From Doing to Being

When achievement stops being the goal and enjoyment takes over, everything shifts. Here’s what that change looks like, and why it matters.

Dear Skateboarding,

You are my greatest teacher.

Love,

Lisa

I haven’t written about skateboarding in a while. Not because I’ve stopped doing it, but because as a source of inspiration, my wheels have been marinating in the ether. I feel so strongly about the benefits of skateboarding that it’s hard not to sound like a full-on evangelist. There’s no gray area for me. Skateboarding is completely awesome in every single way. It has changed my life and my family’s life. The lessons just keep coming, and perhaps the most profound continues to be this: go ahead, be scared, and do it anyway.

A few months ago, I made a quiet decision about my own progression. I had been feeling the pressure to turn skateboarding into an achievement—something I tend to do with everything. Lately, I’ve been taking a closer look at this pattern and realizing that every single interest I have, I dive in headfirst and push to its highest level. If there’s a certificate or license for it, chances are, I have it. Psychotherapy, Human Design, Yoga, Human-Centered Design, Creative Leadership, Rapid Resolution Therapy—it goes on and on, ranging from the useful to the wtf am I trying to prove?

But there’s no license for skateboarding, which is probably part of what makes it so great. Some people spend 18+ years trying to land a single trick. It’s that hard. And when I started skating in my late 40s, I felt the pressure. I’m a middle-aged suburban mom with an SUV and a teenage daughter. On paper, I’m as uncool as they come. At the skatepark, I’m often the only woman and definitely the only mom. Early on, when my daughter would grow impatient with my slow progress, I’d say, “Hey, what other moms do you see out here on skateboards?” The answer sadly, has almost always been “none.”

I couldn’t help but feel the pressure to represent—to prove something. I wanted to be the unexpected. And I like that role. The stick it to the man, screw expectations, the you don’t know me of it all. I like to poke the bear. But what I love most about skateboarding isn’t the tricks. Sure, they’re fun. But I love, really love, cruising on my street deck. Kick, push. Kick, push. Around the park, in circles, back and forth. Music in my ears, stealing away from the world. It feels like a dance. A space where I can be in my body, quiet and present yet somewhere else entirely.

Tricks require complete focus. A millimeter off, and you’re slammed into concrete, which, yes, even with pads, hurts like hell. I enjoy the challenge, the steep learning curve, the fear and doing it anyway. But that’s not what keeps me skating. It’s the freedom. The experience. The enjoyment. I’m here for the ride, not the achievement. Finally, I said it out loud.

So what does this have to do with creativity and leadership?

Glad you asked.

In Energy Work, the body’s energy system consists of seven chakras (there’s actually a lot more but that’s for a other day). The second chakra, the sacral chakra, is where we are lit up by experiences. It’s the center of emotions, pleasure, creativity, enjoyment, and sensuality. It’s where we feel the moment. The third chakra, is our powerhouse—the seat of will, vitality, and achievement. Many of us, around middle age, begin shifting from operating primarily out of our third chakra (achievement-driven) to our second chakra (experience and enjoyment-driven).

And that shift can feel weird.

And also, wonderful.

This change doesn’t necessarily come with a major career or relationship transition. And some people shift from a second chakra focus to a third. More often, our priorities simply change. Which often manifests as a move from leading with achievement in mind to leading with enjoyment and experience first. I see this clearly in both my creative and executive clients. This isn’t about switching careers, but redefining how they approach their work. The drive to climb higher and collect accolades is becoming less important. Instead, they’re focused on leading with meaning, working with intention, and supporting their endeavors with renewed enthusiasm. They want to be fully present in the work itself rather than fixated on what’s next.

As a mentor, this is a beautiful shift to witness. The desire to be present, truly grounded in the work, rather than gripping tightly to an outcome. But it can also feel unsettling. It’s an opportunity to redefine what work means. To uncover personal, heartfelt desires rather than wringing every last drop of achievement from the process. The question changes from "Where am I headed?" to "Where am I now?"

In Human Design, this shift is especially powerful for those with a 6th line in their Profile. Six lines move through three distinct life phases. The first phase is incredibly active—intense, full of experiences and achievements. (During my first phase, I think I lived in 12 different places in three years!) The second phase is a quieter retreat, a time to integrate everything learned. The final phase is about re-emerging and sharing wisdom, not through relentless achievement, but through presence and perspective. This transition mirrors the movement from the third chakra to the second chakra. Shifting from striving to being.

This is where I meet many of my clients. I guide them through this transition, helping them reframe their drive, redefine success, and lean into the joy of experience. But deep down this shift is also about their creative process. The book they are writing, album they are recording, project they are leading, body of work in progress - the process looks different this time around. And this is where I see many people get stuck. They are in adherence to an outdated creative process.

It’s about shifting from the pressure to prove to the freedom to be. And that’s no small thing. It requires intention, reflection, and the courage to embrace change. But on the other side of that shift is something deeply fulfilling. A life not just lived, but fully experienced.

I have found Human Design as a beautiful entryway into this shift and this new phase of creativity for my clients. Coupled with Energy Work and the clarity that comes from interacting with creativity as an energetic force, they embrace a whole new level of work. It is possible and it can be easy. Even fun.

And I think that’s what creativity asks of us. To show up fully.

So, whether on a board, in a boardroom, the studio, or in your creative practice, here’s my invitation:

Let go. Allow yourself the quiet rebellion of joy for its own sake.

As for me and skateboarding, I’d like to officially declare my intention…

These four wheels are for being. Not doing.

At least for now. Until there’s a certificate, or a license. Ha!

Contemplations

1. Have you ever felt the shift from achievement driven to experience driven or the other way round in your own life or work? What did that transition look like for you?

2. What’s something you’ve been doing purely for the joy of it, without any pressure to achieve or prove anything?

3. In what ways could embracing the process and not the outcome at either chakra focus help you reconnect with your creativity?

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Q + A

Welcome to my exciting monthly feature: Q + A!

I'm absolutely thrilled to be diving into your thought-provoking inquiries about Human Design, Astrology, creativity, and Energy Work. Your curiosity fuels my passion for sharing knowledge, and the process of answering your questions continually enriches my own understanding.

Consider this space a welcoming sanctuary for curiosity, self-discovery, and expanding your horizons. Here, you can explore the intricate world of Human Design, Astrology, and Energy Work, and discover how they can profoundly influence your creativity and success as a creative professional. It's a journey of enlightenment and empowerment, and I can't wait to embark on it with you.

Don't hesitate to send your questions my way by simply clicking the button below. I'll be selecting one or two to address in the upcoming first newsletter of each month. Your inquiries drive the conversation, and I'm eager to provide you with insightful answers.

Q: How can I tell the difference between needing rest and just feeling unmotivated?

A: This is such an important question, especially for creatives, leaders, and anyone navigating their own energy cycles. The difference between needing rest and feeling unmotivated isn’t always obvious, especially in a world that conditions us to push through, produce, and keep achieving no matter what. But there is a difference, and Human Design can offer valuable insight into how we personally experience energy, rest, and motivation.

In Human Design, each Energy Type has a unique relationship with momentum, rest, and creative cycles:

• Generators & Manifesting Generators (MGs) thrive on satisfaction. If you feel drained or frustrated, it’s often a sign that you're spending energy on things that aren’t truly lighting you up. If you’re exhausted but fulfilled, you likely need rest. If you feel stagnant and uninspired, you may need to reconnect with activities that spark joy to re-ignite your energy.

• Projectors operate best in cycles of deep focus and intentional rest. If you’re feeling unmotivated, it might be a sign that you’re trying to push yourself beyond your natural rhythm. Instead of forcing productivity, lean into rest and recalibration. Your energy will return when the right opportunity calls you forward.

• Manifestors move in bursts of energy. If you’re feeling drained, you may have completed a creative cycle and need downtime before the next inspiration hits. If you’re restless but unmotivated, you might need to check in with whether you’ve been honoring your natural need to initiate on your terms. You are designed to start the fire but not tend to it.

• Reflectors experience energy in a deeply fluid way. If you’re feeling off, it may be that you’re absorbing the energy of those around you. Taking time to step back, be in nature, or reset in your own space can help you determine whether you truly need rest or just a shift in environment.

Regardless of Type, a key way to discern between rest and resistance is to ask yourself: Does this feel like depletion or stagnation? Depletion signals a true need for rest. Your body and mind need to recover. Stagnation often signals a misalignment. You might need fresh inspiration, movement, or a new way to engage with your work.

Honoring your own rhythm, rather than forcing yourself into constant output, creates sustainability. The more you trust your natural energy cycles, the more you allow motivation to return in its own time.

For those of you who know your Design, does the above ring true? What has your experience been?

If you are curious to learn about your own Human Design, you can dive right in with my practical $37 Quick Start Guide, chock full of the foundations you’ll need to start living your Design.

Questions? Comment below and I’ll help get you started.

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SOLAR TRANSIT

In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.

2-24-25

Gate 37

Gate of Friendship

On February 24, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 37, the Gate of Friendship. This celestial transition beckons you to embark on a profound journey of self-exploration, focusing on the dynamics of friendships and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

As the sun illuminates Gate 37, it shines a light on a path ripe for an exploration of the energies that shape your connections with friends and influence your approach to maintaining personal autonomy. This serves as a gentle guide, prompting you to reflect on the essence of respect, communication, and individual worth within the realm of friendships.

Gate 37 inspires contemplation on the delicate balance between nurturing strong friendships and safeguarding your personal boundaries. It encourages you to view friendships not only as sources of support and connection but also as opportunities to assert your unique identity and uphold boundaries that honor your well-being.

Gate 37 may manifest as a tendency to prioritize friendships over self-care or projecting emotions onto others. This transit underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing your emotional needs while fostering healthy boundaries within your friendships.

Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:

1. Reflect on your experiences with friendships. How do you navigate the balance between fostering close connections and maintaining personal boundaries?

2. Explore instances where you may have compromised your well-being for the sake of friendship. How can you prioritize self-care while nurturing healthy relationships?

3. Consider the role of respect within your friendships. How can you ensure that each friend feels valued and respected while also honoring your own boundaries?

4. Reflect on your communication style within friendships. How can you enhance communication to promote understanding and mutual respect among friends?

Gate 37 offers a journey of self-discovery focused on understanding and navigating the dynamics of friendships while prioritizing personal boundaries. This transit encourages reflection on the importance of respect, communication, and self-care within the context of friendships, ensuring that each connection nurtures mutual growth and well-being.

TAPPING PROMPT

Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button below.

“Even though I struggle to create balance between connection and autonomy in my life I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

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1. What Gate 37 insight will you put into practice first?

2. What's stopping you?

3. What help do you need?

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NEW MOON

2-27-25

Pisces

Gate 37

New Moon in Pisces and Gate 37: The Power of Compassion and Connection

The New Moon on February 27, 2025, flows into the intuitive and empathetic energy of Pisces, inviting us to explore themes of connection, compassion, and the deeper emotional currents that guide our lives. Pisces, the dreamy and artistic Water sign, governs this lunar phase, emphasizing spirituality, intuition, and our connection to the collective. This celestial event occurs in the 12th House, highlighting our inner world, hidden talents, and subconscious mind, making it a powerful time for spiritual growth, reflection, and emotional healing.

Pisces, ruled by Neptune, encourages us to tap into our intuition, embrace our imagination, and nurture our emotional well-being. It invites us to expand our empathy, cultivate a sense of interconnectedness with others, and explore the mystery of life from a place of surrender and trust. This New Moon offers an opportunity to reflect on our relationships, particularly those that nurture our spirit, and how we can create deeper, more meaningful connections.

Paired with Gate 37, The Gate of Friendship, this New Moon enhances our ability to form authentic, compassionate bonds that support both personal and collective well-being. Gate 37 governs our sense of emotional connection, creating a deep desire for harmony, peace, and mutual care. It calls us to recognize the importance of true friendship and communal support, reminding us that our relationships have the power to heal, uplift, and inspire. This gate encourages us to cultivate friendships based on understanding, loyalty, and compassion.

This New Moon in Pisces and Gate 37 invites us to embrace the power of connection and emotional resonance. It calls us to build relationships that nourish our soul, foster collective harmony, and contribute to a greater sense of unity in our lives and communities.

Journal Prompts to Align with the Energy of the New Moon

1. Reflect on your relationships: Which friendships or connections are nourishing your soul? How can you nurture these bonds and create more space for authentic, meaningful connections?
   

2. Explore your emotional landscape: What emotions are surfacing for you at this time? How can you embrace your feelings and use them as a guide to strengthen your relationships and deepen your connection to others?
   

3. Cultivate compassion and understanding: In what ways can you show more empathy and kindness to those around you? How can you create a sense of peace and harmony within your personal and professional relationships?
   

4. Strengthen your sense of community: How can you contribute to the well-being of your community or circle of friends? What role do you play in fostering collective support and emotional care for others?

This New Moon in Pisces and Gate 37 encourages you to focus on the emotional connections that nourish you and align with your highest aspirations. By embracing compassion and nurturing your friendships, you can create a more connected and harmonious world for yourself and those you love.

1. What New Moon insight will you put into practice first?

2. What's stopping you?

3. What help do you need?

Ready to explore how your cosmic design can support your creative journey and leadership potential? Schedule a reading with me to uncover personalized insights and align with your highest creative self in 2025.

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Important announcement! I am part of the Still We Rise Auction beginning February 25th benefitting organizations helping to support the fire recovery in Los Angeles. I’ve been participating in Still We Rise Auctions for years - founder

Lindsay Meyer-Harley

is a powerhouse of a creative. She simply rules. This time around I’m donating a private Human Design Reading, complete with one of my over the top, way too in-depth, OMG Lisa this is a lot, custom books. Would love it if you would hop on over to Instagram and support the auction and bid!

Art by Smash and Co Creative

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And also, one more thing.

Ross Gay

is on Substack! I KNOW! Go subscribe because he’s a true gem and what he’s bringing to Substack is simply bananas. If that’s not enough he also skates, likes R.E.M, and is a brilliant painter.

MONDAYS ARE FREE

begins February 24.

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Next week in Muse, I’m diving into the paradoxes that shape us—leadership and creativity, success and failure, life and death. How do we hold both? And what happens when we stop resisting the tension between them? Ya know, just a little casual question ;)