lost in thoughts #68

Hello there! For the past few weeks I’ve been working with career/life coach, Michelle Ward, of When I Grow Up. I signed up for group sessions, and this week I’m totally inspired by my group. Without further ado, my new friends:

Michelle is my coach. I’ve been getting her monthly newsletter for awhile now, and each month I read it and think, “oh my gosh, she wrote this about me.” I decided to work with Michelle because I have all these ideas and goals, but sometimes focusing and prioritizing is really hard when I’m so wrapped up in juggling my day job commitments and Everything Little Miss. In my group sessions, Michelle helps me set attainable goals and holds me accountable. Plus, each week I do homework assignments that make me really look at myself and figure what I want or how I thrive. I look forward to our weekly calls, and I love that she’s available for encouraging emails.

Find Michelle: site • blog • twitter • facebook

Mighty Penguin by Stacy Kathryn

Stacy Kathryn is an illustrator who has been creating things her whole life. She recently completed a huge mural in her basement; it was quite an accomplishment. She also does smaller work, that’s available in her shop. I like penguins (who doesn’t?), so it’s no surprise that I was drawn to this painting!

Find Stacy: site • blog • shop • portfolio

Peonies from Sweet Eventide

I’ve written about Jess and Sweet Eventide before. She takes dreamy photos, and I’m so lucky to have three in my apartment. So how excited was I when I got to hear Jess’s voice the first time? Answer: very excited! One of the great things about the group coaching sessions is that we get to hear about and share in the other members’ successes and I’m so happy that Jess has had quite a few recently!

Find Jess: blog • shop • flickr • twitter • facebook

Robot Watts Light Blue Stationery Set from Earth to Girl

May is a graphic designer and illustrator in Oregon. She’s very eco-friendly and does most of her errands on her bike! She also uses recycled paper for her cards and stationery. This robot is my favorite item in her shop; I really like robots.

Find May: blog • shop • twitter • facebook • flickr

If you’ve read the Lost in Thoughts feature before, you probably know that I often get obsessed with some songs and end up listening to them on repeat for a week (or 2 or 3 or 4 — you’re lucky you don’t live with me). Juliana Finch’s Glass Heart, is my most recent addiction. If you like it even half as much as I do, you should consider donating to help her produce her next album; if you do, there are some pretty awesome perks involved! Check out more of her music here.

Find Juliana: site • blog • twitter • facebook • kickstarter

★★★

My favorite thing about the group sessions is feeling like I’m on a team and we’re all rooting for each other. We have our coach to help us figure out our game plan and supporting us as we take baby steps or big steps, depending on the week. Listening to my teammates discuss their struggles and successes and goals is more inspiring than I can tell you. I leave the call each week with a page full of mini-goals (plus tons of ideas and cute doodles) and thinking, “I’m really doing this. I’m really living my dreams.” That’s about the coolest thing ever, don’t you think?

Thank you Michelle, Stacy, Jess, May, and Juliana. I’m so happy to share you with the internet!

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.