I love, love, love to see someone feel awesome about something they’ve done. Their shoulders square up a bit, the corners of their eyes crinkle slightly, and a hint of a smile starts to spread across their face. That’s why, nine times out of ten, I’d rather show you how to do something than just do it for you. Sure I can stand back and say, “Looks good!” But allowing you to have that moment for yourself? Priceless.

Friday of @Alluminare tweeted the other day “It has always been our opinion that our customers are the designers. We are the facilitators of design.” Hear that? Empowerment. Alluminare* provides a platform for anyone to be a great designer.

I have recently had the pleasure of judging a contest with Christopher Lowell**. I have been a fan of his for YEARS and you know why? Empowerment. He’s always showing people how to do cool stuff. I love it. Just watching his show will make you feel like a rockstar.

In conversations it’s often expected and/or acceptable to downplay your accomplishments, to not take any credit for anything. It makes me uncomfortable. Would you let someone talk about your best friend that way? Sure, there’s a fear of sounding prideful, but we’re all adults here, and we know when we’re being arrogant. What about genuine, unabashed pride in a job well done?

Everyone needs their own moment, their own moment to stand back and feel awesome about something. What are you good at? What have you done that makes you smile at yourself? Did you surprise yourself?

For me, recently, I’ve been shocking my own socks off with the level of detail I’m able to draw. I had no idea I had that ability! Now if I could just find smaller pens…

What’s your awesomeness? What makes you feel like a rockstar? Come on… Dish.

*Affiliate. If you buy my stuff over there, I can get that new pair of Chucks I’ve been eyeing.
**Not an affiliate link. I just think he’s amazing.