Cutting around the Edges:

You know that sound? The scissors, slicing through the paper, sharp and clean. A chorus of what’s to come, if you will. That satisfying introduction to the project ahead. It’s exciting and empowering, that small fraction of the process. Tools definitely make a difference! I am learning this as a new entrepreneur.

Some days I feel lost and overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. The details to juggle, and the responsibility that continues to build. Other days, I remember to begin with gratitude and fill my heart with faith in the mission. It’s said “through God, all things are possible.” I don’t believe that leaves anything out, and it sings in my heart when I want to give up.

How do I stay focused? Raising three children and starting this new dream, shuffling the cards and trying to play the “game,” fairly and with a lot of love. With consideration, in truth, of having the attention span of a squirrel! (chuckling to myself) How could I be a Permaculturalist, promoting a dream to grow as much food as possible for my community and yet be on the computer half the day? Why couldn’t I just marry a farmer or have simple tasks? Why did I feel this aching drive to assist humanity and empower the hungry? Why can't I get out of my own head some days and accomplish the necessary steps?

Sitting in my temporarily quiet office, which is also my dining room. The sun squeezes in through the blinds and my busy mind is caught off guard, a shiny object is catching the light and drawing my eyes to it’s glistening angles, and colorful curves.

Really!? Who gets distracted in romanticizing about scissors?

I suddenly remember a wonderful project to keep me on task and reignite the passion of my vision. A vision board!

I had done this in the past and truly enjoyed the process. The idea of the “vision board” was perhaps articulated in a movie or in a training I had experienced, honestly can’t remember. The concept, however, is to be in the space of goals accomplished. Imagine money not being an issue and the vision is limitless. What images conjure up joy? What lifestyle and specific things will you have when the results are attained, when the journey comes to fruition?

Imagination has always been a strength of mine, so what a perfect way to reset, and create. Connect with what brings me joy and have a visual for when I have those moments of defeat.

Happily, I went searching for magazines and images to collage my vision together, after I blew a kiss in the direction of the scissors, thanking them for the helpful reminder.

“What will it look like?” I repeated in my mind, as I collected images; joyful children with fresh food, abundant gardens, clean water, sunshine on faces, healthy food prepared, herbs, bountiful finances, a sauna, solar panels, a team to accomplish the mission, a happy couple, tuition paid for my daughters education, greenhouses, seeds, books published, a working car…(a beautiful one at that!) and the list goes on! I diligently clarified the meaning of each image as I thoughtfully cut them out. Trying to keep my fingers from getting sticky from the collage glue, and my mind from sticking to what I thought I knew.

One piece at a time, pulling together the ideas that keep me joyful. Those magical scissors, my ally. Music accompanying the process, keeping me in the groove as I occasionally pause for a dance break and celebrate what is coming! Aromatherapy escaping from the diffuser, helping me imagine the plants I want to grow and playing a role in keeping me lifted. Completed, there it is! The future is in progress! I take a moment and give thanks for the idea and the motivation to complete it. Hanging that vision board above my desk, as my reminder (and conversation starter for anyone visiting for dinner!).

Often I gazed at those images. Imagining a healthy life for me, my family, and many others. I tried to see from the eyes of that woman who already lived there, as I diligently pressed forward. Succeeding and failing, gaining and losing, in what seemed equal proportion. Learning and continuing to believe, I never gave up. That vision board kept me connected to what I was working towards.

One year later, I asked my fiance to hand me the scissors. I kissed his well worked hands, creased with evidence from all the planting. I should probably get scissors specifically for harvesting, I thought to myself. The healing herbs were so plentiful! I liked the feeling of those particular scissors though. I used those same scissors, joyfully collecting the lavender. That perfect smell, putting me in a state of delight, I reflected on how far I’d come.

This morning, I paid my daughter’s College tuition in full, partially due to the fact of publishing two successful books. Then, I thought of the pictures on my fridge. Postcards from around the world; images of successful, sustainable gardens and happy people, well fed, and empowered. With a little help from me and a lot of faith and action, my work was truly producing positive results!

Those little scissors caught the afternoon light, as if winking at me, and I finished collecting the lavender. I walked around my new car to get into the house because my finance was cooking some fresh, delicious food. Always a nourishing treat!

Entering my dining room, that was my office a year prior, now located in a lovely straw bale structure, I looked up at the collage of dreams (my vision board) and started laughing and crying with the utmost joy!

I glanced at those helpful scissors and blew a kiss to both them and my sweet fiancé walking towards me with a full plate of beautiful food! I guess it was time to do it again… dream big and keep going!

written by: Maja McKeever