Hola gorgeous hearts!

One of the things that really inspired me (+ still does) when I’m down in the salt mines of my business, trying to work out the next step, is listening to the stories of other business women who’ve been where I am + have had an insight that’s helped them along.

With that in mind, I’ve asked a number of gorgeous, inspired, soulful business women to share their sacred AHA! moment – of the thing that changed their business.

Today’s insight is for everyone who longs to let their creativity shine.

Lots of love,

Leonie

Just Be A Giraffe Already!!

Square Rules Be Damned!  Unleash Your Creative Self!

Oh, yes, Leonie’s wild, creative spirit rocked my world, Thank Goddess!

There I was, transitioning from academic educator/freelance writer/editor to a more focused and creative dream of teaching the world about conscious, compassionate, vegan-inspired living.  And, by the way, teaching the world while also being truly present for my family and young children at home — and for myself, while I’m at it.

There I was, taking online entrepreneurship classes (in one of which I “met” Leonie), taking notes, trying to figure out the “rules of the game” of this whole online business thing.  How does it work?  How can I create this business and be there for my family?  How do I get my message out as my unique self?

Well, I learned a lot in the classes, but what I learned that made the biggest difference in my heart and spirit was from Leonie.  

• Work just a few hours a day and create miracles?  Totally possible.
• Be present for my family and still make money?  Yep, I can, I know now that I can.
• Be goofy and un-self-conscious on video?  Fabulous.  Done.
• Be an “A” student bookworm and a woo-woo artist?  Oh, yeah, thanks for that validation!
• Use your own unique imagery?  Seriously, the drawings I’ve been doing since I was a kid, and my life-long connection with giraffes – using them!!!!
• Follow your heart over any rules?  OK, feeling a big vision for an exclusively online program, and not blogging every day — aaaaaannd, doing it!!
• Prioritize self-care and spiritual work? Oooh, yes, and watch the productivity soar!
• Be clear about money and boundaries and still be kind?  Love the living examples of this from the Goddess herself.

It wasn’t even any one particular message, but the SPIRIT of all of Leonie’s messages, that made me believe more than anything that I can really do this, in the creative way I deep-down wanted to.

Once I had all the notebooks filled with class notes, I needed a nudge to just let my creativity flow, let my dreams be real, let my light shine.

Really, the giraffe thing for me was the kicker.  It was Leonie’s e-books and videos that subtly influenced my thinking as I conjured my business, that finally got me to say:  “I want to embrace my inner giraffe: huge heart, plant-eating, peace-loving, elegant-yet-just-a-bit-awkward. So, dammit, I’m going to just Go Giraffe!!!”  And, thus, my business name, Giraffe Revolution, was born, and it feels just right.

Thanks, Leonie, for giving me that nudge.

Your colorful art and language, and eclectic, authentic videos.  Your sharing with us how (and how much) you work (and how much you make), how you make decisions, how you balance work and family, and how you take risks, and learn from mistakes.  All of this encouraged my deep, inner faith that said, yes, this is all possible for me, too, in my own way, in my own time.

So, now I am riding my own wild donkey (wild giraffe?!) and launching my vision for a Giraffe Revolution – using all of my academic and creative energy to invent a program that’s uniquely me, and allows me the business and life I want.

Thanks for the encouragement, Leonie — to just be a giraffe already.

Megan Pincus Kajitani – a.k.a., Megan the Vegan – is a writer, educator and founder of Giraffe Revolution.  She teaches “plant-based eating & heart-based living,” or a vegan-inspired lifestyle, through her exclusive, flexible online program for women, The Joyful Transition Program, launching this Fall.  She has a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, is a Certified World Peace Diet Facilitator, and spent years researching, teaching & writing about Cultural Studies.  She lives with her family in Southern California.  Visit Megan the Vegan at www.GiraffeRevolution.com.