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Hello friends,

As an introvert in a profession that involves more engagement than I might naturally seek out, I spend my down time looking for patterns between projects, relationships, and the things that come across my path. This week I've been surrounded by friends and colleagues feeling a call to get quiet and engage in deep work.

One is facing a life-threatening health diagnosis and has decided it's time for a change. Another received a call this week at 4 am alerting her to a fire that nearly destroyed her brick-and-mortar event space. Another is a CEO who's contemplating ways to be more creative about how she approaches her audience. Another is about to leave her community and relocate to another region to start a school.

All report feeling this call to something new, and describe the soup of emotions that come with it: a need for quiet, a desire for accountability, a friend to listen, excitement about what's next, and big ideas about what's possible. A few of them expressed grief about letting go of something in order to welcome what's next. They're in a water phase, which, in the life cycle as expressed in the fire-element theory, is a period of rest and contemplation as one anticipates their next move. Think of it as a mother's womb, a safe, quiet space full of nutrients and protection, ready to create something miraculous.

I am also in a water phase post-TEDxSanDiego. I have about two months before my daughters are home every day during the summer, so I'm starting a deep dive and making the most of this time before things shift. Details are below.

In addition to coaching, facilitating, and organizing events, I'm working on ways to serve more people. Last year I developed a framework for a course meant serve courageous storytellers. It is beautiful and nourishing for the senses. As I continue to hone and refine it, I'm also fleshing out courses for speakers who want help:

• managing common symptoms like anxiety and stage fright
• communicating in ways that are more creative and inspiring
• communicating more effectively as a leader

In addition to these quiet projects I'm also:

• Mulling the way hidden biases against creatives hold us back from much-needed innovation and change
• Planning watch parties to celebrate the release of the latest TEDxSanDiego talks
• Brainstorming an event built around public art, community, and powered by youth
• Crafting a presentation for adolescent girls to empower them to face an media-filled world
• Continuing to read Cues and The Science of Storytelling (again) - I love both for different reasons
• Practicing my improv storytelling skills this morning with Speaker Nation (while breathing through my performance anxiety)

I'm hosting a shame-free, unofficial book club meeting to discuss Cues on Thursday, May 5th at 9 am PDT. The author, Vanessa Van Edwards, is a seemingly bottomless resource for those of us who love to study how people work and why they do what they do. Come nerd out with me whether or not you've read the book!

That's all for this week. If something here resonated with you, or if you have questions about what I've shared, reach out and let me know. Share your progress and your own projects. Witnessing each others' creativity only serves to help us all grow! Until next week, be well!