"Creativity means believing you have greatness.” ~Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”~ Dr. Seuss
“If you didn’t have to be PERFECT, who might you be?” Kammie K.

Last week I finally succumbed to the siren call of the Twitter. (or as @Scobleizer said today “Twitter is like crack cocaine with benefits.” All of my old bloggy buds were doing it. All the big dog blogs were doing it. So I figured it was time for the Kam to get in on the conversation. And a beautiful thing happened. It was as if I hadn’t been outta the game!

It felt so good to see my friend’s faces again and to bump shoulders with the cool kids like @guykawasaki, @sethgodin and @pamslim. And to get more familiar with the likes of @chrisbrogan, @scobleizer, @problogger, @copyblogger, @keithferrazzi and @gapingvoid.

The bonus? All my new pals like @salescooke, @kastenspethmann, along with new media crushes @funkybrownchic, @skinnyjeans @brianjohnson were in the twitter sandbox as well.

Now back to that particular tweet and the quote.

Well hells bells! I can’t find the tweet anymore. It was either Chris Brogan, Copyblogger or Problogger, posted a tweetlink to something along the lines of “Why You Should Re-purpose/Re-work Your Old Posts” or something like that (if you can find the link I’m referring to from Monday Dec. 8th, please drop it in the comment box thankyouverymuch).

Which sent me down the rabbithole and into the archives of the PMP blog. Clearly by looking at the dates of my posts, you’ll see I pretty much dropped of the bloggy radar for most of 2008. It was a veeery transitional year for me, and it ain’t over yet. But I digress…

So I read the post. Dug into the PMP archives, ready to excavate an oldie but goodie and revamp & revise, when I ran head first into this Wayne Dyer little ditty, “Creativity means believing you have greatness.”

And I got to thinking…“What the fuck am I doing with all my greatness? How am I maximizing MY potential? How long will I continue to make excuses for lack of action? Half-assed-ness on my book/web project? When is it time to stop getting ready already and just start DOing it? When is it time to finally COMMIT?”

What I dug up was this 2-part series on personal branding. If you’re interested in what I was ranting about a year and a half ago, please follow the links. Now that I’m here and discussing this, I’m no longer actually interested in reworking these two particular posts (maybe later).

I am interested in exploring the irony that I was writing about this topic a year and a half ago. It’s still relevant. It’s still timely. And still on target. It also happens to still be something I’m passionate about discussing. A new year is fast approaching. The signs and synchronicities are continuing to line up and support my belief that now is as good a time as any to step into that next incarnation of brand ME.

Much like Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore, (some of my favorite Le Grande-Brand-Fems) have done, it’s time to shed an old layer and step into the light of a new day.

Passion Meets Purpose is a gorgeous reflection of that first online version of me (thx in large part to the amazing design & vision of the uber talented @reese). Looking back I see that much of what I wrote in the old school posts, was what I thought a coach SHOULD (oh NO not the dirty word – SHOULD!!) be writing. Like the “safe” PG-13 version. A candy-coated, buffed and polished version of me putting my “coaching-self” out into the world.

As I strolled down bloggy-memory lane, I read the evolution of a woman still uncovering, unearthing, unfolding. But still hiding out from really opening up and exposing the soft, pink, juicy center.  Get your mind outta the gutter! I’m talking about my heart people. Raw. Exposed. Vulnerable. And beautiful.

So what the hell is my greatness interested in creating next?

I wanna go from PG-13 to OMFG! An interactive community site. A book series. A movement. I’m all about Deconstructing Little Miss Perfect. There, I said it. You gotta name it to claim it. I wanna tear down the house of cards. Shatter the fun-house mirrors. Poke holes in limiting beliefs. Debunk bullshit lies. And demystify the darkness.

Why this? Why now? Why not? Because you don’t have to be PERFECT to be your personal best. PERFECT kills. Screw PERFECT. Be YOU. Warts, freckles, cellulite and all. Modern media has it all fucked up, and ladies…we’re devouring it right up. The headlines reflect this daily.

Because eating & exercise & body-dimorphic disorders (or booty-dismorphic disorder as is my case), shopaholic-ism, workaholic-ism, binge drinking, alcohol & drug abuse, promiscuity, relationship addiction, cutting, procrastination, hording/clutter keeping, OCD, germ-aphobes, boredom, anxiety & depression, gossiping & trash talking, over-volunteering, over-booking calendars, being the family & friend peacemaker/glue/mediator/martyr, are just some of the symptoms of negative unconscious/subconscious thoughts and beliefs about having to be PERFECT.

PERFECT parlyzes creativity. It sucks the juice and passion out of life. It diffuses joy. It deflates self-confidence. PERFECT preys on fear. It’s a serious mojo crusher, self-esteem eater, and energy vampire. It all equals, “I’m not good enough”. For this promotion. For your love. For this house, car, raise, child, parent, significant other, gift, pleasure, joy, peace, happiness.  Insert your hot-button issues and word(s) of choice here.

So I wanna be a virtual hostess, moderator, instigator, inspire-er, shaker-upper, change-agent, radical self-acceptance vigil-anti. I wanna help women construct a solid, self-accepting foundation with tools and tips, tricks and picks, resources and references, through video, podcasts and blogging it out.

I wanna wear my press pass & interview experts, celebrities, authors, artists, women of all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds with passion and integrity. I wanna raise questions, raise eyebrows, raise the freakin’ roof. Oh yeah, then I wanna let my inner child loose on it all with a bunch of finger paint. Looking back, I’ve always been on this path. Looky here, just last year:

“Whether you’re looking to streamline your personal style and image, or figure out what the heck your purpose is on this planet – the key to unlocking Pandora’s Box of goodies is being OK being YOU.
NOT trying to be some half-assed version of someone else. Nor is it trying to please everyone else in your life and being an actor, changing the mask you wear depending on who just walked into the scene. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, life doesn’t have to be a soap opera, full of over the top mellow drama, pain and tears.

It can be a beautiful documentary, a simple, but eloquent indie film or even a major summer blockbuster, all with YOU playing the starring role. But if you’re operating in reaction mode, not responding to life, but reacting to (or even worse over-reacting to) everything…it’ll feel more like life is happening to you, vs. you co-creating the beautiful life you deserve.

Gaining clarity and focus about who we are and who we want to be is key. Just as we would when creating a brand for a business, so should we for ourselves. You wouldn’t create a product, service or business without creating a clear vision for the path it would take, would you? Wouldn’t you strategically plan the types of clients, customers, users you’d like to attract? Why wouldn’t you want clarity on the types of relationships, friendships, and business partnerships you’d like to engage in and attract for yourself?

Unless you take charge of the creation of YOU, you’ll end up with the default setting, and that’s not usually very creative.”

So there you have it. I want to use my voice to help YOU strengthen yours. Use my strategic marketing mind for clarifying your creativity. What will we create together? A playground. A dancehall. A bookstore. A spa. A coffee shop. A theatre of the mind. A place to explore and unfold. A conversation and community of kick-ass, fabulous and successful, free-to-be-me and (you), dynamic women. Sound good?

Passion meets purpose is more than the name of this website. It’s MY life’s mission and my personal mantra to help people live life passionately and ON purpose everyday. To help people wake up and recognize that gorgeous face in the mirror is everything it needs to be right freakin’ now. Right here.

Not when we get the job, the man, the house or kids, not when we lose the weight, lose the clutter, lose the addiction(s). We’re talking radical self-acceptance people. Because once we accept where we are, we set ourselves FREE to move forward faster.

When we try to be PERFECT (usually unconsciously) we essentially press the pause button on living lightly. It’s like strapping on concrete blocks around our ankles, boxing gloves on our hands and standing in the deep end of the ocean. It’s a futile effort. It doesn’t exist. Let it go. Let’s create bigger. Better. Badder-ass-er. For ourselves. For our daughters. For our sons. For the planet.

Even from a slightly different angle, I am still Truth. Beauty. Love. Spirit.

Who are you?

Peace & love,
Kammie K.

ps…I’ll continue to post updates here at the PMP blog until the Deconstructing Little Miss Perfect site launches. If you’re interested in this conversation please follow along @KammieK sweet tweeps. Or friend me on Facebook.

"The world is my country, and to do good my religion."~Thomas Paine
“Happiness is the only good. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now. The way to be happy is to help make others so."~Robert Ingersoll
“Many persons have no idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."~Helen Keller

This is gonna sound weird considering I work in the field of marketing communications - but the media is bullshit. We’re hand fed these lies that our world is unsafe, heartless, and violent. The spotlight shines brightest on the bloody, the booty and the scandalous. We’re bombarded with messages about political, business and religious corruption. 

It was while attending the AZIGG meeting this past Friday that this random tangent first began. AZIGG is the Arizona International Growth Group. This was the first AZIGG meeting that I have attended. Cold Stone Creamery headquarters was the gracious host of this panel discussion and I’d guesstimate that about 75-100 people attended.

There was an incredible energy in the room and after the panelists discussed various viewpoints on international growth, marketing and sales strategies and cultural communications the floor was open for questions.

It was amazing to witness such eloquent and well thought out questions being asked. There were such positive ideas for wanting to understand other cultures, explore and expand Arizona business beyond the borders of the U.S.A.

Business owners looking to not only grow their own businesses, but to help the growth of the businesses of our global neighbors. To provide services and sell products that add value to the lives of our foreign counterparts.

Not gonna break out into a round of “We Are the World” here, but I’m not buying that these trying times are the end of the world as we know it. And I gotta say, if trash and drama and gloom and doom is all you’re seeing, perhaps you simply need to paint yourself a prettier/bolder/friendlier/quirkier/more imaginative picture.

I’m not going all Pollyanna. Nor am I being “obnoxiously optimistic” (thanks Jason wink wink). Just making a request that as the busyness of everyday life swarms around you, that you stop, look around and really witness what’s taking place in the world around you. It’s easy to focus on the negative. That’s our predisposed default mode. Let’s notice the people that are really out to serve the greater good.

One way to lighten the “we’re going to hell in a hand basket” load is to go on a media diet. In the news the saying is “If it bleeds it leads”. So STOP watching it. If there’s something really big going down, you’ll hear about it at work, on the radio, or catch wind of it online. But the 5, 6 and 10? Tune them out!

Same goes for the gossip rags. Yes, I know it’s funny to see cellulite on celebrity thighs. Or watch them get stalked coming out of Starbucks with no makeup on. But honestly there’s not much value in tearing other people down in order to feel better about ourselves is there? I’m as guilty as the next gal, so let’s just try a little gossip-rag-o-rexia for one week OK?

How are YOU, your neighbors, your community, your city serving the greater good? What ways are you being responsible for raising the vibe and the collective consciousness of this planet?

Let’s all ante up and play bigger, grander, badder-asser (bite me grammar freaks). We don’t need rose colored glasses to visualize a brighter future. We just need to set our intention, focus and step into it one peaceful/playful/creative moment at a time. Can you dig?

Peace & passion,
Kam

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” ~Marion C. Garretty

“To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being.” ~John Lubbock

“There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being - to help someone succeed.” ~Alan Loy McGinnis

It’s my first summer in “The Valley” (as Phoenician’s commonly refer to the PHX) and yes, it’s a scorcher. But as cliché as it sounds, it really is a dry heat. Being from STL and having spent a couple of years in Dallas, I’m used to summers with high humidity. But the desert heat…it’s a different kinda hot. 

Not sure if it’s being new to the city, feeling more comfy in my new job, or getting used to the heat…but I’m feeling flirty people! I’m not just referring to flirting with the opposite sex (tho that’s been fun), but to a basic feeling of friskiness in general.

The other day at the office someone asked, “How’s life?” And outta nowhere, I replied, “Fan-fucking-tastic.” Ummm…hello, unnecessary dropping of an f-bomb at the office yo. Where’d that come from? It’s been like that for a few weeks now. And the more I step into flirt mode with the world around me, the more the world around me is flirting right back.

So I decided to turn it into an experiment. The “get your flirt on with the Universe” (GYFOWTU) experiment is officially game on ya’ll. The results have been interesting. Here are some examples: Went to the bank the other day to order some checks. The B of A on 20th & Camelback has a super friendly staff.

Every time I go in there the manager is walking around chatting up patrons, the tellers behind the counter (and bullet proof glass - scary) are always smiling and cracking jokes. (Sometimes I wonder if they’re on happy drugs in there.)

But I digress. I order these checks on Wed. and need them ASAP. And my friendly teller says, “No worries Kammie. We’ll rush deliver them and we’ll knock off the rush fee for you. It’s usually an additional $30, but we’ll take care of that today.” Aww thanks B of A.

In the past couple of weeks I’ve received all kinds of random compliments, gifts and general sweetness from friends and strangers alike. The stoner kid bagging my goodies at Trader Joe’s carded me for my bottle of wine purchase and winked at me when he saw my ID. “Dude. You don’t look that old.” Dude…you just said that out loud. But I think he meant it as a compliment. I’ll take it. Thanks Trader Joe’s stoner guy.

After graciously holding the door for me, the wacky-eccentric-might–be-homeless-guy that hangs out at the Starbucks at 7th & Missouri shouted out after me, “Be careful out there sweetie!” Umm, OK. Maybe there was some unforeseen danger that only he could see for me and his warning was a message from the Universe to buckle up? So I did. Thanks zany guy at Starbucks.

Tuesday evening I met Lane and some of her friends for a nibble and a glass of wine at Postino’s.  After initial introductions and shaking of hands, her friend Helen says, “You’re gorgeous. You look gorgeous.” Wow! Thanks friend of a friend I just met. Can you come and sit on the counter in my bathroom while I get ready every morning and chant that mantra to me?

Hells yeah, I’ll take some more of that. Helen is a total hoot. She kept saying things like that and it got to the point where I asked, “Was I not supposed to be gorgeous?” Like I thought maybe there was something I was missing. She just laughed out loud and said, “No. I just wanted to make sure you knew that.” Hello? Message from the Universe - delivered. Translation – even tho I think I’m easy on the eyes, I’m really freakin’ gorgeous…refer to my own post regarding this…here.

Last night I stopped in at Rokerij to meet some fabulous new PHX female friends for a frosty cold one before I headed home (thanks again Meredith & Brandy). As we were leaving we walked up stairs from the wine cellar below. None of us had seen the actual restaurant upstairs before.

We opened the door and the manager immediately greeted us with a smile and offered to give us a guided tour. He walked us all the way around, showed us the private dining room in back (which seats 14, has a flat screen TV, private sound system and cozy, intimate ambiance BTW), walked us through the kitchen and out the back door. Sweet tour. Thanks Rokerij.  (Note: Rokerij got voted best first date by New Times…who’s taking me?).

“Deliver raving service” is one of the core values of my new employer. Maybe that’s why I’m noticing great service when I see it out and about even more. But I also think it’s because I’ve been experimenting with the intention of receiving raving service as well.

How many times do we play small and accept less than we deserve? Someone brings you the wrong dish at lunch and you say, “It’s no big deal, I’ll just eat it.” Or you purchase something online and it seems too much of a hassle to call the customer service line and clarify the issue.

This week’s PMP challenge is to walk around this world with an attitude of expectancy and receptivity. Not because you’re better than anyone else, but because you deserve it. Just like anyone and everyone else.

Show some gratitude every time someone holds a door, offers a helping hand, gives you a compliment, goes above and beyond for you. Just because they can. How freakin’ cool is that? People helping people just because they can.

Then flip that over and offer the same to people you connect with on a daily basis. At the office, the gym, your local coffee shop. How can you offer that personalized human touch right back out there? How can you make a lasting impression to help make someone else’s day a little bit lighter?

There’s enough heaviness in the world today. War. The economy. The planet’s resources burning up. How can you positively contribute to the greater good by reaching out to others? It doesn’t have to be grand sweeping gestures.

You don’t have to have the Donald’s bank account to roll like a Trump in spirit. Be generous. Extend yourself. Exercise your patience in chaotic situations. Be the calm within the storms that swirl around you.

Provide others with a safe place to land. Listen to a friend in distress. Don’t snap back at that snappy customer or client or manager. Offer that granny a helping hand out to her car. Help find a home for some displaced animals. Teach a kid how to read. Say please and thank you.

It ain’t rocket science ya’ll. Just basic human being-ness. Pour it on the people you come into contact with and watch those ripples boomerang right back atcha. It’s pretty freakin’ incredible.

Let’s think of the other people in our community as our customers. And let’s set a goal of 110% pure loving kindness and acceptance. We don’t have to like everyone to love them. Show some love ya’ll. Life is too precious and too short to be a big ol’cranky meanie. Plus, being mean ages you. Frowning and yelling and screaming and ranting and raving causes wrinkles. And it’s just plain bad cosmic mojo.

That’s it and that’s all from the PHX today. I‘ll leave you with the lyrics from one of my boyfriend (he’s not really my boyfriend but he writes poetry & sets it to music oh, and he blogs therefore he’s sexxxy)Jason Mraz’s latest tunes from We sing. We dance. We steal things. It’s called Only Human.

Peace, love & flirtatious over-the-top winks,
K-love

Jason Mraz Lyrics
Only Human Lyrics

“Who said anything about church? You can go to temple, go to a mosque, heck, Grace – go sit in a dang tree if that’ll get you closer to God.”
Grace and Earl in Bring It On Earl

“Granted, he chews tobacco and likes disco, but you’ve entered into the divine, Grace.”
Rhetta in Bring It On Earl

“I’m just Fed Ex trying to deliver a message.” ~ Earl the angel on TNT’s Saving Grace

Where to begin this random tangent? Last night (I actually happened to be home and the TV was on, which is rare with my new job as I’m usually attending some networking event) and caught the season two premiere of TNT’s Saving Grace. 

I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.  It’s like Holly Hunter’s Grace is a real person and I’m friends with her. Plus the rest of the cast had such synergy…it was like they’re real friends, lovers, family. Make believe is what good TV is all about right? Well people, I bought it hook line and sinker. I’m in. After a little clicking around I found the pilot. I gotta admit though, if I’d watched the pilot first, I’m not sure I’d have been as into it.

Last night’s episode however, was a piece of work. Drama. Laughter. Sexual tension. An angel that chews tobacco. Turns out that Grace was sexually abused by a priest at her church when she was a little girl. Last night found Grace kidnapping him and holding trial in her living room. Yes, she contemplated killing him. But she didn’t. Her intentions are good. She’s become a homicide cop to try and stop the bad guys. That’s her calling. Her mission.

I like Saving Grace for many reasons on many levels. The main one being that Grace is REAL. OK, I get she’s a character, but she is who she is and OWNS it. Authenticity at it’s finest. She doesn’t make excuses. She doesn’t answer to anyone (well maybe God…she’s debating it). Of course I also love the spirituality vs. religion debate.

After watching the pilot, I understand that Earl showed up after Grace hit a man while she was driving drunk. She was covered in the man’s blood and said, “Please God help me”, when Earl, the grungy, tobacco chewing, cowboy boot wearing angel appeared.

Grace didn’t believe in God (understandably she’d have issues from her childhood trauma…BTW, her brother is a priest) so when Earl snatched her up and whisked her to the Grand Canyon (cuz that’s where angels take people at the crossroads dontcha know?) he asked her if she was willing to get it together and stop making such fatal decisions.

Grace shows us that we can step into the shadows of our soul and use them for a force of good. We can wrap those dark corners around us like a cape anytime we need to kick some ass. I also dig that Earl doesn’t look like what we’ve been told (in most religions anyway) angels look like. He doesn’t talk like angels “should” talk. He doesn’t expect her to DO anything for God’s love. She can still be fatally flawed and fragile, even when she’s wearing her emotional amour and slinging her gun (or swinging her “guns” - Holly’s ripped ya’ll) Earl reminds her that God is omnipresent and always there.

He reminds her that sometime life sucks. Sometimes it gets low down and dirty. It’s not all hearts and flowers and rainbows and puppies. Bad shit happens to good people. It’s all about what we choose to become after we face a demon head on. 

How are you embracing your Grace? How have you taken your pain and used it to fuel your fire? Are you still sitting in the puddle of mud? Are you in denial? What might you need to face your demon(s) head on? Do you need a silver bullet? A wooden stake? A samurai sword? Some ninja-ass moves? A counselor? A coach? A recovery program? A quiet space to write it out. A canvas to unleash some wicked-ass paint at? A guitar and a blank piece of paper? Work it out yo!

I encourage you to embrace your Grace and take a baby step into the light. Do what you gotta do to get right with you. If you get right with God (the Universe, Creator whatever you call the HP) along the way, more power to you. Have more FUN. Laugh your ass off. Dance naked in your kitchen (Grace does). Work your mojo. Be good to you. It’s your trip man. How do you wanna experience it? Do more of what feels good and less of what feels bad. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. But it does require action. Forward motion. One foot in front of the other…

Like Earl says, “I’m just Fed Ex trying to deliver a message.” Spread the word.

Peace, passion & prosperity,
KK

“A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” ~James Joyce

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” ~Albert Einstein

“I never make stupid mistakes. Only very, very clever ones.”~ John Peel

Mistakes. That’s the PMP topic of choice today. What the hell is a mistake anyway? A quick Google search finds this little ditty of a definition: “A wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention”. 

What if we stopped worrying so much about making mistakes and just started living more dangerously? Not like stupid dangerous. I’m not taking about stepping out in front of moving vehicles dangerous. Not recommending running with scissors in a daycare or anything. I simply mean lightening up and taking some risks.

Today’s post was inspired by this video interview on Borders.com. Author Heather McElhatton wrote a “do over book for adults” called Pretty Little Mistakes. (I haven’t actually read the book yet, but now it’s on my list.) Remember those books when we were kids that had multiple endings? It’s like that.

Apparently McElhatton took six years off to write her great American novel and it was a total flop. She didn’t date, quit her full-time job, moved back in with her mom and spent all her free time writing. Six years later, somewhere near the age of 30, she shopped it around and didn’t get a single nibble. No takers. Zip. Zero. Nada. Big fat goose egg.

What was the prize inside that six year “mistake”? Acording to her, she hauled ass up to the attic (after she hauled her ass out of the puddle of tears on the bathroom floor) and found a linoleum remnant. She grabbed a couple of sharpie markers and used her makeshift whiteboard to mind-map/time-line her life all the way back to high school. That was the last time she remembered feeling like she knew where she was at (you folks from STL know how we love to end sentences with prepositions...it’s in my blood people). Where she remembered thinking, “OK...I’m finished with school. Now I can either…go to college or marry so and so, or blah blah blah…”.

Then she played out the different endings as if she had taken different paths. (Reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow). So she fictionalized her multiple different endings and wrote THAT book. Sure she stumbled, but she didn’t let it keep her down.

If McElhatton hadn’t made that “mistake” she never would have white boarded out the idea for the book that DID get published. The one that DID resonate with publishers. The one that landed her the interview I saw on Borders.com and the one that got her two more book deals in the works.

Mistake? Nuh-uh. It was all part of the birthing process. Maybe she needed to get that first book out of her system to create the space for the “real one” to cultivate. Sometimes we’re in such a hurry to get “there”. We often overlook the stepping stones (that often are disguised as boulders, mountains, asteroids or cosmic blockage) that are simply part of the creative process.

I had a similar conversation with my friend Katie tonight about her hopes and dreams for her future and her business (and mine too).  I remember telling her that everything she desires is already there. She just needs to step into it one day at a time. (Member THAT show? That’s another post).

It’s already on the map. She’s simply not clocked enough mileage to be at that destination point yet. The cool thing is (like McElhatton’s book) is that at any point Katie (or any of us) can turn, slow down, speed up, join up with fellow travelers, stop to camp and roast some marshmallows, star gaze, bird watch, meditate, go for a hike or skinny dip in a swimming hole along the way.

These places are our choice points. Forks in the road. Bends in the path. Occasionally we hit a pothole. Or a road closed sign. Or construction. But that’s all part of the adventure. I’m excited to read McElhatton’s book and see how many different ending’s I can try on for size.

What part of your story is unfolding? And if you’re less than satisfied, what choices can you make to change it? Which fellow traveler might you be able to hitch a ride with? Do you need to slow down? Speed up? Stop and smell the roses? Are you even on the road?

If you don’t have a map and are in need of some clarification send me an e-mail, I’m happy to lend you my flashlight…it’s kind of my thing. Maybe that’s a new branding statement for me… “Have flashlight. Will travel.”

Be well happy travelers. Make mistakes. Many. Lots. Zillions. If you’re not busy living in the here and now...falling down, getting back up and dusting your butt off again and again...what are you doing? Playing it safe? Is there such a thing? Live safely dangerous. It’s the only way to fly.

Peace, passion and one for the road,
Kam

“Music is what feelings sound like.” Anonymous

“...and dance is what it looks like.” – Kammie K.

“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” Vincent van Gogh

Due to the consistent (and increasingly less gentle) persuasion of my friend, former student and fellow blogger, Lane over at The Road Through Life… I am officially ending my blogging hiatus. Thank you Lane, I am forever indebted to you for getting my train back on its bloggy tracks (and reminding me that my final post says I’m preggers with JJ Abrams baby…I’m sure his PR peeps are sick of seeing that post come up in his Google searches).

Packed up my condo and put it up for sale (anyone interested in buying a 1000 sq. ft. 2 bed/2 bath in the St. Peters area?) rounded up the dogs, hopped in the car with my dad & co-pilot for a 1500 mile road trip from STL to PHX. Whew!

What did YOU do this summer??

Upon arrival, I had a week to get acclimated to my desert surroundings and then dove head first into my new job. Week one found me attending quarterly meetings week in PHX. Week 2 found me attending quarterly meetings week in Saratoga Springs, NY. Week 3 was back to PHX for networking breakfasts, lunches and happy hours to try and get wired into the market.

Week 4 found me hopping (multiple flights) to Vancouver, BC to shadow one of our sales managers to better understand what we do and how we do it. Ummm, can you say HOLY WHIRLWIND Batman?

You see why blogging hasn’t been on the top of my to-do list? As I’m about to roll into week 5, I’m able to come up for air, take a few deep breaths and begin to construct some sort of (flexible) structure for my new life in the hot lane (yes, it’s a dry heat but 115 is 115 people). 

Transitions can be turbulent, but they can also be refreshing. People have asked if I miss the STL. I miss my friends. But it honestly feels like one day I hopped in the car, headed southwest, got out and entered another dimension. A completely new life and a new version of me. If life were a video game, I just kicked it up to the next level.

If you’ve been reading the PMP since its humble beginning back in early 2006, you’ve followed me along my journey inward. You’ve reached out to pick me up when I stumbled, cheered me on through my wins, and laughed, loved and shared your own insights, wisdom and insecurities along the way.

It’s a little tricky to explain where I’m landing emotionally and spiritually right now. I haven’t felt much like talking about IT lately. I’ve just been loving the hell outta living IT. Ya, know?

I encourage anyone and everyone out there to blog it out yo!!! Blogging was my way of putting it out there and sifting through the dirt to find my gold (cliché much?). Only I gained the amazing gift of YOU stopping by and helping me sort through the STUFF.

All of that streamlining, simplifying, shedding the layers, peeling of the onion, deep cleaning, house clearing, roof raising, soul purging, passion pursuing…WORKED. I am on the other side of a lot of loose ends that needed wrapping up.

Love’s left lingering - completed. Fears faced – check.  Demons slayed – I’ve got the skulls to prove it. Values claimed – you betcha. Visions explored – and then some. Goals accomplished – more than I imagined. Transformation complete…I’m just getting warmed up.

It feels amazing to be at a place where there is room in my heart, space in my soul, inspiration in my cup, motivation on my list, integrity in my steps – to move forward without the constant tugging on my sleeve of the past.

As I cruised through this crazy-beautiful country of ours…Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona I said my final farewell to old energy, baggage, misty memories or shoulda, coulda woulda’s. No regrets. No mistakes. Only interesting, eclectic, simple and exotic stories to share as I step into the future.

There you have it and there you are. The bloggy hiatus spell has been broken. I am looking to post at least once a week, most likely on Saturday’s or Sunday’s. I’ve missed you my bloggy buds and hope I’m still showing up in some of your rss feeds!

I’ll wrap this up by sharing some of the things that have inspired me this summer (besides the many cities I’ve cruised through or visited in the past 2 months…Vancouver I LOVE you):

*The Twighlight Series – You know I loves me some vampires! (Well if you didn’t now you do)…I’ve completed Twilight, and almost finished New Moon…Eclipse is just a quick trip to Borders away. Edward or Jacob? Vampire or werewolf? The jury is still out for me…but I think I’m partial to the bloodsucker.

*Also noshed on Christopher Moore’s You Suck and am a quarter of the way through Lamb - The Gospel According to Biff Christ’s Childhood Pal. If you don’t know Chris Moore, go introduce yourself.

*Rock Band – my sis, bro-in-law and niece are THE premier rockers on her block. Ain’t no party like a Rock Band party!

*Facebook:

*LinkedIn – if you’re not in my mix yet, let’s be friends.

*So You Think You Can Dance – It’s the most deliciously-beautiful-scrumptious delicacy FOX has to offer. Watch it. Feel it. Love it. Below are a few of my favs this season…

There you have it.

Now stop waiting for permission to live life on YOUR terms...go forth and kick-asseth.

Your official ass kicker,

K to the K

“The final mystery is oneself.”~Oscar Wilde

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don’t let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.”~R.I. Fitzhenry

“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."~Eden Phillpotts

Inspiration is a funny thing. You can seek it out. But it often eludes you. Chase it and it runs from you. It becomes a game of cat and mouse. Sometimes you just gotta simmer for a while. Read books of a different genres (Candy Girl author Diablo Cody knows how to tease, titillate and spin a yarn - I’m also finishing Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski as well as Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth - interesting mix, eh?).

There’s one TED video that’s pushed my buttons recently. Since showing it to my public speaking class last week, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. Here JJ Abram’s shares the story of his Mystery Box. (Go watch it now!) Take 18 minutes and listen to this master story teller share his passion for mystery, talk about his grandfather and biggest fan, and infect you with his love of magic and things left unsaid.

This video’s got me simmering in a pool of mysterious, magical, inspirational deliciousness. As an Aries, I tend to be an open book. Even been known to say, “Mystery is overrated.” Yet, the older I get the more intrigued I am with not knowing how everything is going to play out.

As a recovering perfectionist, control freak and over achiever - learning to let go of the reigns and get out of the way of my own success has been a pot-hole speckled road to say the least.

Where is that pot-hole-speckled-yellow-brick road leading me next? This much I know for sure - I’m moving to Arizona near the beginning of June. I will no longer be teaching at LU, and have absolutely no freakin’ idea how I’ll be earning my keep. But for some wacky reason, that’s completely OK. Sure, I get freaked out every now and then, but the stars are aligned, the synchronicities are showing up and all signs point to the desert.

I’ve still got plans for a major PMP overhaul, but that’s second to my first focus, writing my book. In a few weeks, I’ll be launching the DLMP blog where I’ll be discussing topics based on the theme of the book. But back to what I loved about the JJ Abrams video.

He uses the example of this magic mystery box that he got as a kid at a magic store in Brooklyn, as an analogy for life. He says that each and every one of us is a mystery box. Our life is one big question mark. I dig that. Do you? As personal development fans, we tend to get caught up in the “how to do” side of life.

Yes we can live from intention and focus on how we want our days to go. Of course we can set goals to get us from A to B to Z. Obviously we have choice and free will to help us navigate the waters of reality (whatever colors we choose to paint that reality with is up to each of us). But at some point after all the commitment, planning, strategizing, and getting things done…we have to let go and let it be.

There’s plenty of room for commitment, planning, and strategizing. Just as there’s room for romanticizing and philosophizing. And then there’s what I call the X factor. It’s kind of like dating. Sometimes people look good on paper. Maybe you even see a picture of them and speak to them on the phone. But until you meet them in person, you don’t know if that chemistry is there. That magical, mysterious quality that’s either there or it isn’t. 

We don’t “click” with everyone. Just as each experience we perceive as being “right” for us on paper, in our grand plans, isn’t always the experience that will help best serve our learning experience on this planet (which also helps serve ever other person’s learning experience as well).

Life is kinda like that. We have to create space for the magical, the mysterious, and the chemistry of the Universe to come into play. We have to make room for it. Open ourselves up to the flow of it. Invite it in. Entice it with focus and passion and desire.

So yes, we need to focus on “what” our hearts desire. But we gotta leave the “how” up to whatever you call that Divine presence – God, The Universe, Creator, The HP (higher power). We’d do good to follow the advice of Henri Frederic Amiel and

“Let mystery have its place in you; do not be always turning up your whole soil with the ploughshare of self-examination, but leave a little fallow corner in your heart ready for any seed the winds may bring...”

We live in interesting times. The technology of today allows us to explore subjects we’re curious about with the click of a mouse. Blogging and social networking allows us to expand our boundaries of friendship and business partnerships.

Our digital global village has created possibilities that never existed before this time in history. All of this can lead to infinite possibility, magical connections, the intersection of mysterious crossroads, and inspiring conversations, e-mails and discoveries.

Wrap your arms around yourself and embrace the big-ass question mark that is YOU. Be gentle with yourself and your unfolding. Allow space for some mystery and magic to roll through and open up doors you weren’t even aware existed. Because they’re all around you.

We just can’t see them with these human eyes. Close them. Now you have a blank canvas. Stop trying to control when, where, why, how and with how much pressure, nudging and grasping. Sink into the comfy cushions of your desires and simmer for awhile. Hold your focus.

Now open your eyes again. See? Right there…just up ahead. There’s a sign. A song. A poem. A magazine article. A chance encounter. A bumper sticker. A link to a website. An e-mail. A conversation with a “stranger” at the airport. A question from a 3-year old at the grocery store. A compliment from a new friend. A book recommendation from a colleague. A snippet of conversation overheard on an elevator.

Magic. Mystery. Inspiration. It’s all around us. Our future is right before us. One step at a time. One conversation at a time. One moment of stillness. One deep breath. One new sight. New sound. New awareness. Look…it’s here. NOW. Enjoy!

Peace, passion and inspiration abounds.

Much love,
Kammie K. - Mystery Maven, Master of Magic, Instigator of Inspiration

ps...incase you don’t feel like linking to the video:

"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”
Mozart

“The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death.”
Unknown

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Mother Teresa

Happy Valentines Day passionate friends!

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve written, but as I’ve mentioned before, my mind is full of ideas and creations around my book. I’m not ready to share the title quite yet, but I’ll tease you with the initials. DLMP…that’s my baby’s secret code name for now. And as soon as I launch the blog that goes with it, you’ll be the first to know. 

So I wanted to take a moment to say thank you and share some linky-love with a few of my favorite people. Some of you I call friends, some crushes, some have become phone buddies and several of you fine-ass-people I’ve had the delicious pleasure of meeting in person (Woot-woot SOB Con 07…not sure I’ll make it to SOB Con 08, but I love you guys all the same).

Here are some things I’ve learned since writing for the PMP:

That it’s not enough to have a good day, we must simply Make it Great!

That it’s not enough to talk it, I must get used to walking my own walk.

That if I wanna get back in skinny jeans, it requires mental fitness (courtesy of my favorite kick I the booty Motivational Speaker).

That the glass is ALWAYS half full (duh).

That I don’t have to blog everyday to have a successful blog.

That you can design your writing life any damn way you please!

That copyblogger rocks!

And Guy Kawasaki rules! 

That even on my wacky days…I’ve still got a few Shards of Consciousness left.

I’ve learned to believe that miracles really do happen.

I’ve learned how to be a monk at work.

That someday…I wanna be an emom.

That it can be fun dating God.

That I have a HUG crush on TED.

That Seth is brilliantly wacky and I’d share a meatball sundae with him anytime.

That we should never eat alone.

That I can make decsions in the blink of an eye.

That thinking positive isn’t just lip service.

That music moves us and heals us

That I can make money and meaning even if I wanna get known now.

That creating zen habits is a work in progress.

That I’m still a girly-girl and love my lipsticking.

That the road through life is paved with gold if I choose to see it that way.

That sometimes I just gotta make a mad dash into orbit now!

Oh me oh my…there are so many others that reach out and grab me each time I sail through the bloggy-sphere. Thank you to all bloggers for stepping up, putting it out there and sharing your wisdom, silliness, beauty and passion.

Much love from me to you.

Kam-a-licious

“ ‘Express’ is to communicate, convey, reveal, expose or give. “Yourself” is YOU. In Expressing YOURSELF we want YOUR thoughts, feelings and emotions, not someone else’s. “Express yourself FULLY” means “all of you”, not a partial rendition or “playing it safe” version…

Performers, singers, artists, and musicians find fulfillment in their work because they have a direct channel for expressing themselves fully. On the contrary, when someone follows a format that is “NOT really them” or is forced to fit a mold, the same level of fulfillment disappears. What prevents us from full self-expression?
Fear of JUDGMENT.

If we can learn to “let go” of what others might think, we can be free to “fully BE ourselves” What would you like to express to the world? What haven’t you revealed yet? How can you “express yourself fully” everyday? One of our deepest human needs is to be “fully seen” by another. And, it’s so fulfilling to do so. Try it, you’ll like it.”
~Life Coach Mary excerpt from her article 10 1/2 Keys to Living Fully Fulfilled

I’ve mentioned that it’s my intention to re-vamp the PMP into a resource site for all things passion and purpose. While the physical design re-vamp hasn’t taken place yet, that doesn’t mean I can’t begin sending you juicy pieces of goodness.

I want to share with you the opportunity to experience Mary’s Success & Inner-Peace Bootcamp for yourself. For me, Bootcamp has been like having a full-time coach along with 15-20 accountability partners. It’s like a mastermind group, a support-network, a team of cheerleaders, and a band of like-minded souls to encourage, push, nurture, challenge, and inspire you.

Through sharing the process with others, we open ourselves up to deeper learning for ourselves. I got to see my own hopes, dreams, fear and desires through listening; witnessing and supporting the other Bootcamp participants grow through their own unique challenges.

I could go on and on about Coach Mary and about her Bootcamp process…but don’t take my word for it. Read what other Bootcamp participants had to say:

"The Boot camp provides both the ‘cheers’ to celebrate my accomplishments and the ‘kicks in the rear’ to keep me on track towards my goals.”
Terri Bolton/Teacher

“There is NOTHING more powerful than committing to a year long program of focus and support on the goals most important to you.  You will be astounded by what you can and will accomplish.”
Gaile Burchill, Spring Green, WI

Or visit Mary’s website and listen to the 7 Keys to Success and Inner Peace in 2008.

The other cool bonus about Mary’s Bootcamp is that you work through the entire process using Mary’s book The Power of Inner Choice as your traveling companion. The book is where the foundation of the Bootcamp process comes from. If you do nothing other than order the book, you’ve already given yourself an amazing gift. Be sure and mention that you heard about The Power of Inner Choice or the Success & Inner Peace Bootcamp here at the PMP and get a FREE copy of the Success & Happiness Book I contributed to as a special gift!

So I’ll ask you…Are you ready?

Are you ready to make 2008 your most extraordinary year yet? Are you ready for success and inner peace to flow steadily in your life? If you answered yes, congratulations! Remember, success follows a commitment to action. Sending Mary your completed Bootcamp Questionnaire and Application is the first step you need to take to participate in her One Year Coaching and Life Mastery Boot camp. Be inspired. Be enthused!

Mary’s Bootcamp keeps me inspired, motivated and focused on maintaining inner-peace and a mindset of being vs. doing. All while taking action on my projects and creative endeavors. So what are you waiting for? Click on over and get started! And you better hurry because the next Bootcamp starts Feb. 5th...so you have about 2 weeks to join if you are interested.

On another note…if group coaching isn’t your thing, I’ve got room for 3 new passionate people to join my client list. If you’re ready to take inspired action, boost your confidence, create the vision of a life based on your core values and have some serious FUN along the way, then send me an e-mail at the link in the sidebar.

Live juicy passionate people. What other way is there? Lackluster? Blue? Funky? Freaked-out? Anxiety ridden? Comfortably numb?

If you’re tired of talking about making changes in your life and ready to take action…send Mary or I an e-mail and get yourself the support you need to really live the life of your dreams. You’re closer than you think!

Rock and roll passionate peeps,
Your Coach Kam

“Hot funk, cold punk, even if it’s old junk, it’s still rock and roll to me.” ~ Billy Joel

Hello long lost bloggy-buddies. No I have not fallen off the planet. Just in a bit of a bloggy-blue period. Actually 2008 is forecasting to be a really BIG transitional year for me. I’m not privy to share all the details yet. But know that just because I don’t write often, doesn’t mean I don’t love you anymore! 

Since I didn’t have any creative spark of genius for new content and wanted to touch base with you all, I thought I’d share a couple of little nuggets I gave my class just before the holiday break. We just finished a semester that was highly focused on presentations, resume writing, mock interviews and general “how-to” do it better career guidance from me. (“It” meaning networking, finding communications career opportunities, internships and cool gigs.)

Our last day of class I passed the following out to them...some of which are applicable to many career fields and life in general, so here you go…from me to you with much love:

Kam’s Top Ten Do’s & Don’ts for Business & Life
(Helpful reminders for interviews, presentations & dating)
1. Do be yourself…let your uniqueness shine thru
Don’t be a cardboard cutout of who you think you should be, or a crappy version of someone else

2. Do be more interested in the other person you’re speaking with
Don’t be a self-absorbed ego-maniac

3. Do spell check every PowerPoint, presentation, resume, paper, manuscript
Don’t be silly & NOT

4. Do be curious – question EVERYTHING!
Don’t think you know it all…EVER!!

5. Do be proactive – seek out info, ask how you can help/make a project better or contribute to your team, company, relationships (this includes friends, family, significant others, community)
Don’t wait for life to happen to you – make it happen!

6. Do be a person of integrity – if you say you are going to do something, DO it!
Don’t be a flake

7. Do be CONFIDENT - be your own biggest fan, no one else is gonna toot your horn for you – celebrate your strengths
Don’t be insecure, feel “less than”, or needy…you have everything you need to succeed…use it!

8. Do continue to educate yourself about things you don’t know, might not be interested in (this means glance thru magazine like Wired if you’re more into In Style or Business Week if you’re into People…the competition is)
Don’t get stuck in a rut, or left in the dust

9. Do be of service – volunteer, be a big brother/big sister, contribute to your community
Don’t be all about me, me, me

10.Do tell stories – whether you’re going into advertising, marketing, event planning, broadcasting for radio or TV…your job is to TELL STORIES! Move people, influence people, light a fire under their butt!!
Don’t verbally vomit, spew mindless drivel or bore your audience – whether it’s one-on-one, broadcast to millions or to a group of two or more

11.Do always add value, offer a bonus, give more than what’s expected, step up your game
Don’t be average. Because you’re NOT!

The the that’s all folks! There ya have it and there ya are. Stick it on the fridge, your bulletin board or a post-it on your forehead. Anywhere you might need it to serve as a reminder that if you’re in it to win it, you gotta play BIG or go home. I’m working on playing BIG in 2008...how about you?

What are your play BIG or go home goals for 2008? I’d love to hear how you’re getting off the ground in 008...drop me a comment and let us know!

Peace and prosperity,
Kammie