’re not good enough and you don’t follow through.

It’s all tangled up, on the INSIDE.

This is why working with dreams soul-to-soul, inside-to-inside is key.

Your dream is about how you think you’ll feel when you have the thing.

Your dream is about evolving into the person you know you can be.

Your dream is about bringing your creativity and purpose to life.

Your dream is SO MUCH more than the surface thing you want: a solo art exhibit, a published novel, your dream house, etc.

When you stay on the surface – get an idea – run with idea – make idea real – you miss out on the fulfilling and magical part of it all.

This is why you connect with the idea, soul to soul, before proceeding.

Then, in the example I’m using here, you’ll immediately see that what you really want is some healing for this painful story you’ve been carrying about how your mother doesn’t approve of you.

And when you focus on that healing work, other parts of your life “magically” start to fall into place.? Because this story has been impacting you in a lot of ways, for a long time.

And when you focus on that healing work, new ideas spring up.? Ideas that are more connected to who you really are and what you’re here to do, and less connected to this painful story you are no longer carrying.

And, if you stay connected soul to soul as you play with those ideas – they turn into dreams come true.

They help you bring your life into deeper alignment with your inner truth, with your gifts and creativity and purpose and heart and soul.

This. Feels. Amazing.

If you want to know more: the Creative Dream Circle Initiation page has audios that lead you through this process.? (the initiation is free).

If you want to explore this with me: we’re starting up a session of the Creative Dream Incubator on January 28.? Six weeks of diving into the process soul-to-soul communion with your dreams, healing, miracles + transformation – and then once everything is aligned and ready to do – practical action steps + support to make it happen.

More on why Dreams/Ideas are DANGEROUS Read More »

Watch Me Make A Big Dream Real, Part 2

By Andrea Schroeder / December 13, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, Manifest Your Dream Life

OK, I need a catchy name for this series!? But for now I am going to call it what it is: watch me make a big dream real.

I am so grateful to me-from-last-week who started this series and made her commitment public last Friday.? (If you missed it, that post is here)

On Sunday I was doing my regular Sunday stuff, including tidying up in the DreamLoft.? I was enjoying the happy hum of the clothes washer while sweeping and I looked out the window and thought “MAN I am happy here!”.

This space sparkles.? It’s perfect for me.? I thought about how happy I am here and how happy I am doing the work I’m doing.? And, you know, maybe I don’t need to reach for “more”.

Maybe this is enough.? I am already living with so many dreams made real.? I love helping others to do the same as my full-time gig.? Why this push to help so many more people?

side note: This is a good question!? You want to know the WHY behind your dream – you don’t want to go to the work of transforming yourself and bringing a big dream to just to keep up with your neighbours, or because your mom wants you to.? That only brings you further out of alignment with your truth.? But because I use the tools of Creative Dream Incubation my dreams are already aligned with my purpose and soul and heart and creativity.

When I sat with the question, I saw how it was rooted in fear, laziness, resistance and a desire to HIDE.

And I was so grateful I’d made this public commitment and I couldn’t just quietly pack this dream away.? Because that feeling grew the whole rest of Sunday and Monday.

Not just… why bother?? But also a growing feeling that this dream is bigger than me and I am not ready.

And I did want to give up.

But that feeling only lasted until Tuesday.? I think that’s a really important thing to remember when you feel like giving up: it’s just a feeling.? Feelings change.? Don’t give up.

On Tuesday I posted my 100 Reasons Why I Can Do This.? If you did not read that post, READ IT NOW and then make your own list.

On Tuesday I felt great!? I led a free tele-class on How To Stay In The Magic No Matter What Is Happening Around You and it was amazing.

Participants were having the most amazing realizations and I could feel the magic sparkling in the air. I am in love with my work, and with the people who show up to play with me.

Then I went to see a doctor about a rash I’ve got on my legs.? It’s itchy and gross and I had tried every natural thing there is and it’s still CRAZY ITCHY.? Doctor gave me some drugs – an anti-itch pill and a rash-healing cream.

Wednesday I woke up 2 hours later than usual which I NEVER do.? I felt groggy all day.? The last time I took a pharmaceutical was about 10 years ago.? I am so sensitive even Advil makes me loopy, but this stuff REALLY makes me loopy.

Loopy, groggy, mellow and ready for a nap.? That’s how I felt all day.? Kind of the opposite energy of “THIS IS MY DREAM AND I AM MAKING IT REAL, DAMNIT!”

But I remembered this:

When you commit to your dream, everything that happens next happens to support you in the process of bringing that dream to life.

Everything.

The things we think of as obstacles, roadblocks and the universe “testing us” are actually doorways into new possibilities. It’s just our seeing them as obstacles, roadblocks as tests keeps us from seeing the possibility, opening the door and stepping into dreamland.

Pills that make me groggy are actually tiny little doorways into a new possibility.? Pills that make me groggy are here to HELP ME make my dream real.? So, thank you pills!? I will be learning more about you and the superpowers you are here to share with me over the next three weeks.

So being groggy and slowing down right when I think I need to speed up is good.

I’m already seeing that – it’s so easy to get caught up in all the details of things to do when growing a business.? It’s so important to stay connected – heart to heart and soul to soul – with the purpose of what you are creating.

Then you’re coming from a place of real power.?? Like a giant at the bottom of the sea can flick his fingers are create a huge waterfall up on the surface.? And a person up on the surface can use all the energy they have to flail about and not displace anywhere near as much water.

The deeper down you do, the more power you have.? That’s how Creative Soul Alchemy works.

What I did this week:

Last Friday I said I wanted to figure out what I am going to DO and I did it!? I made a list of what I need to be doing every day and every week to stay in the flow of making this dream real.

I’ve created 3 sections: daily practice, weekly practice and business things (the work).

Daily Practice:

Meditation A (A being quiet stillness deep connection, no Creative Soul Alchemy work)
Meditation B (B being transforming energy, lots of Creative Soul Alchemy work)
Journaling
Artmaking

So of the daily practice things, only one (Meditation B) is actually focused on making the dream real.? Everything else is focused on nurturing me.

Before a tree can grow bigger branches and more leaves, it needs a larger root system.? Same goes for dreamers.

I always did meditate, journal and make art most days.? Now I am deepening my commitment in the name of growing larger roots.

Weekly Practice:

Right now I only have 1 weekly practice, this may change.? Every week, I want to spend some time re-reading my favourite business books and e-courses and exploring new ones.? A steady stream of information, inspiration and ideas for my brain.

Starting with Unveiling The Heart of Your Business.? The first business book I read that was profoundly helpful, because it puts all business stuff into spiritual terms – it speaks my language and approaches business as a beautiful heart-nurturing thing.

(Unveiling The Heart of Your Business is highly highly highly recommended)

The first time I read it I was soooo new to business and still had a lot of negative/limiting ideas about what business is, that I had to step over and work around before I could get anywhere.? Now that I have cleared a lot of that, I am interested to see what new gifts I find in this amazing program.

But, since I’m telling the truth here, I will share that I didn’t get to this this week.? I did put it on my iPad so I could easily take it to the coffee shop to play with.? But that was my plan for Wednesday afternoon and I was just soooo groggy from the new pills I took a nap instead.

Self-Compassion is a good companion on the path to making a big dream real.

But having compassion for not doing the things you said you’d do is not compassionate at all – it’s an unconscious self-sabotage system.

The greatest act of compassion is to hold yourself to your commitment to being the person you want to be.

In the grand scheme of things, do you want to have your dream made REAL or do you want to be coddled in your excuses?

I want my dream.? And I want to be compassionate towards myself in the process – so loving and compassionate towards myself that I keep the promises I make to myself.? So I am re-committing.? In fact, I am promising to spend some time with Unveiling The Heart of Your Business this weekend.

Actual Business Things:

This is where I found a really interesting question:

Is it enough to step up what I have been doing or do I need to create a totally new plan?

(I’m going to write a whole post about that question for Dreamtastic.? It’s a really genius kind of question to be asking + exploring and it helped me figure out what to DO with this new business goal of mine.)

I did my How To Stay In The Magic tele-class.

These classes take me about 2 days to create, prep for, facilitate and recover from.? Because we’re doing deep down Creative Soul Alchemy – shifting energy, healing wounds and dissolving blocks, it takes a lot of energy to create and hold that kind of space.

My free tele-classes are NOT just promotional things where I try to convince you to sign up for my programs.? They are helpful + inspiring actual classes.? But they ARE a promotional tool in that once people experience the magic of working with me, they tend to want more.

The Creative Dream Initiation is the same thing… a helpful and inspiring Try Before You Buy for the Creative Dream Circle.

I also:

Updated the Creative Dream Incubator page.
Scheduled the next Incubator session to start on January 28.
Brainstormed how I want to promote the Creative Dream Incubator in January.
Posted about the Creative Dream HOLYday: Virtual Playdate & Creative Dream Retreat happening on January 3.
Wrote 2 Dreamtastic posts: 100 Reasons Why You Can Do This and How To Blend Lots of Dreams Together.
Came up with a system for scheduling things on Facebook so instead of posting everything at once when I’m there, the posts are more spread out.
Started re-arranging things inside the Creative Dream Circle to make space for the new stuff.
Met up with Lisa Wilson from Being Breath?to talk about our videocast, part of 21 Secrets LIVE in 2014.? Wowee we’re going to throw an amazing creative playdate together.? (Join 21 Secrets LIVE right here – weekly video streaming art journal playdates!? With 21 different inspiring teachers!)? This is not directly related, and I said yes to this project not to grow my business but because it seemed like it would be so fun.? But collaborative projects like this do get your work out to new audiences.
Wrote this post.

?When I look at it like this I feel disappointed, like I did too little.

Even though How To Stay In The Magic took a lot of bandwidth this week.? Even though I’m on this new prescription that is making me groggy.

Hey… No Matter How Much I Do It’s Not Enough… I see you there and I choose a different perspective.? I remind you of how much inner work it takes to schedule + announce new classes.? I remind you that I’m giving time and attention and love to each thing, doing fewer things but doing them with more care.? I remind you that this post itself is MONSTROUS and it takes time to write MONSTROUS blog posts.

And, I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon.? I still have all of Friday to do the rest of the things on my list.

Oh, what’s that?? I finished my list?

So, can we call this enough then?? Yes.? Deal.

And Friday afternoon I can go out for coffee and a cookie and leisurely plan out what I want to do next week.? And while I’m at in, I can even get started re-reading Unveiling The Heart of Your Business.

My plans for next week:

Well on Monday I’m doing this:

It’s free, click here to join!

And I’m going to work on a plan for all the behind-the-scenes things I want to have done by January to start this mission with a BANG.

Scoreboard:

I got this idea this morning, to keep a running tally.? Mostly, at the end of this I would like to be able to show that Hey you can have a lot of monsters + obstacles to overcome… and still make that dream real.

Monsters = limiting beliefs, inner critics, fears

Obstacles = outer things that come up and seem to be thwarting my plans

Sold Steps Taken = though there have been millions of baby steps, I am counting each thing in the “Things I Did” section.

Monsters Overcome: 4

What you have already is good enough, I am not ready, I want to give up, No matter how much I do it’s not enough

Obstacles Navigated: 1

New prescription makes me groggy + loopy

Solid Steps Taken: 11

Not a bad start.

Watch Me Make A Big Dream Real, Part 2 Read More »

The Creative Dream HOLYday: a Virtual Playdate + Creative Dream Retreat

By Andrea Schroeder / December 12, 2013 / Manifest Your Dream Life

Creative. Soulful. Nourishing.? The ultimate way to start a new year.

All the fun and play of a Creative Playdate blended with all the magic and healing of a Spiritual HOLYday.

Meditation, journaling and creative play.? You’ll get time in the Circle (on the phone or in the forum) and time on your own to explore:

What’s going on with your dream (like, really going on with it – we’re talking deep down SOUL CONNECTION with your dream).
What your dream wants you to know (dreams are WISE and know how to grow themselves!).
What’s the #1 obstacle facing you and your dreams (sometimes we think it’s one thing, but really it’s something else.? Being clear on this is vital) and what’s the best way around/through/over/under it.

You’ll leave with:

Unexpected discoveries – the kinds of thing you discover when you tap into new levels of intuition + connection to spirit.
Healing, transformation and miracles
A new understanding of what to do next to bring your dream to life
Creative Dream Mojo: fuel for walking your Creative Dream Path in 2014

How it works:

We meet (on the phone, or on Skype, or you can work with the recordings later on) on January 3 at 11am (Central, NA) to create the Circle, open up that deep down soul connection to your dream and build the magic together.
You go play on your own (you do get playbooks for this part, or you can create your own retreat activities).
We meet again (on the phone, or on Skype, or you can work with the recordings later on) on January 3 at 2pm (Central, NA) for coaching, transformationing and closing the Circle.

Your dream is calling to you back to yourself.

It’s asking you to wake up.? To brighten up.? And lighten up.? And create a DREAMTASTIC life that is worthy of you.

Your dream is calling you into your creativity, your heart, your spirit, your purpose and your power.

Are you going to answer the call?

I have led 14 Virtual Creative Dream HOLYdays so far.

Every time, there have been miracles, magic and transformations, rooted in delight and joy and the magic of creativity.

Every time, people’s dreams show up and show them the most amazing things.

They are the most beautiful thing ever.? I can’t wait for the January Creative Dream HOLYday.

If you join the Creative Dream Circle by Jan 2, you get to come to the Creative Dream HOLYday on January 3!

The Creative Dream HOLYday: a Virtual Playdate + Creative Dream Retreat Read More »

How To Blend Lots Of Dreams Together

By Andrea Schroeder / December 11, 2013 / journaling, Manifest Your Dream Life

Today’s post is a Dreamtastic Creative Journals? post.? Dreamtastic is an ongoing (free!) e-course about using your journal as a tool for transformation, healing and dream-growing… click here to start playing!

Today’s question:

How do I or can I narrow my focus? ?How can I blend all my dreams and ideas together in order to create the reality I desire?

This comes up time and time with my students and clients!? We are BURSTING with dreams and want to give them allll love and attention and nurturing to bring them to life.

And nobody ever likes to hear this, but the truth is you’ve got to narrow in.? You’ve got to pick ONE to focus on.? For now.

There is really only one Creative Dream: to live a life that feels true to who you really are.

All of your dreams are ideas live underneath the umbrella of that dream.

Every time you bring a dream to life, it nourishes the umbrella dream. So bringing one to life does nourish all the others because they’re all connected.

Meanwhile – staying locked in a holding pattern and NOT choosing one dream to focus on nourishes nothing except your excuses.

So, you blend a lot of dreams together as real things in your real life, by bringing them to life, one at a time.

You can pick the one that inspires you the most.

You can pick the one you want the most.

You can pick the one you think is the most achievable.

It does not matter how you pick, it only matters that you pick.? Creative Dream Incubation requires your commitment.

The good news about this is that once you’ve made that first dream real, it gets easier to make the next one real – and so on, and so on, and so on.

How To Blend Lots Of Dreams Together Read More »

100 Reasons Why You Can Do This

By Andrea Schroeder / December 9, 2013 / creative entrepreneur, Manifest Your Dream Life

Today?s post is a Dreamtastic Creative Journals? post.? Dreamtastic is an ongoing (free!) e-course about using your journal as a tool for transformation, healing and dream-growing.

As a part of my new quest to make a big dream real, I started a list in my journal of 100 reasons why I can’t fail.

These lists are magic and you don’t even have to get to 100 reasons before it starts to work.

Listing out all the reasons why YOU CAN DO THIS bolsters your confidence and helps your fears feel safer – ideally, safe enough to just take a nap and leave you alone.

It shifts your energy.? It builds expectancy.? It creates a solid foundation from which to bring your dream to life.

You probably can’t come up with 100 reasons all in one sitting.

That’s part of the point.

When you do this in your journal, write the title: “100 Reasons Why I Can Do This”? and list whatever you can think of.? It’s ok if you can only come up with a few reasons.

hint: one reason why you can’t fail is that you’ve got a LOT of support available to you since you read this blog!? And you can always join the Creative Dream Circle.

You will go on to journal other things in your journal before you finish your list.? Leave PLENTY of space for your 100 reasons.

And your brain will keep working on this, even when you’re not journaling. This keeps your brain focused on possibility.

Remind yourself in the mornings that you are still working on this list.? Whenever an idea comes to mind, add it.? And have a weekly date to sit down with this and think about it some more.

When you have the mindset that “I CAN DO THIS” you start to see things differently, you don’t let fear or old programming get in your way and even “impossible dreams” become real.

Here’s my list, so far:

Love! The Circle was built with love and built to love dreamers and their dreams. And love is powerful and can draw to it more to love.
Dreams are Important. Purpose, Spirit and Heart. Needed. What the world needs is more dreams made real.
I am a Creative Genius. I have created everything I have ever set my mind on creating, no reason to think that may stop! (Though, of course, I don’t control the timing)
I have the Creative Dream Incubator!
I have been taking business classes for the last 4 years! I know how to do this.
There are people who will help me spread the word.
I am so ready! I have done all of the foundation building, this dream has sturdy ground to grow on.
My intuition says so.
My heart is happy about this, I’m not feeling a lot of resistance.
I am determined.
Small steps, every day.
People LOVE the Circle!
800 is a ridiculously teeny percentage of people on this planet
800 is even a small percentage of the number of people who read my blog
I can advertise.
I can be crazy creative about how I promote this.
The only reason is hasn’t grown yet is that I have been holding it back because in the old format, I wanted it to be small.
The new format needs it to be bigger.
I have so many tools I can use!
ENTHUSIASM! It’s a superpower and a magnet. I am enthusiastic about my work, that draws people in.
Intention is powerful.
My intention is crystal clear.
Commitment is powerful.
My commitment is solid.
Purpose is supported by spirit.
People can FEEL integrity, even through the interwebs.
By walking my talk and consistently practicing what I teach I create a safe atmosphere for people to come in and do the work with me.
I have something unique + amazing to offer.
I am willing to work for this.
I am willing to play with this.
I am willing to explore new territory.
My intuition never steers me wrong.
Creativity is contagious!
When you combine creativity with clear intention and purpose and spirit and heart and a genuine willingness to do both the inner and outer work: you can’t fail.
When people start working with this material… They LIGHT UP.
Those lights can help guide new people into the Circle.
I’m not trying to sell to 800 people, I am finding 800 people who who are ready to make their dreams real and want me to help them. I know they’re out there.
800 feels right because they are out there.
In the grand scheme of what I have already created, this is small.
Everything in the universe supports me.
This will get easier and easier, as it creates it’s own momentum

Even if you just grow your list at 1 idea per week you’re still doing yourself a HUGE favour by playing with this.

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