It’s fun to talk about what we do and how we do it. But, I rarely hear people talk about why they do what they do. I agree with Simon Senek (www.startwithwhy.com) when he says,
“Very few people and organizations can clearly articulate WHY they do what they do. Why is a purpose, a cause or a belief. It provides a clear answer to Why we get out of bed in the morning, Why our company even exists and why that should matter to anyone else.”
I’m happy to say my business Conversation Gardens (formerly Outdoor Transformations) and me personally, are NOT in that category. You see, several years ago I went through a process to figure out what my purpose was in addition to being a wife and mother. Below is a link to a video that I stumbled on that changed my way of thinking and my life. Check it out here.
Then, when I read this from Larry Page, co-founder and CEO of Google, it stopped me in my tracks.
“If you’re not doing some things that are crazy, then you’re doing the wrong things.” Larry Page.
Is what I’m doing day in day out crazy? This has become a daily conversation with myself and a journey to help me discover my why. It’s simple. I do what I do because I want people to have good relationships, which means they need to have good conversations.
It just so happens that people speak more freely in the outdoors. The growing popularity of ecotherapy supports this notion. To learn more, click here.
I’m no psychologist, but I am a designer. I’ve been designing outdoor spaces for years without knowing why. Those days are behind me.
I started Conversation Gardens to create spaces where conversations can take place and relationships can grow. And as we all know, the conversation IS the relationship. Those spaces might be permanent, such as a patio or outdoor kitchen. Or, they may be a temporary scene, or vignette, designed to make the most of your special event. Either way, the goal is the same, to create a space where you can connect with your family, your friends and yourself.
Creating effective conversational spaces means I will continue to explore the intersection between physical space, the science and lost art of conversations and the natural environment. This is a journey and I want you to join me.
Cheers, LPK