We are halfway through 2017. Yikes! (says a part of me)

When reflecting about the first 6 months of this year, I had lots to celebrate. Lots of lessons learned too. And, it pushed me into a growth cycle of wanting to be farther along than my "results" are showing.

So, I got into fast-pace mode. And, all the Up-leveling is taking its toll.

It's part of growth and expansion, what we are all experiencing whether we like it or not.

Not only have I began a new iteration of my work - SHINE - I’ve begun a bed & breakfast business. And committed to speaking more. And expanding my consulting services. And publishing a new website.

All in the past month. Whew!

It’s not anything new for most of us entrepreneurs who are constantly evolving and expanding.

Yet, too much too quickly brings about tell-tale results for me.

Scattered-ness. Lack of preparation for a meeting with a potential collaborator. Stubbing my toe on a coffee table (OUCH) and then a mini-crisis with family. Needing to rearrange my day to fit in some extra TLC for my stepdad who is caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s. A technology mess of backup drive not working and a new malware showing up!

And that’s how my expansion tends to show up for me. A fast and furious growth spurt that ends up with physical, emotional and mental anguish.

And, thank you for the lesson again, the opportunity to recognize that slowing down is being called for. Less DOing, more BEing.

That was last week’s show but bears repeating. Slowing down allows us to grow faster.

And, just like my daughter when she was having a growth spurt, rubbing the sore shins or taking a bath or going to bed earlier are all ways to get to the next level.

SHINING and showing up takes more than courage and confidence. It takes compassion. The full recognition that we are human beings who will make mistakes, have accidents and want to re-do stuff. It takes letting go of perfection. AND, the kindness and compassion to allow for the process to unfold. For our SHINING Self to unfold. For our Vision, Value and Voice to ripple out more clearly and consciously than ever before. And to keep growing and shifting and evolving, just as we do.

We are a beautiful work in progress. Art being (re)created each and every day.

How are you showing up?