Three steps
Most people have never had a quiet place to think about their story. This is that place. I send you a doc with three questions.
Where you come from and what shaped you. Where you grew up, your family, school, work, the people and ideas that influenced you, and the turning points.
What you hold to be true. What you value most, the rules you live by, and what you believe that sets you apart.
What lights you up. Hobbies, music, colors, books, places, and anything that gives you joy.
Write as much or as little as you want. We read it together, and I ask questions. Lots of good things about you come out.
Creating starts with drawing, which is a kind of meditation. Your hand moves, your thoughts get quiet, and ideas show up. We draw circles for the parts of your life and a room for the inside of you.
Then you put your story in order and fold one piece of paper into a little book about you.
This is where you live the story. You keep telling it to real people, again and again, the way you practice an instrument.
There is an old saying: before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. The big insight comes first, and then the daily practice. There is no finish line.
3 questions
Katerina is my coach. She worked through this process, and these are her answers. Her story has changed a lot in the years since.
Read hers to see how three simple questions open up a whole story, and how your own might open up.
A curious child with creative passions always dreamed of distant lands. Books were portals to possibility, philosophers kindled questions of life’s meaning, and courage to chase those dreams yielded a new journey – from housekeeping in Russia to business success in America with just $3.
People seek me for safety, acceptance, humour and soul understanding, loving my laughter and wisdom. I am here for Love of Humanity – a guide, teacher, speaker & initiate of Ancient Mysteries.
Starting from zero, housekeeping to building her own business out of thin air - all through the power of the mind, will, and generosity of heart.
I have a wisdom of an elder and innocence of a child.
We return to each incarnation seeking the joy of exploring a new adventure in consciousness; awakening to our hidden potential and unlocking the ability to create.
Each of us has a unique soul task to discover and fulfill – but we must begin this journey ourselves, no one will come and save us.
The cost of postponing dreams is high – so now’s the time to make things happen with what we have. We always possess exactly what we need to take that first step forward.
The moment we stop waiting for someone to come and save us, we begin to create a new reality. My key slogan, “Do you wait or do you create?”
I love beauty, elegance, and harmony. The sea is a constant companion – her presence imbuing both breath and sight.
Writing and philosophy lead the way in thought-provoking conversations, while spa visits and mineral hot springs whisk me away from the mundane.
When time allows for it, I cycle to inspiring music or take joy in European architecture, food and jubilation – not to mention laughter, dancing, rose-growing and tea sipping.
My soul is married to the sea. I must breathe her each day, see her out of my window.
Love speed and Porsche - I am a deep lover of all things FINE craftsmanship.
You have lots of sides
Katerina is a mentor, an ocean lover, a warrior princess, and more. Each picture in her booklet shows one side of her.
You have lots of sides too. The more we talk, the more sides show up.
Drawing as meditation
When your hand moves, your thoughts get quiet. Draw a circle. Add more circles, one for each part of your life, like family or play. Then draw a room around them. The room is the inside of you. Everybody’s first circle wobbles. That is okay.
Three ways to take part
You and me. We write, talk, and make your booklet together.
Everyone makes a booklet, then shares it with the group. You hear each other’s stories and practice telling your own.
For whole communities, like the alumni of a school or a program. Everyone shares their story, and the history is kept in one place.
Why now
I’m Tim, creative director of SHLTR, the voice of design in the San Francisco Bay Area. My creative agency works with brands like Apple, Visa, Chime, and Amazon.
For 17 years I have told stories for my clients, sometimes in a single ad, sometimes across a whole brand.
How do you tell a great story? Be human, and go for it. Simple to say. Slippery to catch.
This class started as an idea around 2016. It took me about ten years to find the nerve to offer it. A video from a friend pushed me over the edge, and I’m still a little nervous.
So don’t let your own story take this long.
We learn from hearing the stories of people like you and me. Most of us have plenty to say about who we are and nowhere to practice saying it.
AI is affecting everyone. Knowing how to connect your brain to your hands, and through them to your own genius, is a real skill. It needs nurturing, along with the craft of telling a story.
Katerina, who I have worked with on and off for over ten years, and my current coach, Amanda Bucci, shaped this class, along with every mentor and teacher who rubbed off on me.
Questions? tim@timpaschke.com
Leave your email and I’ll be in touch with the details.