@David – Mr Paaaants! It’s so true! There was a time when I really wanted the logo and the business cards (and they still come up now and then). But once I started looking at the qualities I was wanting and needing, it was pretty clear those things wouldn’t really help. And it’s so much easier to forego unnecessary spending when you know why you’re not spending.

@Elizabeth – Sometimes I don’t know what the “correct” underlying quality is for what I’m wanting, either…for movement maybe it’s “support”? But I think it’s more important to name it in whatever way is meaningful for you, rather than worrying about what’s right. And it’s funny that you mention African drumming. In college I had the opportunity to take a Ghanaian drumming class (for credit, no less!) but I didn’t do it because I was too self-conscious. To this day I regret it!

My quick list is sovereignty, safety, movement (I don’t think that’s a quality, but I am not sure what quality reflects it – I need some sort of quality around honoring myself and my need around movement and self-care, maybe sovereignty would cover it), creativity, play, connection, love, kindness. It also tells me that the things I do want to invest in as I move into self-employment are the right ones: yoga, self-care, and there are a few people I want to work with. There is also an African drumming class that I have been really wanting to take, but the timing is never right; that would totally fit with lots of my qualities!

Actually, that list tells me that it is time for my temporary break from volunteering to be over. Wow, I really love this way of looking at things via using qualities. Thank you for sharing this with us.
elizabeth´s last blog ..for josiane

So often I talk to people who are just starting their business and the first thing on their list of things to invest in is stuff like biz cards, logo, letterhead, etc.

Especially if you have an online business, those things can wait. Wait!

Investing in things that will help you create the thing you really love (like Havi and Hiro) are so much more valuable in the beginning.

I did it backwards (which is partly how I know. Fail!). So now I’m looking to invest in things that will help me connect with people and create the stuff that will affect change for my people.
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I’ll have to think about this for a while to come up with a more complete list, but some of the qualities I want in my life are: stability; support; sovereignty; connection; creative play; humor and love.

Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom in such a loving and practical way. Your course is going to be amazing.

Love, Hiro
Hiro Boga´s last blog ..Responsibility Troll, Meet the Angel of Responsibility