SNAIL JAIL.

My virtual community gets all the random overshares before I have time to really marinate on the story and its ‘lesson’. (Take this upper body class to hear the stream of consciousness snail tale and regret having arms all in just 35 minutes.)

This week is no different.

I had a meeting with Beau’s teacher who is just amazing. She’s focused, energized, patient, creative and a big time Swiftie.

As I was saying goodbye to her, I said “What are these paper creations all over the kid’s desks? They look like home made mini Barbie houses.”

She said “oh…yeah, those. It’s gotten a little outta hand.”

It turns out every 5th grader has a ‘silent snail’ (a plastic thumbnail size snail) that lives on the corner of their desks. Apparently if you are too chatty or just straight misbehaving in class, your snail goes to SNAIL JAIL.

At some point, the kids started making their snails little sofas and beds and then that casually evolved into 2 story houses with interior decor made from copy paper and scotch tape. Y’all. I liiive for this shit. I don’t know why. It just gives me life.

Later that week, we’re driving to school and Beau is like “By the way, I need $6 for Chelsea so she can build my custom snail house.”

Me: “Umm, what.”

Beau: “Chelsea is charging money for a snail house build. She makes the best ones”

Me: “Wait, this is brilliant. So you all are paying her to build your snail houses?”

Beau: “yeah and I need another $3 because I want a 2 story house with a balcony, a basketball hoop and a gaming lounge.”

Me: “I am speechless. She’s a genius. Beau do you understand how resourceful this is? She is so entrepreneurial!”

Beau: “Yeah and she made a google spreadsheet with how much each add on costs.”

Me: “I freaking love it. Also, have you tried to build your OWN snail house?
I’ll help you. This will be fun.”

Beau: “Ugh fiiiiine.”

Photo by Chiara F on Unsplash

If there is one thing I want my child to learn, it’s resourcefulness. This was such a perfect teaching moment for both of us. Because of Chelsea’s ambition and clever opportunistic take on “snail house builds”, I can now show Beau that it’s worthwhile to think big. More than half the class was asking her to make them and she said yeah, I’ll do that and PAY ME. LOLLLLL. Get that bag, Chelsea!!!

My message is not figure out a snazzy way to make money but rather if there is something of value that you bring to others naturally or joyfully already, maybe it’s beneficial to brainstorm on how this can scale and how you can reach more people.

My podcast is an obvious example. I love talking to interesting people. I love learning. I’m snaily (that’s slow like a snail) in marrying these two enjoyable tasks together but I see the big picture. I can utilize my interesting connections —> find sponsors —> create a successful passion project that ultimately challenges me and brings useful information to a wider audience.

One sure fire way to make an impact is to fill a hole. I’m sure you’ve heard this or maybe even built an empire on this exact reasoning but the value cannot be overstated. Often times your next big move comes from the grimy trench you’re (potentially) clawing yourself out of in this season of your life. My lessons have taught me to never assume my darkest hours are simply that. Every dark hour (and I’ve had a few) are the holes I’ve climbed up and out of with more wisdom, more grace for myself, and ultimately a new lease on life.

Back to snail jail … I want to be clear: I’m not demonizing the snail’s pace. Often when I hear mention of a snail the first thing I think about is how slow they move. When we’re talking about humans we can see how non action over time is a waste of your precious, unique offering to the world. Snail Jail is for the chatty Kathy’s and the slow-to-evolve Stevies. If your name is Kathy or Steve, I’m so sorry - I’m talking about the “other” Kathy’s and Stevies. Nobody wants to be in snail jail and yet we imprison ourselves regularly by not exploring and sharing our gifts.

If you’re worried about succeeding remember this … success and failure are conceptual. They might be considered measurable in some circles but ultimately YOU decide where and when you’ve succeeded and where and when you’ve failed. Undoubtedly they will merge together to prop you up as you continue on your life’s path.

The only real mistake is not trying.

Even snails, as slowly as they go, make an effort.

OKAYILOVEYOUBYEEE,

xx

Nic.

ps. ps. CLASSES THIS WEEK:

* Tuesday QUICKIE YOGA (today) 12-12:30pm pst. $10. This is a well rounded, accessible yoga flow paired with music that includes mobility work and a 5 minute savasana. It’s meant to be a community offering at $10 a class and if you need financial assistance, just reach out. Hope to see you soon. Sign up here.

* Saturday FULL BODY STRENGTH 7:15-8am pst. $20. This is part of the MARCH FIT program but open to anyone. We begin with CARS, strength train lower and upper body, enjoy 2 dance breaks, and then end with a 5 minute guided meditation. Come for the dancing, stay for the booty pump. LOL. It’s all levels and the weekend energy is always a delight.  Sign up here.

* Saturday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW 9-10am, 10:15-11:15am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

* Sunday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW. SUBBING 9:30am, 10:45-11:45am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

pps. EPISODE 12 OF SHOCK AND YALL IS OUT NOW. Today I’m speaking with one of my closest and dearest friends, my children’s book publisher, my 4th elephant (ps there is no order) the beautiful and wise SAMANTHA JOY. We unfortunately suffered great personal losses just weeks after one another and have been to hell and back in our grieving and our attempt to understand life as we’ve known it. This episode is full of intimate shares and deep thoughts. So excited for you to hear this one. Please share, like, comment, download and review. Or pick one but get excited because it’s good!