My newsletter is late, and my inspiration is absent. So here I sit in the student union on a college campus in between meetings, fingers poised over my laptop keyboard, waiting for the muse to arrive. Supposedly, the muses don’t show up unless you do the work of showing up first.
I pause, fingers hovering above the keys as if this were an Ouija board, waiting for the spirits to resume control. Discipline to resist the urge to check email or look at Instagram. Instead, think, but don’t think too hard.
This tension between effort and flow has been on my mind lately.
Over the weekend, I was talking with my friend Ellen about big goals and visualization. Ellen works in the abundance mindset space and wrote a book called Messages From Money, so she was curious about my experience with it. I’ve always been reasonably good at envisioning what I want and making it happen (I wrote about one of those dreams achieved here).
By the way, did you know “abracadabra” means “I will create as spoken”? Ellen taught me that. Mind blown.
But there’s one particular goal that’s been eluding me, and it’s made me ponder this whole concept of effort versus flow. This goal feels like it should be flowing by now, but instead, it’s more like pushing a boulder that won’t budge. It’s led me to question the goal itself: Is it wrong for me? Or is there a minor adjustment I can make to help it flow?
When we find ourselves in this frustrating space, here are the questions I’ve learned to ask:
Am I working too hard toward something that isn’t the right goal? Sometimes what feels like failure is actually our inner wisdom redirecting us.
Can I shift the narrative and notice how much I have achieved? Often we can flip perceived failure into recognized success simply by changing our perspective.
What needs to change in my mind to make this thing a success? Sometimes the external goal is right, but our internal approach needs adjusting. Can I loosen my grip on something and enjoy the journey of achieving rather than the sensation of having achieved?
It’s all in the story we tell ourselves.
Speaking of dreams, I’ve wanted to live in France since the end of my junior year studying in Paris. My mom recently sent me a box containing research and documentation I didn’t even remember I had from 22-year-old me trying to get a work visa. To this day, I have never given up, and my subconscious assures me it’s still deeply coded with my vision by delivering recurring dreams set in Paris, everything awash in blindingly golden light.
That’s why our upcoming retreat in Provence feels so meaningful. It’s my dream finally coming to life—taking the work I love (helping people find their voice and tell their story) and bringing it to a place I literally dream about. My co-host Rebecca has her own deep connection to France, and just as the most delicious meals are prepared with love (you can really tell!) rather than effort and obligation, this retreat has been designed with love, not effort and obligation.
If you’ve been considering joining us, we have only one spot left for September 2026. I’d love to have you join us! Details are here.
And I did it.I wrote! It might not be my best letter to you, but I hope it helps, and it proves that showing up matters. 🙂
Take care out there.
WHEN YOU’RE READY, HERE ARE SOME WAYS I CAN SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR TEAM.
See a video showcasing my work here and if you need help with one of the items below, let’s schedule a time to talk.
One-to-one – Powerful Presenters mentoring: Want to transform complex ideas into unforgettable messages? We’ll work together to prepare you for your next presentation.
Your Team – Power of Story workshop: I teach leaders of all capabilities how to engage authentically with their teams, community, and stakeholders to create meaningful connections that build trust, increase team engagement, and lead to better fundraising and revenue generation.
Your off-site or next event: Lead With Story keynote: My keynote is often used as a moment of connection to open events and get the creative juices flowing.
Need something else you think I can help with? I’d love to connect.
Stay in touch.
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