After the show, which was really cool (especially the last number, the visual effects were amazing!), I wondered why I still hadn’t started training (or coaching) again. As some of you know, I used to take aerial techniques classes in Montreal, about six years ago. I stopped because at some point, in order to make real progress, I needed to train more, and I didn’t have the time. Well, I didn’t take the time, to be honest. I had seriously considered becoming a professional circus artist, but I decided not to give it a shot. For a number of reasons, it was the right decision, but I’m still passionate about circus, and I still want it to be part of my life. Yet, when it comes to doing something about it, I procrastinate.

No, make that a past sentence. I’m picking up the phone right now. Enough is enough.

I’ve been thinking about these six degrees of separation recently, when I realized there are less than 4 degrees of separation between me and the Dalai Lama (3), Brad Pitt (2), Marion Cotillard (2), Leonardo DiCaprio (3) or Bruce Willis (2). Working in the Swiss film industry certainly explains it, but not necessarily. For example, I’ve volunteered at a music festival last Summer, where I met Maxim Nucci, who’s a good friend of Marion Cotillard, who worked with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Most of the time, people are closer than they appear…

… and goals are easier to achieve than you think.

I’m taking one of her classes to help me with future projects, and I must say she knows how to make you want to take action!

As some of you might know, today’s International Freelancers Day. If you’re a freelancer or interested in freelancing but you haven’t registered by now, you can still follow the conference on Twitter today via the #IFD2011 hashtag. Besides, there will be session replays later on the conference’s website.

Enjoy!

I discovered their blogs last week, and I’ve been enjoying their writing since then. Jodi is an ex corporate lawyer, and Jeannie decided to leave an unsatisfying desk job and start living as a writer and traveler.

I especially like Jodi’s Thrillable Hours Q&A series .

Would you quit your job and start a new life like they did?

Relaxation instantanée.

Steven Pressfield

I read Steven‘s book Do the Work while on a short vacation and I started writing a short story right after I’d finished it. His sharp yet funny style gave me a lot of motivation to simply start something and battle the little demons of resistance inside of me.

Mark Horvath

I don’t think I’ve actually met Mark, but we were at the same conference in Geneva last May and we exchanged a few tweets. Since them, I’ve been reading about his project InvisiblePeople.tv and following his adventures across Canada, and I really enjoyed the various portraits he made of homeless people.

Colin Wright

Have you ever wondered how your life would be if you changed country every four months, following the votes of perfect strangers? Reading Colin‘s books certainly makes me want to travel more and be a little more confident about myself. Besides, I think he looks a little like Tom Waits when he was younger. Maybe it’s the hair?

Seth Godin / Domino Project

Seth Godin‘s Domino Project released a new book this week, called End Malaria. I think gathering texts from various motivating authors for a good cause is a great idea. Not only do you get good sources of inspiration, but you can help fighting malaria.

C’est encore une fois un bel exemple de découverte de textes, et c’est aussi pour ça que j’adore les métiers de réviseur/correcteur et de traducteur.

Et comme une bonne nouvelle ne vient jamais seule, il y a de fortes chances pour que je le rencontre et que j’aille faire une retraite en Inde pour bénéficier directement de sa présence!

The two artists I want to dedicate this post to are musicians Greg Laswell and Ryan Star.

I discovered Greg’s song Comes and Goes (in Waves) when I had just moved back to Switzerland, in 2008. Things weren’t easy, and his song comforted me like nothing else could. It was like a universal voice telling me: “You’ll be fine.”

Thank you Greg.

A few months later, in 2009, I discovered Ryan’s song Brand New Day through Lie To Me, a show on which Tim Roth had the leading part (most of you know how much I like him, what a pity the show’s been canceled). I think I’ll always remember the day when I was sitting in a park, smoking too many cigarettes and repeatedly listening to that song. There was something difficult I had to go through, and I needed to accept it. For some reason, “Brand New Day” gave me courage.

Two weeks ago, I discovered another of Ryan’s songs, Last Train Home (yes, I’m slow sometimes). Same thing, whenever I listen to it, I feel stronger. My situation’s very different, but it still gives me courage.

Thank you Ryan.

I hope you two get to read my posts so you know your music makes people happy and can even help them.

- “Yes, you can use it to heal wounds.”

- “Exactly.”

Both our voices were soft. A glimpse of a connexion between us. Getting to know someone is a beautiful and complex process, regardless of the outcome.

May you feel the protection of “angels”, wherever you might be.

Je suis fière de te donner des ailes, quand tu ne les fabriques pas tout seul, et je veux te voir. J’aimerais tant que tu ailles jusqu’à t’incarner… J’aurais tant de choses à te dire. Je te prendrais dans mes bras et me blottirais dans les tiens. Je serais ton origine et ta muse. Je dormirais à tes côtés, nous nous passerions nos rêves et nous rassemblerions au milieu des rivières, en oubliant les rives. Si seulement tu pouvais prendre chair et sang.

Then why am I writing this in an Inspired By You! post? Because, even if NaNoWriMo and Inspired By You! don’t seem to be connected, I noticed that a good challenge is something I might need right now. Obviously, it won’t help IBY! (and I might even have no time for it in November), but I’ll be pushing myself and, if I achieve the goal of writing 175 pages, I’ll be really motivated to accomplish more, and more difficult tasks.

What are your current challenges?