Creative Path Studio: Trish Roque’s blog, studio, and musings on living a purpose-filled life.

I read an article in the New York Times recently, an article that tugged at my heartstrings and made me ask myself once again, what am I doing?

The article was about elephants, and more specifically, the crises we have put elephants in, and how elephants are responding to that crises. These elephants are not doing well. I’m saddened by this. I also became overwhelmed by the feeling of wanting to do something to help.

I love these big beautiful creatures — ok, I’m really a sucker for all critters, but elephants have a special place in my heart. The first non-abstract, non-stone-carving sculpture I ever made was of an elephant. (If I ever find the cast of that elephant, I’ll post the photos.) I made drawings of them - an homage of sorts to these beautiful, social animals.

This article led me to the websites of the Elephant Sanctuary and PAWS, two organizations dedicated to providing sanctuaries for elephants (and other creatures in need). As I read about the work of these organizations, I felt that tug again.

I don’t exactly know what that tug is about. I know it’s important and that I must explore its message.

I started my week by telling a client that I could no longer work with him. This was not a fun experience although it helped me to clarify what it is I am willing or not willing to do. What other lessons can I take from this?

1. Know my business, and when to say no. Ok, this seems straightforward but if you’re like me, a person who has difficulties saying no to projects, this lesson can be elusive. This is especially true for freelance designers and artists, for whom it may be easy to accept projects that they may not normally accept because of a dire need to pay the mortgage and buy groceries. In this case, I accepted a project before I completed my business plan (I confess I’m still not finished with it) — and before truly asking the question, “Does this project fit in with the scope of what I want to do?” Initial red flags came up that I ignored, and ultimately, not trusting my instincts was my biggest mistake.
2. Manage time efficiently. I suspect that this will always be a challenge, but it is important that I manage my time well. I said goodbye to one client, and by the end of the week, found myself with two clients who are anxious to get their site up. I am currently in a state of transition that has me keenly aware of how valuable my time is. Some ideas:

• Track quantifiable time: it may sound obvious but this was a challenge with the client I am no longer working with (I was on a commission basis and for reasons that are now clear to me, I will not do any commission work)
• Give myself actual working hours: this is really no different from a 9 to 5 job, and again, this may seem obvious but it is a challenge for the small business person.

3. Take better care of the boss. What does this have to do with starting a business? Well, if I am to be my own boss, I can’t afford to have my body give out on me. I’ve been nursing my lower back all week and this has kept me from doing any work. Sitting in front of a computer is not the best activity for my lower back right now, but neither is hiking or swimming. I enjoy all these activities and it has been tough to stay away from the computer, the hiking trails, and the pool. Yes, I’ve gone to the doctor but hopefully, this will resolve itself very soon without the use of prescribed drugs (though they’ve really helped!). And yes, the title of this post was a pun intended!

I’m sure I’ll revisit these topics in further detail as my journey continues to unfold.

I begin with a list I wrote in my journal one sleepless night this week. It’s a list of ways to improve the quality of my life (not in any particular order):

• Draw, observe, and really SEE. Not because I want pretty pictures, but because the ability to SEE and observe is the true payoff. Once upon a time, 10 years ago, when I was drawing consistently, I was seeing in this way. From what I recall, it was pretty damn amazing.
• Meditate. Sit zazen, and really stick to it. Zazen grounded me in a way that I notice when I am not practicing zazen. These last six years have been very long without that solid grounding.
• Refuse to let fear stop me. Breathe, and proceed. Ten years ago, fear never stopped me. I would ask myself then, “What is the worst possible thing that could happen? And what are the chances that worst case scenario would occur?” The answer was always slim to none. Breathe, and proceed.
• Be honest, but kind, to myself and others. It’s basic and it’s simple.
• Wealth is a mindset. That’s the lesson, among many, to learn from living in Santa Fe. This will be the year I begin to manifest wealth in the Bay Area.
• Laugh more. Have fun. Get out often. See art, go to openings, and really enjoy life.
• Blog from the heart. Because I am passionate about my calling, whatever that may be - creativity, art, community - that’s why it’s called Creative Path Studio.
• Surround myself with others who have the same values as me. People who enjoy their lives and what they do for a living have infectious energy.
  
• Stay positive. Optimism can and has truly taken me far.
• Do what I love. Love what I do. And maybe that means loving a number of endeavors, not just one.