For the past decade (perhaps even longer) I have had an
idea that has haunted me, inspired me, lurked in corners, shown up in odd
moments and basically has not left me alone.
(For which I am deeply grateful.)
From a little spark of a thought it kept increasing in size, attracting
other, smaller ideas to it like a magnet, until it took on the proportions of something
that I could envision, and desired for it to become a reality. Or as it is commonly known, it became: A
Dream. (And it is still growing.)
As with any idea that is strong, it didn't let up despite
long stretches of time or other odds, and through passion (or sometimes frustration)
it began to manifest itself in ways both strategic and serendipitous.
Hence, The Paper Compass blog came into being. It was a way to voice part of a larger vision
that I had about exploring creativity; and to combine it with my experience of
teaching the subject in an academic setting with the everyday habits and
challenges that come from living the process.
I wanted to integrate my love of paper and the tangible tools that craft
and document ideas. And I wanted to help
people develop Big Ideas that drive strategy and tell the stories that make
ideas memorable. (And because helping
people makes me really, really happy.)
Since the end of the Summer Creativity Challenges, it has
been a quiet few weeks on The Paper Compass. In addition to beginning a new fall semester of teaching Creative
Thinking & Problem Solving, I wanted to take some time to grow The Paper
Compass and move closer to the vision that I have for this incredible idea
where all my passions get to intermingle and play.
It took some work, and some trips to official looking
government buildings, but more than anything else, bringing this idea into
reality took courage. Not the leap-through-a-flaming-hoop
kind of courage that is often built on adrenaline and over in the blink of an eye;
rather the kind of courage that means taking a deep breath and telling other
people about the idea. Trusting that
they would be as excited about it as I am, or, even if they were not, being prepared to put on my Thick
Skin and keep my ears open to their thoughts. It is the kind of courage that makes you set
deadlines for yourself—and keep them. It
involves the kind of courage to share really exciting things that happen around
the idea, even when it is in the process of becoming real—like the moment you
unpack your business cards. And the kind
of courage to tell the world about the idea when it finally feels ready.
So with courage and great pleasure, I would like to announce
that I am launching The Paper Compass as a small business offering creativity
and marketing consulting to individuals and local businesses. I have already had the privilege to work with
a few wonderful clients who helped inspire me to take this next step, such as
Raleigh Green, creator of the Kids Switcheroo - a switch and match driving app for kids (of all ages), and my very talented mom with
her custom order baking business mmm…good!
Things will continue as usual here on The Paper Compass
blog with posts that continue to explore tools to help inspire your creativity
and spark ideas. I hope that you will
stop by often to learn of my newest adventures in putting the creative life to
good use and to share your own experiences.
So in celebration of explorers and believers everywhere
this Columbus Day, I hope that you will join me in making your ideas a reality
no matter how big or small they are or how much courage you possess. You may find that you surprise yourself.
Also, follow The Paper Compass on Twitter and Facebook for mini-updates on my adventures and links to great content to inspire your creative thinking.
