Back Then, I Didn’t Know This Was the Beginning
My Turning Point.
Note: If you signed up for the Creative Kickstart Newsletter—I brought you here. Same vibe, same mission.
You’re Exactly Where You’re Supposed to Be
This is what I thought my life would like:
This is what it looks like-ish:
Who the hell is this guy—“Creative Kickstart”?
He looks like if Richard Simmons and Bob Ross had a baby.
I can only imagine how my younger self would’ve made fun of my current self.
Young Jonny (same height): Wait, you’re telling me you journal everyday?”
Current Jonny: Yes, it’s how I talk to myself.. it gives me clarity…”
Young Jonny: Dude, you’re embarrassing me. What else? Yoga and Lactose free yogurt for breakfast?
Current Jonny: Ummm, I gotta go - Mom’s calling.
If you were to tell me this would be my life, I would’ve laughed in your face and told you to re-shuffle the Tarot card deck -Vanessa.
I’ve had a lot of work experiences, some great, some bad and a lot of “meh”. If there’s one thing that I have trouble with is the notion that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be in life.
But - if i’m not, then where am I supposed to be?
…and yes, i’m thinking what you’re thinking too.
If we’re all in the right place at the right time, then why is it every time JB Fletcher travels, goes on a book signing tour or simply provides miracles with her presence and wit, does someone get murdered?
But you could also look at it that - she’s in the right place at the right time. Those murders might not have been solved had she NOT been there.
The Artists Way
About 4 years ago I sold my shares in a business I worked my ass off for. Blood, sweat and tears. I never thought for a second that I wouldn’t be in that business. I had no vision past it. I had no exit plan. I thought - this is my life, this is who I am.
Until it wasn’t.
I felt lost, frustrated and stuck.
Part of me wanted to go back in the market, launch a rival, and storm the gates. I knew it in and out. But, my heart wasn’t in it. The thought of starting another company, making products, warehousing, shipping… no bueno.
I was lost.
I started going down a self-discovery journey, mixed with episodes of Tiger King.
My therapist suggested a book called the Artist Way. For those who haven’t been gently peer-pressured into it yet, The Artist’s Way is a workbook that drags your inner creative out of hiding—and maybe into the arts & crafts section of Dollarama. It’s a 12-week journey of self-discovery with two main tools:
Morning Pages: You write 3 pages, longhand, every morning. No edits. No thinking. Just brain goo on paper. It’s like sweeping your mind’s front porch before anyone else wakes up.
Artist Dates: You take your inner artist on a weekly solo date. No phones. No friends. Just you and your weird little curiosities—like a museum, an art shop, or a long silent walk where you finally remember what boredom feels like.
Four years later, I’m still writing every morning—and honestly, it changed my life. Still does.
“Leap, and the net will appear.”
– Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way
Something for you to do.
DOING SOMETHING is what moves the needle, not consuming more content. My goal for this newsletter is to unlock some of that creativity inside of you ‘cause it’s the root of everything.
Instructions:
Take out a pen and paper or a journal.
Write 1 full page, stream of conscious.
You can do it now or tomorrow morning.
If you don’t know how to start, do what I do:
“Morning! ….”
I like to add the date and location in the top left corner.
See what comes up. No one’s gonna read it. Just talk to yourself.
Jonny’s Moment of Growth
I’m here. I’m writing this newsletter. I feel connected.
I can honestly say, in my previous business - I felt very disconnected even though on the surface it was cool. I started it (with partners) from nothing, by the time I left we were all across the country and in all the major retailers. I constantly pushed my own boundaries.
But rarely did I feel connected. Rarely did I feel free to be myself.
I launched 2 businesses recently: Creative Kickstart and Working Creative.
Both are apart of me. Both I feel connected to. Both would never have happened if I didn’t (uncomfortably) leave my business, go on a path of self-discovery, and read/take action with the Artist Way.
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be right now.
Start where you are.
Small favour?
Have a Great Day.
Jonny G.
If you want to get more connected to what you do, you can reply here or fill out a form here