This past summer I FINALLY launched my first online program.

This cracks me up because I hesitated for so long, waiting for the “perfect” moment. What’s funny about that is my “perfect moment” ended up landing in the middle of a global pandemic that essentially shut down the world’s economy. Nothing perfect about that. 

One of my goals was to see if I could generate $10k with my first program. I ended up making $13,500 which was really cool. I also probably learned more in these past 12 weeks than ever before. 

In this video I share 7 things I wish someone would’ve told me before launching. 

Hope you enjoy the video. If so, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and share the love. Each week there will be new videos including more how-to videos, podcasts, tutorials and guided meditations to help Creators prosper. 

Much love beautiful humans. :)

Jennifer Mansell asked me this question 3 days ago and it rocked my world. ⁣

I know the "G" word is somewhat triggering for some, so feel free to swap that out with Universe if it feels right. ⁣

Curious if any of you guys think about this question and if so, how do you make sure to keep the alignment on track day-to-day or even month-to-month.

What if my goal was to inspire ME?⁣

⁣What if my ideal audience was ME? ⁣

What if the only success metric I tracked was “how close do I feel to ME?".

The season changed so quickly. Summer bounced like a bad one night stand.

I immediately felt the drop in my energy. It felt scary.

But I have been here many times before. Thankfully I have many support systems put in place from previous years.

I know I need:

• Extra sleep

• Physical Warmth

• Movement

• Self-compassion

• Gentleness

• Fresh air

• Connection to other kind and caring humans

I also remind myself that I don’t need to FIX anything. Nothing is broken. I just need time to adjust. No need to make any big decisions based on the seasonal shift in my mood.

Being extra hard on “My Human” during these shifts helps no one.

Also, an important reminder that external substances that quickly alter my mood always cause me more damage in the long-run. That includes booze, drugs, cannabis and even food when over done.

There is an urge to contract and close my heart when the season shifts.

There is a desire to shut-off and run away from the world.

After tracking this for the past 6 years I now understand that so much of this is a seasonal event AND also that there are so many other humans going through this with me. Many of whom are suffering alone — like I was for so many years.

I have so much love and compassion for all humans experiencing this shift in energy; sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

As much as I want the summer to be endless, I know that’s not how life works.

Also, there is something precious and divine about the finite nature of all things on earth.

All things end…but also, often begin again.

Here’s to a new day, a new season and a new opportunity to deepen my connection to my many selves.

Anyone else feeling this drop in energy?

Writing with my ideal audience in-mind has been a crazy effective approach to helping me get the attention of the right people and grow my business. Last year alone I probably generated $10K–$15K a month for my photography business, just from writing content on my personal Facebook and Instagram pages. 

AND…

Sometimes, I just want to write for me. 

I love all you humans, but it can be challenging always writing for someone else. When I try to get into the minds of other people I sometimes end up losing my own truth. 

As I write these words, I feel a tension between two versions of myself. There is a fascinating dynamic that exists between Business Darius and Artist Darius. 

In the past, I thought I had to kill one and hold the other sacred. That was definitely not the solution. I now believe this tension can actually be really healthy. Neither of them holds the full truth. I now know they both bring value and can co-exist. 

Letting them dance together and find their flow is key. Sometimes Business Darius needs to lead and other times Artist Darius is the one guiding the dance. 

"Business D" has been crushing all summer. I’m really proud of him, but I’m getting that familiar feeling once again, that it’s time to give the keys to "Artist D" for a bit and let him work his magic.

Anyone else feel a tension between two or more parts when it comes to Social Media?

Next week I am announcing something really freaking exciting. It’s a project I have been working on for the past 132 days. Something that pulls together the last 17 years of my life as a Creative Entrepreneur and Artist. 

Can you guess what it could be? 

Best guess wins a personalize song made from me to you. 

PS: I’ve shared my last hit song below in case you needed to know how amazing I am as a songwriter. I am sure you will love and cherish your song forever. 

It has been 62 days since I shared any new photography on Instagram or Facebook. 

I don’t regret taking the time off. I needed a break for a variety of reasons. 

But it’s time to share again.

These photos of Jordan Lindo are really special to me. I’ll speak more on them in the future, when I have more energy and capacity for deep diving. 

It was an honour to collaborate with Jordan for this project. 

These photos are part of a collection I am working on for a book called SoftMen. 

More from me soon.

D

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I was honoured to host Chidiogo (aka Chidi) on the Artist Morning Podcast 2 weeks ago.

Her brilliance and her grace left my heart so full.

She is the founder of an amazing organization called “She Roars” which helps women of African descent find their ROAR.

Most recently, Chidi has started an online virtual group called “Connect To Your Roar” which helps people connect with their hearts and find their voice. 

I know there’s a lot going on in the world, but this video might leave you feeling hopeful and inspired. 

• To sign-up for “Connect to Your Roar” → https://theinsidehuman.com/products/she-roars-chidiogo-akunyili

• To follower her on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chidiogo.akunyili/

• To learn more about her amazing “She Roars” organization → https://www.sheroarsafrica.org/

So grateful for you Chidi! 

 — — 

PS: If you enjoyed this podcast you can subscribe to the Artist Morning YouTube channel for more podcasts + FREE guided meditations weekly → shorturl.at/gjuJV
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Also, please share with anyone you feel might benefit from this content. Your support and kindness goes A REALLY LONG WAY. 🙏❤️😁⁣
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For more information on joining the Artist Morning community click here → www.artistmorning.com⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Next FREE guided (group) meditation is tomorrow morning at 9am (ET). ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Come join us for some fun, creative support and accountability.⁣⁣⁣
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Much much much love,⁣⁣⁣
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D

What the hell is breathwork and why should I care? 

Great question…. I love when you ask great questions. ;)

Jenn Mansell and I explore that question and many more in Ep. 03 of the Artist Morning Podcast. 

I have been doing Breathwork Meditation for the past 18 months with the guidance and coaching of Jenn, and so far it has helped me in several really powerful ways. 

1. It helped me move past a massive unconscious block that had convinced me that there was no room for my feelings and my voice in this world. 

2. It gave me access to DEEPER levels of joy (the most amazing giggle attacks of my life)

3. After over 20 years of not being able to cry, Breathwork (and Jenn) finally helped me feel safe enough to bring down my walls and release trapped energy that was stuck inside me for over two decades. 

And most of all it brought me closer to my heart and to my ART. 

I love you Jenn Mansell. You have been a massive catalyst for my spiritual and creative growth over the past 3 years. 

It is such a treat to share your brilliance with the world. 

Love, 

D

 — — — — — — — — — — — 

PS: If you enjoyed this podcast you can subscribe to the Artist Morning YouTube channel for more podcasts + FREE guided meditations weekly → shorturl.at/gjuJV
⁣⁣⁣
For more information on joining the Artist Morning community click here → www.artistmorning.com⁣ ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Next FREE guided (group) meditation is tomorrow morning at 9am (ET). ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Come join us for some fun, creative support and accountability.⁣
⁣
Much much much love,⁣

D

Jenn Mansell is a certified breathwork facilitator, somatic coach and an artist with decades of experience in dance and photography. In this episode Jenn and...