Weekend Design & Wellness Project
Photo by: Xan Griffin @xangriffin
Reflect on a risk you’ve taken with an undesired outcome that turned out to be in your best interest after the disappointment settled. There may be a few of these instances, small and large throughout your life. My grandmother always says, “don’t look back if it ain’t gonna put a smile on your face.” (She’s tough and boy does she love her “ain’ts.”)
It may be difficult to rummage through the past so here is an idea that could help you stay focused on what you’re recalling. Set an intention that you’re scanning the past for specific events where your disappointment benefited you in many ways, potentially even saving your life. We are avoiding the “F” word, f@%!^%e since this is all about receiving something greater that you had hoped for. Feel free to write or voice record your experience. It is surprising how many victories are laying dormant in the past with zero recognition. Let’s celebrate these colossal life wins.
Meditation for Patience
Photo by: Ashley Batz @ashleybatz
PATIENCE…this is not the first or only post about patience on this blog, however, it is necessary to have reminders every so often. The practice of patience requires maintenance…lots of daily and sometimes hourly maintenance. Patience can be a daunting attribute to acquire so cultivating patience for your patience practice seems to be the key. In the meantime, here is a great meditation to help you along the way.
The Value of Baby Steps
Photo by: Simon Infanger @photosimon
In the entrepreneurial and small business world the phrase, “start before you’re ready,” has become a mantra. For some of us, that mantra can be taken too far and too fast in some instances. As a recovering impatient creative, I have learn hard lessons from taking giant leaps before mapping out a progressive course. I wanted to get to the finish line and thought I could fill in the blanks later. After years of beating myself up for my mistakes, I finally understand the importance of baby steps and slow growth. My unpolished mindset taught me what not to do at a young age when I had little to lose and for that I am grateful. This doesn’t mean I will not make bigger mistakes in the future with bigger loss, however, I will not make the same ones over again. Now, I can truly see and instinctively feel the value of baby steps. My mom has been vindicated in her wise advice to always, “KISS IT” (keep it simple stupid) and to “take baby step.” Thankfully, my mom has the biggest, loving heart and will never say “I told you so.” That is unconditional love right there.
SIDE NOTE: If someone has the opportunity to be right and relish in an ego boost and they choose to cheer for your success instead, you’ve got a great supporter by your side. It is so important to have people—there may be just one—that you can depend on that will be completely honest with you because they want to see you do your very best. They can be hard to find, but you’ll know when you’ve found one when they get excited for your wins in life rather than become jealous, make it about them or end the conversation abruptly. This is an abusive relationship no matter who this person is to you and it’s best to distance yourself from them immediately.
Back to baby steps. A big part of taking effective baby steps is that you have a clear vision of where you’re going, create an outline of what you need to get there, then reduce that down to monthly, weekly and daily action steps and finally let go and trust that you’ll know what adjustments to make along the way. Patience is required.
Weekend Design & Wellness Project
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.”
Reimagine an old piece of furniture to suit your home or as a gift for someone else. It can be as simple as a good coat of paint or recovering a seat cushion. Any little change can help you see something differently. Happy reinventing!
Meditations for Creativity
Photo by: Tim Mossholder @timmossholder
Tap into your inner creative self with these guided meditations below. You have creativity no matter how much you doubt, resist or believe that it has abandoned you. It lives within every living being. Creativity is not limited to the arts, it is ingrained in our daily negotiations, navigation, planning and survival. Creativity can be cultivated and enhance the strengths you’re aware of and use in your professional life. Becoming aware of your creativity through meditation or creative exercises will not instantly turn you into a hippy dippy, pachouli smelling, tree hugging, cannabis smoking, tie-dye wearing, free-loving, Vdub bus driving…you get the idea. Although, some of those things aren’t so bad. Haa Just relax and enjoy these creativity meditations and share them with anyone that may benefit from them.
15 minute Creativity Meditation by Mindful Movement
9 hour Sleep Meditation for Unleashing Creativity by Mindful Movement