Gratitudes - Living your Life

It has been 2 weeks since my brothers home coming service, it was lovely to see so many people come out and show their love and respect for Robert.  We gave him a really good send off and everyone wore a touch of red which was one of his favourite colours.  It still feels unreal and I think about him non stop and it still feels like he is just a phone call away.  How precious his life was, and he leaves a legacy in his children and family, his love, warmth, passion, determination, peace and strength. 

I have been thinking about my own life, my journey, dreams and desires.  There are many things that I want to accomplish, I have still much growing to do in my walk as an artist - we all still have something to learn or a new technique to try.  I am reminded that I need to step out and ask myself 'what if anything were possible what would you do next, and then what?'  I have been working in the background trying to make sense of things and find my creative spark again.  When I feel sorry for myself I hear the many conversations I had with my brother and he would tell me to 'just go for it!

Well, that's just what I am going to do.  I want to share what I have been doing, in my art, do some videos of some of the processes, give myself some more challenges, write poetry, stories, photography, illustration, and just soar.  As I have said many times, we only have this one life to life, and we may as well live it to our best.  I will also be sharing what inspires me, and the work of other creatives, here on this blog, and on my wordpress writers blog.

Out of our pain and loss we have gained new insight into the life of those we love, those we have love and lost and the very meaning and purpose of our own existence.  It won't be easy and there might be some days where we feel like curling up and crying our eyes out, that's OK, its all part of our life that we acknowledge.  We don't have all the answers, but maybe I have a few that might be useful for someone else.   I refuse to hide and pretend that everything is OK or to brush anything under the carpet - that is not being real, I am greatful for each and everyday I get another chance to make a difference.  You will feel my story through my creativity and words, as I share we will go on a journey of uncovering together, sometimes you will get it, sometimes it could take a while or not at all, we all have our own 'stuff' to deal with.  What is most important though is that you show up ready to 'step out', accept the challenge, grow, laugh some days, cry if you want to, be inspired and be real to yourself.  What are you planning to do with your tomorrow?

The One Flaw in Women

I think I saw this as a video, and also in email, not sure who the author is but I was blessed by it, thought I'd share it here.  To all the beautiful, inspiring and talented women who sometimes forget how valued and treasured they are. Also, check out the Brave Girls Club for a community of supportive and encouraging women.

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.  They smile when they want to scream.  They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have.  They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.  They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member,  yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.  They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colours.  They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.  The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.  They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN.....IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH..

New Year - resolution fantasy or reality?

Firstly, Happy New Year

If you could imagine the ideal life/work, lifestyle what would it be? What type of relationships would you have in your life? Where would you travel? What would your job be? I asked myself that question and made a list of things . When I looked back on all of the things on the list I realised that each one on the list were all achievable now and I wouldn't have to wait till that ideal time, place or the right people to start. What it required me to do was think out of the box, and look at them in different settings, parts of the world, break them down to achievable chunks, put a time frame, make myself accountable - telling a friend etc.

My list looked like this:

• My job/working environment - Being self employed, working all over the world in exotic places,
• Having a studio and gallery representation
• My health - eating the right food and loosing weight
• Improving relationships with friends and family
• Travelling - holiday more than twice a year
• Home environment 6 bed room house with a studio to do my art, large garden, and a granny flat for my elderly mother - maybe in the uk or abroad - Why limit yourself to the UK if you went further afield you might get more floor space for your money.

 

With the new year here and everyone making resolutions, some even breaking them already, what can be done differently to get the result you want? If loosing weight is on your list what have you done so far ? Rather than wait for the end of the week , go for a half hour walk today, join the gym this week rather than next week.

Look at each goal and think what small steps you can do to make it a reality. Think of ways to keep a check on yourself and keep yourself motivated by giving yourself rewards along the way. On a monthly basis do this exercise to see how your getting on.

What could you do to make more time to pursue what made the most of your talents and abilities while earning a living. The thing to remember is to remain flexible. How many ways can you achieve your goals? Will changing the environment or people make a difference? Set yourself a time frame and as you start achieving certain goals make new ones that you can follow.