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Whenever I hear the term "building an empire" in terms of business it makes me cringe. It's not one that resonates with me.

I've spent a lot of time in the past few months thinking about my business and what lies ahead for it. One of the challenges has always been that many of the existing models don't resonate with me. I want something with humans at the center, not the bottom dollar.

It was this summer during a co-working call that I mapped out my MYPverse on a grapefruit inspired by one of the returning mappers who had commented in the community about how I was creating a UNIVERSE-ity. That resonated me far more than an empire. I'm creating a world, not a top-down dictatorship.

(As an aside, I don't recommend mapping on grapefruits, at least not ones that have been treated with some kind of plastic coating. I killed a few Sharpies with this one. I'll be sticking to bananas and ballpoint pens moving forward! And yes, you can come map on a banana with me later this month!)

My MYP universe has officially been in motion for two years now. (I can't believe the 7th round of Mapping Your Path launches this week!!!). It's far from being complete. I also have a feeling that what I can see of it really is only a fraction of what is to come.

During one of the recent MYP alumni calls, one of the past participants described what I've created as an alternative to a capitalist paradigm that's supportive of people and their well-being, showing there's an alternative to how to go through life. I may not be to my destination yet, but this sure was a high compliment and reminder I'm on the right path.

I'm not here for more of the status quo.

Here's this week's inspiration:

Read.

I have never understood billionaires or the desire to be one, avoid taxes, and live in a bubble detached from reality. Over the years I'd heard stories about Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and the great appeal of working at his company. This week's NYT piece "Billionaire No More: Founder Gives Away the Company" spoke to my soul. Chouinard actively hated being on the list of billionaires so instead of being one, he gave away the company (not without a hefty price) to ensure that earnings go to support the environment. It's such a refreshing reminder that there is another way!

Listen.

Gearing up for the World Wide Wander later this week I thought it'd only be appropriate to reshare Street Wisdom founder David Pearl's podcast "Wanderful." I love that it's designed to be listened to while you walk, and each interview also integrates a prompt to get you reflecting while you wander.

Watch.

A friend recently told me about the movie "Free Guy" because it totally has "MYP vibes." Guy, played by Ryan Renolds, is a non-essential player (a background figure) inside a video game who you witness go through the monotony of life as it gets reset each time the player dies. One day he gets curious about what the players with sunglasses can see that he can't. What unfolds is entertaining, makes you laugh, and makes you think about what happens when we decide to override the way we always move through life.

Things to look forward to!

The CreativeMornings x Street Wisdom World Wide Wander is taking place Sept 22-23. I'll be facilitating two sessions (events 12 & 13) early morning Paris time on Fri, Sept 23rd. If you've never experienced Street Wisdom, I HIGHLY recommend you give it a go. Make sure your phone is charged and plan to wander with others around the world over Zoom. It's truly magical. All the facilitators are great, so don't worry if you can't join my sessions. And it's all free!

Speaking of CreativeMornings, I'm also hosting a Make a Map! FieldTrip on September, September 27th. Don't over-think it, just bring some plain paper, your favorite markers, a napkin you can write on, and a banana—show up and get curious! It's all online and FREE to join if you sign up! (The link will show you local time.)

Break from the status quo! Write Your Own Rules workshops is coming up Friday, September 30th from 5-7:30pm Paris time (that's 11am EST start), and Saturday, October 1st 10am-12:30pm Paris time (that's 6pm AEST). Sign up for the time convenient for you. In this 2-hour interactive workshop, you'll be guided through a series of exercises to help you write your own guiding principles and you'll walk away with your very own rulebook. These two hours could change everything for you!

Mapping Your Path into 2023 opens for enrollment on Thursday, Sept 22nd! You can get 100€ off if you sign up with the earlybird discount coupon code within the first 48 hours. This round of MYP is all about going into the New Year with intention to help you feel grounded, with live workshops, good times, and lots of maps along the way. Those who sign up for the waitlist will be the first to know. We'll officially get things started on Oct 7th. I've seen so many lives transformed by this experience, I can't wait to get started again!

I had no idea what this newsletter was going to be about when I woke up Friday morning. I wanted to prep it before heading out of town for a long weekend so I thought about skipping it. But then in the shower the idea came to me loud and clear.

Do you ever get your best ideas in the shower when you're not even consciously thinking about it?

Here's to trusting the flow and what bubbles up just when we need it instead of trying to force things! 💫

Anne S. Ditmeyer is a creative coach + workshop facilitator who helps people think creatively in their work and life to get on the path that feels true—and exciting—to them. The next cohort of Mapping Your Path into 2023 opens for enrollment in September.

anneditmeyer.com

Prêt à Voyager

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