This month:

Accountability Session on Instagram Live Tuesday 11th May at 7pm (UK time)

Theme: Reducing expectations. Plus setting a project for the month, breaking it down and achieving it.

Coffee Chat on Instagram Live Friday 14th May at 11am (UK time)

Theme: being terrified!

Workshop on Zoom or Instagram Live Thursday 20th May at 1pm (UK time)

Theme: What is holding you back? A general look at mindset issues.

Coffee Chat on Instagram Live Friday 28th May at 6pm (UK time)

Theme: tbc - plus a look at how we’re getting on,.

If you can’t attend live or don’t wish to ask your question during the sessions then do email me them in advance.

Hello everyone!

I thought I’d send you an email today to officially welcome you to The Confident Creative Club. I am honoured that you are putting your trust in me and that you’re joining as a Founding Member. Things won’t be smooth straightaway, as I get used to running the Club and all the admin and technology it involves, but I’ll do my best and work hard in order to help you with your mindset and to make real progress with your creative dreams.

I put a post up in The Confident Creative Club on Instagram last week with a post-it saying ‘it’s not just you - we are all terrified’. Well, that includes me. Creating this Club was a massive step out of my comfort zone. I’ve worked with many clients on a one-to-one basis but never done a one-to-many. And there are thirty of you!

So in the interests of transparency and to reassure you that you’re not alone I can honestly tell you that, right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed, scared and wondering what on earth I’ve just taken on!

If you’re feeling scared about joining the Club: meeting new people, making changes to your life, and slowly taking actionable steps towards your goals (fear of failure and success is real) - then I can totally relate.

So we’re going to take this slowly in small steps. Nothing radical, no pressure on anyone and no massive leaps out of our comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong we are going to take steps out of our comfort zones - but it’ll be gentle. If you want to take it super gentle and just watch for a couple of months then that’s fine, too. I am very much aware that for some of you, joining this group was a huge step and you might need time to adjust.

If that is the case for you then do congratulate yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for not being vocal or for just silently watching. You’ve taken that first step - it’s fantastic! Now breathe.

My husband sent me a poem this morning written by my daughter - here’s an extract:

“And take those baby steps.

Because even an inch forward is still forward.

And forward is the way you need to go.

Remember,

It takes time for superheroes to train.”

Okay, so a few things to mention:

1. Please join the private group on Instagram if you haven’t already. This is where I’ll be communicating most and where I’ll be doing the first few live sessions. The accountability one tomorrow will be an Instagram live as will the Coffee Chat on Friday. I’m thinking of doing the workshop next week on Zoom. Don’t worry you don’t have to speak or show your face on there - it’ll just be me. BUT - I have to work out the tech first (never done it before!) so if I haven’t sorted it between now and next week we’ll do it as an Instagram Live. I’m trying to keep things really simple so it doesn’t overwhelm me or you.

2. On the subject of dates - we have them for the next few months and they’re on the membership site. I haven’t got topics for June and July yet - I’m still deciding on that as I go through your responses to my question on Instagram. Any suggestions do let me know.

3. What is this question I’ve asked on Instagram? I’d love it if you could send me a message on Instagram (or via email) telling me what you big challenges are in terms of your confidence and creativity. And what are your goals? What is your ultimate dream? Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. I’ll be replying to all of you individually - if you haven’t heard back from me yet it’s because I’ve decided I need to take time off at the weekends - so I’ll be replying very soon.

4. There are now three essays on the membership site that I’ve written all about creativity and confidence. These have been transferred from my Patreon. These essays are some of the most vulnerable words I’ve written and often come straight from my thoughts in my journal.

5. For those of you who also support me on Patreon - please don’t feel you have to keep doing that now you’re in the Club. I won’t be transferring my Diaries or Desk Stories over from Patreon (at least not for the foreseeable) but the essays will all be available every month on the membership site.

6. There is also a discount code on the site for those of you who’d like any deeper one-to-one mentoring. This code will be changed every month.

I think that’s it for the time being. Any questions or suggestions give me a shout!

Helen x