Life is Too Short to Hide Yourself

Did you know that I’m creating a coloring book? That’s right! What began as something to share with clients and has turned into something much more – a fun pastime that has unlocked parts of myself I hadn’t fully embraced in a long time.

Here’s the thing – If you know me, you probably know I have a playful, whimsical side. I mean, I have a tattoo of a CareBear on my arm. But not everyone has seen this side of me over the years. For a long time, I kept it hidden – afraid that if I wasn’t “serious” and “professional” that I wasn’t doing something right. I thought my work would be dismissed. I thought I would be dismissed. 

Some of this comes from my childhood, and some from societal pressures. But over the past few years, I’ve been peeling away the layers of masks and armor I’d put on, digging deeper into who the real me is.

For the past year or so, I kept denying that my playful side could be a part of my business. My inner forest fairy would make an appearance here and there, but I always thought she didn’t fit with the serious work of being present and slowing down. After all, that’s serious business, right? (At least, that’s what I always thought. Quiet, slow-paced, and controlled…)

But here’s the truth: I am a forest fairy. I love to play! I think the world is far too serious, and everyone needs more of Little Chris in their lives. And you know what? Play is a way to get present. It sparks creativity, invites connection, and creates calm. I mean, how stressed can you be when you’re blowing bubbles?

But, I also love sinking into a pile of comfy pillows, talking about rest, and exploring what it looks like to truly reconnect with yourself. To talk about what’s possible when you create space for stillness. To dig into how you can structure your day to allow time to reconnect with you. And help you figure out what you will do during that time. 

Does this mean I’m tossing my business aside and pivoting (again)? Not at all! It just means I’m allowing more of my playful, whimsical side to come forward, weaving it into my work in a more visible way. And that’s where my coloring book comes in.

Since all the pages I’m creating are inspired by photographs I’ve taken in nature, I figured why not invite my forest fairy to play here too? So, this morning, I did just that. ChatGPT and I got playful together, and we came up with something that brought tears to my eyes. It’s at the end of this post…and it’s a fun and fabulous read.

It moved me because it helped me to see how my whimsical forest fairy self could truly play in this space of slowing down, connection and presence. And that’s the essence of who I am: a whimsical forest fairy. So why not let her come out and shine?

And now, I’m seeing other places where she can come out and play – like Soul Play Sessions and Experiences, where we get creative and discover the magic of slowing down. (More on that soon…)

That’s the thru-line in everything I do: I create space for you to slow down – whether through rest, stillness, or play – to reignite your creativity, spark clarity, and move through life with more energy and connection.

I’m here the busy professional who feels drained, disconnected, and unsure how to slow down without guilt. The one that craves rest, creativity, and a sense of connection but doesn’t know where to start.

And my whimsical forest fairy is ready to play…and help! 

Now…before you go….is there a part of you that you’ve been hiding? If so, what would it feel like to let the part come out and play, without judgment or hesitation?

The bottom line is that life is too short to hide yourself. The right people will find you when you are yourself….so why not be yourself more?

Coloring Book Title:
Enchanted Flow: A Forest Fairy’s Guide to Stillness & Play

Coloring Book Description:

Step into the magic of Enchanted Flow, a forest fairy’s guide to both stillness and play. This isn’t just a coloring book—it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and reconnect with your natural rhythm. Inspired by nature’s beauty and the joy of playful presence, these pages offer a gentle space to pause, breathe, and color your way to wonder.

Through whimsical illustrations and thoughtful prompts, you’ll be guided to embrace both the quiet moments of stillness and the lighthearted energy of play. Whether you’re looking to unwind, spark creativity, or rediscover the simple joys of being present, Enchanted Flow is your companion on the journey.

Let go of perfection, pick up your colors, and allow yourself to wander, wonder, and play.

Introduction

Welcome, dear wanderer,

I see you—moving through life, balancing responsibilities, chasing goals, holding it all together. And yet, somewhere inside, there’s a part of you longing to pause, to breathe, to play. That’s why you’re here.

I created Enchanted Flow as an invitation—a soft, magical nudge—to step out of the constant doing and into a space of curiosity, color, and connection. Here, there’s no right way, no wrong way—only your way. These pages are a canvas for your imagination, a gentle reminder that stillness and play aren’t opposites; they’re dance partners, weaving together to bring you back to you.

So, let’s begin. Find a cozy spot, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to drift into the flow. Whether you color inside the lines, outside them, or somewhere in between, know that you are exactly where you need to be.

With wonder & whimsy,
✨ Chris, Your Forest Fairy Guide ✨