Mak CM BiscuitTHE JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY
Greetings, Biscuit readers. Creative Catalyst Makayla Binter here. Okay, 2024 was a long year. Congrats—we made it all the way through! But I have a feeling 2025 is going to be a journey. And that doesn’t scare me. I’ve been on my creative journey for a while now, and I feel like I’m just getting started. We can too easily focus on the end—or what we THINK will be the “end”—and miss out on challenges, mysteries, traveling companions, and side quests along the way. Our journeys are not just about where we’ve been and where we are now but also where we’re headed. They provide opportunities for reflection—to be grateful for our experiences and how they’ve impacted our lives, influenced our decisions, and made us who we are today. They’re also chances to take side streets and “shortcuts” and ask, “What else is possible from here?” With the start of a new year, I find myself asking: - How do I want to live out my creative journey?
- How fast do I want to move?
- How often do I want to rest?
- How much do I want to wander?
- How often do I want to get lost?
- Who do I want to invite on my journey?
- Whose journey do I want to join?
- How do I want to show up?
To best describe my journey and share it with you, I found inspiration in how Elsa leaps from pillar to pillar in the song, “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2. In the movie, Elsa leaps from ice pillar to another to continue searching for the voice that has been calling to her all movie. But, as Elsa leaps, the pillars are not even formed, yet. They emerge just when she needs them to help her keep going. 
I relate to this scene because at each moment when Elsa leaps, she is not worried about falling or failing. She trusts herself and her magic to keep moving forward. To leap. My journey is full of leaps – moments where I made a choice, a leap, to grow, to learn and to try. In the coming year, I intend to be more condifent in my leaps, trust my skillsets and knowledge to continue my journey as a creative, collaborator and catalyst. THE CHALLENGE OF 2025In 2025, I challenge you, readers (and myself), to take the leap. I challenge each of us to be confident in our leaps, our choices, and our callings. Being confident in your leap might look like: - Quitting the job that drains you
- Starting your own business
- Applying for dream opportunities, galleries, or festivals
- Going back to school
- Investing in yourself as an entrepreneur and human being
Doors will fly open to lead you down a path of excitement and the unknown. And yes, it’s scary. We don’t know where the path leads or how everything will work out. Be willing to make space in your life for your interests and set aside time to explore the things you’ve always wanted to try. Take tangible steps toward them. You never know where that leap might take you. I hope you’ll decide to join the “Journey” with me, too. 
TAKE A JOURNEY WITH ME ON JAN. 3!There are so many aspects of my journey I want to share with you. That’s why I’m excited to be the keynote speaker at CreativeMornings on Friday, Jan. 3, at Matthews Playhouse (100 E. McDowell St). Tickets are FREE and available HERE. I feel passionately about this month’s global topic, “Journey”—shared by more than 200 CreativeMornings chapters around the world—and I can’t wait to share my story as part of the greater conversation. Here’s how you can join me: CreativeMornings/Charlotte (In-Person)
Global Theme: “Journey” featuring Makayla Binter- WHEN: Jan. 3 | 8-10 a.m.
- WHERE: Fullwood Theater, Matthews
- WHAT: Start your year at CreativeMornings with a dance party, coffee, H.U.G.s, live music, and an exploration of the theme “Journey” with me.
- GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE.
TAKE A FEW MORE STEPS WITH CHARLOTTE IS CREATIVE!In addition to seeing me at CreativeMornings, I hope you’ll take two more steps in your 2025 journey with us next week: 
LEARN TO TELL YOUR STORY
Creative Convo: “The Art of the Ask – Sharpen Your Pitch”
Featuring: Lauren Ansley- WHEN: Jan. 2 | 6-7 p.m.
- WHERE: On Zoom
- WHAT: Spend an hour with comedian and public speaker Lauren Ansley learning how to tell—and sell—your story in ways that get results.
- REGISTER FOR FREE HERE.
BUILD YOUR TEAM AND SOCIAL CAPITAL
Charlotte Reciprocity Circles- WHEN: Jan. 4 | 10-11:30 a.m.
- WHERE: Seoul Food Meat Market, Urban District
- WHAT: Ask for what you need. Share what you have. Join this live social capital exchange with Charlotte’s creative and corporate community. This event, in partnership with Love Bolt, shares resources, ideas, and support to move your projects forward.
- REGISTER FOR FREE HERE.
AND, MILES TO GO BEFORE WE SLEEP …What creative trouble can you get into with Charlotte Is Creative in the months ahead? CLICK HERE for our calendar through June 2025! 
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