I’ve worked on many large corporate websites {Adobe.com, Mattel.com, BEA.com} over the last several years and can share firsthand that the caliber of intellect and skillset required to pull those off is immense. There are several different key roles that factor in to the ongoing design, production and maintenance of these sites. Most people would never even venture to dip a toe into the programming world. And that is precisely why I whole heartedly embrace, use and recommend WordPress. WordPress exemplifies what the programming world is truly about ~ community and innovation. There are a ton of programmers out there that absolutely *love* to program their little heart out and come up with the next bell and whistle or functionality solution. Most of them have side projects and donate much of their programming time simply because they love the challenge of it and truly want to share their work. If you’ve ever known a programmer well you know what I’m talking about ~ it’s an incredibly generous community. In my work with developers I have found them to be some of the most generous and kind people of the human race. But they are understated and so most people don’t know this about them. They are understated precisely because it is in their very nature to be so ~ they are constantly in their heads solving problems, not talking about them.

The way the WordPress community works is that you have this amazing group of highly motivated and passionate developers who absolutely love to contribute their talents, skills and knowledge to make the WordPress platform a better piece of software for all who use it. It’s like having an entire army of super talented developers working on your behalf to ensure that your core website software is top notch. Even large corporate web teams cannot compete with that, let alone the average business looking to market, educate and make money with their website. It has leveled the website playing field for small businesses in a way that was unheard of 5 years ago. These guys {and some gals! yay! go ladies!} contribute their programming brilliance to creating what WordPress is today. You do not buy WordPress ~ it is *FREE*. It is a core piece of software that you then build all your fancy pants designs upon {that’s what I do, the fancy pants part.} It is a true community in the sense of every word ~ these folks get together, come up with new ideas on how to make it better, start writing code, test it, solicit feedback and rinse and repeat until they have a great piece of software that they then release and make available to the world. WordPress people are *fanatical* ~ which is a good thing because it’s part of why you get a top quality piece of software on which to build your website or blog.

If this was the only reason I choose WordPress it would be good enough ~ in my next post however I’ll share another one.

I’ve been implementing the GTD methodology into my life for the last 3 years and it has been life changing for me. It’s not a “system” or a “process” ~ it’s truly a lifestyle change that can affect every aspect of your life if you so wish. I have tried and used many productivity tools and systems over the years {Steven Covey was a favorite for some time} and the GTD methodology has staying and life altering power like no other. A key phrase of David’s is “relaxed focus”. Sign me up!

The whole  premise of GTD centers on a 5 step workflow: Collect, Process, Organize, Review, Do. It all sounds so simple…and it is. But simple is rarely easy and this is no exception. GTD is a blend of Zen philosophy balanced with practical application that, when used consistently, provides a peaceful state of mind that I can usually only find when I’m doing yoga or meditating.

I encourage you to read his latest newsletter and see if you can’t find a bit of yourself in it. And then head on over and pick up a book or a CD of his ~ you will love what he has to say and how it will change your thinking and subsequently, your way of doing things.

2 parts of design co-exist: the strategy and the implementation of the design solution. In actuality, design has always been about the solving of problems. In fact, the core theories of design center around geometric principles. What has recently occurred, however, with the accessibility of software, hardware, internet connections and information is the illusion of design as a commodity. When you focus solely on the form of design then design can indeed become a commodity. Understanding the relationship of how design solves problems is a strategic way of relating the design principles to the problems a business is trying to solve. “We need more clients.” “People think we’re not serious enough.” “We want to be seen as experts/authorities in our field.”

The very need for businesses to distinguish themselves in a sea of commoditization drives businesses to seek out professionals who understand the strategy of design and can then implement these specific solutions just as effectively. An exploration for the soul of a business begins, whereby people understand their own uniqueness and how they add value to the lives of their clients or customers.

Nobody wishes to view themselves as expendable and by doing a bit of soul searching and top level thinking we are able to understand those differences we each behold. Strategy in design helps us to then communicate well what a business’ true strengths are and hence, work to find solutions for those hard to solve problems.

I’ve found that when I reconnect with this super top level purpose – my goal of empowering and supporting women through their businesses – it’s like the best energy booster I have. Clarity ensues. Things just GET DONE. I don’t get stuck in resistance and things continue to flow forward. Progress happens. It’s this super top level goal of mine that keeps me focused and troubleshooting straight through nearly any block that surfaces. Even when I’m challenged with my own life stuff when I remember this goal those same life stuff things don’t diminish but somehow working towards this goal helps me to also work through the life stuff I may also be experiencing at the time.

Namaste.

Each month we select a charity and donate a portion of our profits to it; these charities range in purpose so please send us an email if you have a good charity in mind. We are in business to serve – both others and ourselves – for serving is truly one of the greatest ways we can offer the gifts we have.

Namaste.

Image via Wikipedia

Empowering women is one of the most effective ways to restore balance into our fear-driven society. I have been very blessed to have been brought together with many beautiful, inspiring, driven women who love from their heart and walk a common path of womanhood.

When feminine energy is collected and harnessed effectively it acts as an incredible force of progressive movement governed by compassion and love. It cares deeply for others and is extremely supportive and collaborative.

Women in the US have the privilege of choosing a wide variety of lifestyles. While our country is far from perfect we do have more opportunities to create a life we love than most countries at the present time.

To that end we must also work toward supporting our sisters internationally. A dear client {and now friend}, Linnae Gomez of Asiel Design, lent me the book Three Cups of Tea. In it the author discusses how community change occurs when you educate girls and women. It speaks to the heart of how we create change through love, education and peace.

Choosing love over fear {thank you, Marianne Williamson} is a life long evolving process. We have a world largely driven by fear and it affects so many of our most minute and major decisions and actions, many of which we are completely unaware. A commitment to self-awareness helps substantially; watching ourselves – our thoughts, our behaviors, our actions, our patterns can change our life. Questioning ourselves – why we resist, what do we resist, what does that resistance have to teach us? We spend so much time questioning others when we could redirect that energy within to burn our lights brighter.

It is our responsibility – our DUTY {a word I’ve embraced and learned to adore from listening to Indian men speak of their expectations of themselves} – as women living during this time to recognize our love as the most powerful expression of our being.

So pare this all down to day to day. What does it mean for me during the waking hours? Here’s one: It’s why I chose my career path to be one of service. To women, to all. To encourage, to be the push sometimes, the receiver at others. It means going above and beyond what legal contracts say I will do because it is my privilege AND my duty.

Namaste.