fifty coffees by the numbers.

Thank you to everyone who is reading this, right now. I started this project as a personal creative outlet. But now, your interest and inspiration are fueling me to keep going. Ten down, forty beverages to go! 

Where's my head at?
I'd love to say that my mind is clear and I see a clear future path. Nope. I feel even more confused about what's next than I did when I started this thing. I've been talking, reading, watching -- collecting and absorbing a lot of information. And while I've been giving myself time to weed through my interpretations, my brain is on overload.

On a positive note, I feel invigorated! I am confident that possibility surrounds us all, and as Ellie Goulding says, Anything Could Happen. 

What has changed?

1. Yoga practice.
   The best purchase I've made since March 1st is my unlimited month-long pass to Kula Yoga in Williamsburg. From March 15 - April 15, I was structuring my days around yoga classes, practicing five times per week. My mind and body haven't felt better in years. As soon as I have an income again, I'll be back in the unlimited monthly routine (YO, KULA. Hook a sister up!)
2. I'm at home, a lot.
   I've been writing at local coffees shops and from my apartment. Writing is a solitary exercise, and some days, I miss the buzz of a team-oriented office space. 
3. I feel like a creative!
   I've spent many years supporting other people in his or her creative roles, never considering myself "creative." Through this project, I am unleashing my own creative confidence and it feels GOOD. 

Observations

• I am enjoying having an active and productive medium to engage with my friendship circle. These official coffee meetings are purposeful blocks of time spent together. I sit down with friends with a topic and goal. 
• The first ten coffees are shining a light on the type of people I am drawn to. I see a through line of individual thinkers, entrepreneurs and courageous risk takers. The people we surround ourselves with influence us in subtle yet profound ways. My circle of friends is astounding!
• On the other hand, am I only seeking out people who reinforce my beliefs? Maybe it's time for me to shake things up, and sit down with an individual who challenges my thinking. This great INC. article explains why that's a good plan. 
• Writing, in general, and articulating big thoughts about complex human beings are really difficult tasks. I have a new appreciation for journalists, authors, bloggers, etc.  
• Everyone could benefit from having an editor you trust. Someone who knows you well and understands what you're trying to say. My editor is one of my best friends, and has helped guide my writing in remarkable ways. Don't be afraid to ask your circle of friends for help. 
• A big website wrote a feature about the project! I didn't see that coming, and must admit that I was very excited. Makes this all feel too legit to quit. 

Common themes

• Vulnerability and openness have powerful positive affects. 
• It's important to give ourselves time and space to explore our own processes of self discovery. 
• Believe in yourself, get out there, and take action, even if it's a small one. 

Big Questions

• Can the coffees process really help me determine what's next?  
• Is fifty coffees just an elaborate procrastination?