For the past 24 hours I have turned off the computer, left my art supplies on their self, and made my notepad a no-work zone. Why? I had friends over. Here in Merida, Mexico! Friends! Friends from the States were passing through. It was such a nice surprise. They only had a day, but it was so nice to pretend like we had normal lives again. We went sightseeing, swam in the pool, cooked in, ate out, laughed and talked. Talked, talked, talked. Talked like old friends. The thing is, we really aren’t.

We haven’t known them very long. We met at a conference in Portland, Oregon less than a year ago. The World Domination Summit. A conference in which people who want to live extraordinary lives get together to encourage each other to do just that. Months later we all happened to be in Chiang Mai, Thailand at the same time. We spent two weeks together sharing some fantastic adventures. True bonding time.

What do we talk about? We all have big goals and bid dreams, but what’s really important is that we are all actively perusing them. We are four people leading unconventional lives in order to continue on our paths. It was so good to encourage and be encouraged by others on similar journeys.

My life strategy for success when I used to be an actor was to surround myself with people who were better than me so I could learn and rise to their level. No longer.

With a few years on me now, I have adapted this. I no longer think that anyone is better than me. Ha. Now, I look to surround myself with people who are further along in their journeys than I am, whether they are fellow writers and illustrator, or in any other field.

This is a reason I am looking forward to the SCBWI conference this summer. Hundreds of people who are actively working on their writing careers. Many who are published. Most have been at this longer than I. It’ll be my time to soak it all in. Hopefully I’ll make some new friends along the way. People who understand the journey. People to add to my support group.