Summer is now officially here (or very nearly, depending on what day you're reading this) -- although you might not notice it if you're in Paris because the weather has been cool and unpredictable as usual. Still, summer is summer and I'm getting into the summertime frame of mind. Our three kids are doing the usual end-of-year stuff like finishing special projects (the oldest), taking very important exams (the girl), and participating in year-end events like a school play (un spectacle as it's called here) for which we are making things like a crown and sabre (the Little Guy is playing a prince). Then it's summer vacances for two months for the kids -- and all three are going different places and doing different things -- and a mix of work, family and vacations for us, as well. Plus our first wedding anniversary falls on July 12th -- but then we treat every day like it's a special romantic day (we are, however, making a weekend pilgrammage to Melon Beach to celebrate where it all began).
I look forward to summer for two reasons, neither of which has to do with the urge to bake myself on a beach even though I love being sea-side. First, I love the relaxed feeling I get in the summer months, and who doesn't need to feel more relaxed, right? But mainly I like summer because I get VERY creative in the summer months. It's like the summer brings out the innovator in me, the true entrepreneur. I start getting ideas for special projects, for new ways to reach out to more people and perhaps make a difference in someone's life. Eventually, I narrow it down to one special summer project, something that excites and motivates me, which I then work on steadily and SECRETLY throughout July and August, preparing to let "it" break free in September (or October at the latest). Maybe it's that "back to school" thing but September has always felt like a time for a fresh start, even more so than the 1st of January.
So I'm excited at the arrival of summer because this year, I've got a whopper of an idea for a project, and it's my biggest, best and most innovative idea yet! I am itching to dig in and get started, because I have long wanted to do something on this level, to find a way to reach out to more people and be of service by using what I know and what I have to share -- and now I have the perfect opportunity, plan and strategy to do exactly that!
Are you cringing at the thought of taking on a a "project" for the summer? You might believe that a Secret Summer Project could end up being just another stress-filled item on your "To Do" list, when summer is the time when you want to take time OFF from the pressure of the To-Do's. But actually it's quite the opposite. When you are working on something or towards something that excites, energizes and inspires you, it doesn't feel like work at all. In fact, you often can't wait until you've got some time to work on it! Of course, it's important to take breaks from your regular work/life routine; your kids might be off school and you need to spend time with your family, and you need to recharge your own batteries with a bit of down-time. But it's the break from routine that can free up your mind to go in new directions. Just as you sometimes get your best ideas or solutions to problems while your brain is relaxed from sleeping, so you can find inspiration for your special project while hiking in the mountains, visiting a far-off land you've always dreamed about, or even sitting on the deck by the pool in your own backyard.
The secrecy part of this project is important because when you're up to something new, different and BIG, it's never a good idea to tell too many people. Number one, someone might steal your idea; sad, but true. Number two, although it's good to tell maybe one or two people whom you know you can trust to be unconditionally supportive of you (I've told Georges and just two others besides), beyond that if you tell too many people you'll get the Negative Nellies hovering around you, telling you why your idea is bad or wrong or stupid or won't work. And who needs THAT? Better to keep it close to the vest until you're ready to go public with it.
And this year, my secret summer project is probably the biggest thing I've ever contemplated doing as a solopreneur. It will require, on my part, an investment of my ideas, my creative energy, and every ounce of faith I've got to pull it off. I can't say much at the moment about the details other than to say that what inspired me was YOU. You, the Bold Soul readers who have written to me and commented so often to let me know that what I've done/am doing has been inspiring to you in some way. I have been moved and humbled by your stories and it's made me want to do more to help other people live more boldly and create the kind of lives or careers or businesses they really want.
So for the moment, all I can say is my Secret Summer Project is well underway and I'm so excited I can't see straight sometimes! When it's ready to roll there will be a major announcement here, but if you want more frequent progress reports on how it's going (and some sneek previews perhaps?), I will be posting those via Twitter or my Facebook Fan* page so sign up on one or the other (or both!) to get the SECRET inside scoop!
Meanwhile, let me float this question for all of you: What will YOUR Secret Summer Project be this year? What will inspire you? What will motivate you to change something in your life? What do you need to clear out, let go of once and for all, or start doing on a regular basis that will dramatically shift something in your life, relationships, job or business by September 1st? What will make you feel lighter, healthier, more at peace, more energized, happier with who you are? What will allow you to finally BE the bold soul you KNOW you're destined to be?
Whatever the answer is? THAT is your Secret Summer Project. So stop putting it off and hiding behind your "to do" list and all the little things you tell yourself are so important. What's more important than being your best self? Go do it!
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*Although I really appreciate Facebook Friend requests, I reserve my "friend" page for personal communications with people in my private life, and the "fan" page is for staying connected to blog readers and fans of my writing and coaching work. So if you ask to "friend" me on Facebook, I'll be happy to redirect you to the Fan page instead.
