I’ll admit it.
I’ve been a little grumpy, or maybe just overwhelmed the past few weeks.
The to-do list never ends…
But isn’t that just adult life?
I’ve been waffling over important decisions for my projects, business, and personal life but…
Isn’t that just adult life?
Then something interesting happened today, a miracle or coincidence that reminded me we have more help available than we think …
This morning I realized I really need a guide or mentor for a particular project, in addition to those who have already helped me.
I then felt heavy, begrudging.
Who could this mentor be, and how on Earth could I find them?
A bunch of Google searches? DMs on the various platforms? Word of mouth?
How many weeks or months would it take? How exhausting would it be? Would I lose heart before I found this person?
Little did I know I only had to wait a few hours and…
Open my heart.
I’m getting sidetracked by this story but before I forget, the main takeaway is…
Don’t ignore the nudges from your heart.
I got a reminder about a monthly zoom meeting for film professionals in Montana, and for various reasons I haven’t gone to those meetings in a while. I almost didn’t go to this one.
But a tiny whisper in me, saying something like…you might as well get current and reconnect with people in the industry.
I had no hopes of anything materializing and the fact that I could stay on my couch with my dog on my lap was a big reason I joined.
Well, call it a coincidence or miracle or dumb luck but…
I wasn’t looking for a film professional as my new mentor; I’d envisioned some other kind of multimedia storytelling wizard.
But lo and behold, someone in the meeting spoke up and said they are offering free mentorship for the next few weeks. We exchanged info.
I was cautious when I called her after the meeting. Mine isn’t a film project, but I figured the worst she could say is “I can’t help you with that project.”
We spoke and it was clear quickly that she can definitely help me with this project.
Not forever, and not with every part of it.
But she can help me make it better, and get to the next step. The next step is still mysterious, and I have no clue who will show up to help me at that point.
I don’t need to know. Not yet anyway.
Today reminded me that there are people out there who are willing to help (even for free!) and the most important thing is to keep my heart open.
To not close down and assume the next step is impossible or will take years.
Sometimes it only takes a few hours and a chance meeting with a stranger to unlock your next step.
The details of your current quandary or question are undoubtedly different than my story. It might take your more than a few hours to find help. Or not.
So again, remember the takeaway:
Don’t ignore the nudges of your heart.
Your heart, or soul or a higher power, will make a suggestion that your mind might not understand or want right away, an inclination toward a place, person or action that part of you thinks “Meh. That has no connection to what I need.” But …
Listen to your heart. Or that quiet nudge that you’re tempted to ignore for the sake of reason or because it’s easier to do the same old same old.
Then see what happens.
That person, place, or event just might give you a clue or help you be ready for the next step.
Thanks for some of your precious time and attention today!
If any of this story struck a chord, please respond with a few lines.
In peace,
Juniper
All words and photos by Juniper McKelvie.
This email was sent from Missoula, Montana so . . .
Thank you to the First Nations of what is now called Western Montana: the Bitterroot Séliš (Salish), the Ql̓ispé (Kalispel), and the Ksanka (Kootenai) - you can read more about all 3 nations on their website.
I also want to give thanks to the Amskapi Piikani (Blackfeet) and the Apsáalooke (Crow) First Nations because I’ve been to and enjoyed their traditional homelands in recent years. Many thanks for your hospitality.
