Soul Pancake

I generally have at least two or three books started at any given point.  Tonight I decided to read some of Rainn Wilson's "Soul Pancake - Chew On Life's Big Questions".  First of all Rainn, or more commonly known as geeky Dwight from "The Office", has created an incredibly thought-provoking book.  It is a collection of questions that challenge the mind, creativity and spirit.  Tonight one question in particular rocked me to my very core. 

The question:  "Do you think your 12 year old self would be pleased with where you are in your life now?"

12?  Wow... what in the hell was I thinking about at 12?

I really can't recall exactly when I became fascinated by business. I know that I was rather young and that my initial intrigue was more about being a strong and confident woman.  The business part came later.  Madonna was HUGE when I was a teen.  She hit the scene and everyone was enamored with her style, moves and music and though I too was a fan, it was more her business savvy that captivated me.  She would create such controversy and I would watch as she'd have the press eating out of her hands.  Whether you loved her or hated her, chances are you were talking about her.   She had quickly become a powerful woman entrepreneur and entertainer.   I found it inspiring that a girl from Detroit could make that happen for herself.  I prayed that a girl from Ashland, Oregon could become something remarkable too.

My dreams were never to be famous.  I did (and continue to) have mighty aspirations of reaching a lot of people but never for the sake of fame, praise or accolades.  I wanted to inspire and employ them. 

I would spend countless nights (as early as junior high) drifting to sleep dreaming about my offices, and not so much the architectural aspects but the way that they would feel - the joy, the creativity, the challenges and successes.  It has always been an aspiration of mine to be in a position to build something so profitable that I could offer and provide a place of employment where everyone would feel respected, motivated and appreciated.  I know not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur and quite frankly, there are a lot of days where I don't either.  It is hard ass work.  There are countless ups and downs, twists and turns, doors opening and doors closing.  It takes a special kind of person - and I don't mean a better person, just special.  But since I was a girl, it is all I have ever wanted.

If my 12 year old self knew that I had spent the last 7 years working completely solo - oh Lordie... all hell would break loose.  So maybe that is why I am so excited about the future of Sno-Shack Bar & Chill.  It is the first business project that I have worked on in eons that will require staffing, management and a TEAM (audible squeal).  It really hit me tonight while reflecting, just how joyful I am that I won't be creating this one alone.  Ah, and it is getting closer every day...

"You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality" ~ Walt Disney

Just a few more hurdles till that dream finally becomes a reality.  30 years ago my 12 year old self dreamed of what I am creating today.  Amazing how life works.  I'm rejoicing in gratitude.

So... would your 12 year old self be pleased with where YOU are in your life now?