I have a great friend who wants me to write a book.  “You always come up with so many ideas – you need to write a book for those of us who don’t have those great ideas.  I could carry them out, but coming up with them is a problem.”

Not for me.  Ideas flood into my mind like the tide coming in.  I call it a “God Breeze”.  The problem is, I have a tough time weeding out the good from the bad.  I tend to jump in and get excited about each one – how could I not?  They are all so GOOD!  At the moment.  Once I ponder a bit, I start thinking about why they wouldn’t work.  This is not a bad thing.  It forces me to evaluate and be a little more selective.  As it is, I go down many roads with great enthusiasm, and after giving it a shot, decide I can’t do yet one more thing.

My best idea time is early morning (well, early is relative).  I used to get up at 6 AM and quickly head out for my morning walk.  I tuck a post-it pad in my pocket along with a pen, my cell phone, and put my earbuds in my ears so I can listen to my “walking music”.  I start out with my meditation and gratitude affirmations.  I love this – it puts me in such a pleasant state of mind.  I find myself thinking and praying about lots of things – my kids, my business, friends, family, where I want to travel, people I want to contact, how I should build more relationships, ways of getting more business, projects I should finish, projects I should start, new ways of marketing, new markets to seek, new products I could make, then “bingo” – my latest idea!  It comes to me in a flash.  I see it in my mind’s eye, the colors, the design, the quote, all the little details.  It sinks into my brain and I plan it out in fine detail.  I quickly grab my paper and pen (while walking – careful not to trip), and jot down enough notes that I will remember it when I get home because most likely, I will have several more “flashes” along the way.

I’m now halfway through my walk and I haven’t put my music on yet.  I have, however, gotten myself jazzed up to get home and get busy.  Then the trouble starts.  I get so obsessed with whatever it is I just created in my mind – a new print, something to engrave, a memo to write to my team – whatever, that once I return, I have totally lost the focus I planned for the day and have to create this new item immediately.  It’s a blessing and a curse.

Lately I sleep a little later.  I’m not sure if I finally have gotten over “having” to get up at 6 AM, so my clock automatically opened my eyes, or if my rhythm is changing.  I sleep until I’m done.  I get up and start my routine – feed the cat, vitamins, make my iced tea, check e-mail, FB, and ETSY, then head out.  I feel guilty – like I’m doing something wrong – sleeping so late (7:20 – 8:00).  It does shift my day to a later flow.  I want to be fine with it – but I still have this nagging feeling I need to get up and get going.

Like today – it’s 9:20 and I’m still in my jammies enjoying my tea.  And blogging.  I’m going to get dressed now – and head out for my walk.  I wonder what I’ll come up with to consume me today?