Setting out on a new business venture can be daunting, if not downright terrifying. Not only is it a case of projecting a strong mental state of mind, but you have to stay focused, and oh for heaven's sake, don't show any sign of being intimidated. A strong will and good confidence comes in handy, just enough ego so you don't trip and fall - and of course a good support structure. Friends, family and a lover fill the category of 'good support structure' - it doesn't necessarily have to be one lover, but I'll keep that story for another day!
So we set out on life's journey, our passions, ideals and dreams all nice, tight and protected close to our hearts. We can't wait to leave school and take the world by storm. We see our names in big flashy lights - our faces on billboards (well some of us do!) Then the countdown to the last day of school. Forty days is celebrated with a huge party, and you even get to wear something funky to school. Ok, STOP! Yes, where I come from, we still had to wear a school uniform.
Anyhow, still bright eyed and bushy tailed you feel perky about the future, the world is yours for the taking - plus for quite some time you've been telling yourself - AND EVERYONE ELSE - that you're going to university next year. As you count down the days, you dream of your new life. How you'll be the Belle of the ball... Ok, maybe not quite that, but you will show people what you're made of. You will be Mister Popularity and have so many friends - you know these things, you feel these things - AND THEN THAT FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL ARRIVES!
Reality often plays havoc with a young mind, and we either adapt or crumble. Most of us - let me rather say - all of us grow stronger from punches that life throws at us - yes, even if you end up going to the army, and nothing turns out the way you had planned, during those couple of months at school as you were counting down the days and hours.
So what does all of this have to do with 'Kissing the Frog'? I could leave it all up to poetic interpretation - and I guess in a weird way it does make sense in my life.
After so many exciting adventures in my life I came to a strange point in my life where I was stuck. My passion for all things started to dwindle, I was scared of so many 'everyday' things and situations that most people take for granted. I became a recluse and only wanted those things & people around me that made me feel comfortable. That all ended the day I stood in a Checkers check-out line...
Next to the magazine stand was a greeting card display and at the top a picture of a rather fancy frog, red lips and long lashes, staring down at me. For some time I've been designing websites, but never officially gave it a name - and BOOM, as if 'Kissing the Frog' - my business got it's name - Fancy Frog Web & Graphic Design!
With my business finally getting an official title, it gave me some sort of peace, AND PRIDE! With more and more people making use of Fancy Frog web designing's services, my confidence also increased. Most of my friends cannot believe that I ever went through a period where I doubted myself as much as I did, or that I ever felt I wasn't good enough - but, yes, it was there.
Having found my passion again after such a difficult period is exciting, to put it mildly. Designing new and exciting layouts, trying to make a difference in the web community by designing sites that are different and absolutely portrays my customers, is what I strive for. Tapping into my client's energy and putting their dreams on display is what I aim for.
Having 'Kissed the Frog' and seeing it change into something beautiful, is what I witness every day, it's why I get up so early in the morning - the reason I spend so many hours at my desk every day - I have so much lost time to make up for! I have so many new and fresh design ideas I want to tackle, so many avenues I want to explore!
Living your passion every day is an absolute dream. Looking forward to getting up in the morning, because you know there’s something challenging and exciting waiting to be explored. Not one project is ever the same, each one is different - each new project a new challenge and opportunity to grow and be creative - to live my potential to the FULL.
I'm grateful for that fancy frog at the magazine stands in Checkers - not only for giving Fancy Frog web & graphic design it's name, but for truly waking me up to 'Kiss' Life and to watch it turn into something truly spectacular!
