I thought I’d share a good quote today by Tony Robbins in one of my paintings:
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
There are so many things we’d like to go for, but we think it’s impossible. The mere fact that we never try makes it impossible. So go for your dream and make it a reality. The worst thing that can happen is that you fail, but at least you gave it your best shot! Who knows, you may find great things along the way✨
What have you been wanting to try but haven’t had the courage to do yet?
Hope this inspires you in some way. Thanks for stopping by!!!
This is a tough one today because it’s something that the majority of us don’t want to admit to. Responsibility is defined as the state of being morally, legally or mentally accountable. Many go through life playing the blame game. They continually blame others for where they are, but this isn’t accurate.
Let’s say that some one did something bad to you like causing you to lose your job. At that point, you have a choice to make. Do you dwell in anger and resentment over the circumstances that led to this event or do you take responsibility for your actions, thoughts, attitude and choices that brought you down this path?
Do you fill your heart with negative energy and hatred towards that person and everyone involved or do you choose to make the best of it knowing that things happen for a reason. Maybe there was a lesson to be learned or something bigger and better is waiting for you down the road. Dwelling in negativity will hurt you the most and keep you from moving forward and growing as you were divinely designed to do.
Take responsibility for your actions, thoughts, attitude and the choices you’ve made that have brought you to where you presently are. If you’re not happy with your current path then change direction. Choose to live your life and make decisions from a place of love and happiness. It’s certainly challenging to do but if it was so easy, everyone would be doing it. Make the effort and work at creating the life you have always dreamt of. It will be well worth it!
I walk about 2.5 miles a day, 6 days a week. On some days I walk by the kids waiting for the school bus. It didn’t dawn at me at first but then I noticed something odd. It was super quiet and there were about dozen or so kids there.
When I used to wait for the bus there were about 8 of us at the bus stop. We were loud, laughing and carrying on. We told jokes or talked about the latest events going on at school. But all of these kids had their faces buried in their cell phones. They wouldn’t make eye contact with each other much less me as I walked by.
As human beings we crave interaction with others, yet here all they all were in absolute isolated silence. It makes me question if the use of cell phones especially at a young age is beneficial. As a parent I can say they do come in handy with changes in scheduling or for any emergencies. But we all got along great without them for years.
Texting on the phone, surfing the web or hanging out on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram is not the same as interacting with others. It’s kind of a form of isolation. Studies have shown that isolation can cause depression, anxiety and low self esteem.
From my daily observations, these kids didn’t appear happy. They were more numb and zombie like as they clicked away mindlessly at their phones. Would it be better to limit the use of the phones to certain times of the day or maybe just for emergencies? Or maybe go back to not having them at all but then kids want to be like everyone else and simply blend in.
It makes you question what will these kids be like when they’re grown. Will they be well rounded adults who talk to others and learn from life? I’m not sure but one thing’s certain, they’re our future. To really appreciate and live a happy life you need to be involved with your world using all of your senses. Trying to live life through your phone leaves you feeling rather empty and and unhappy.
Many times I’ve even seen families out to dinner and everyone is busy on their phone. There isn’t much interaction between them. This can’t lead to a balanced life filled with joy. Maybe, as adults we should lead by example and use the phone less and interact with our kids and surroundings more.
It seems that most of us are in a perpetual state of searching for happiness. If I only had that car, owned that house, had more money I’d be happy. But is this truly what happiness is?
For some, the material world and all it’s contents define their happiness. But happiness looks completely different from one person to the next. For me happiness is the scent of warm bread baking in the oven. It’s hearing the wind gently rustling the leaves on the trees. It’s seeing the sunlight sparkle and dance on the waves in the lake. It’s completely losing myself in my art, painting and letting the outside world with all of it problems simply fade away, at least for a little while.
Don’t get me wrong, you can buy “things” that make you happy, but the happiness is short lived. Although these “things” are nice to have, they don’t make you feel alive. They don’t bring that sense of joy and wonder into your heart and soul, filling every cell in your body with true happiness.
So what is happiness for you? What does it smell, taste or feel like? What makes you smile from ear to ear all day long? Have you found happiness or are you still looking for it? Would love to hear your thoughts….
I bought these embossed angel images on Etsy from a shop called Scrapaplenty. They’re made in Germany and are quite beautiful. I fell in love with them because they remind me of the vintage images used in cards from long ago.
I created this layout in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8″ Mixed Media Journal. The background is painted using leftover paints from one of my canvases. As I looked at this color combination, it seemed to be a perfect fit for the angels. I used a stencil to create the clouds and added the quote “Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of Love.”
I had some leftover paint from one of my paintings and didn’t want to waste it so I used it in my Strathmore 5.5″ x 8″ Mixed Media Journal. I tried a new face stencil by Jane Davenport and loved it! I added a quote by Dorothea Brandt that reads “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, Act as though it were impossible to fail.”
What would you do differently if it were impossible to fail?
I was playing with my paints and wanted to try a new color combination. I loved how the background turned out so I started working on 2 canvases. Stay tuned for those.
I just got some new artsy ephemera in the other day and thought I’d use it for this layout. I found this quote by Maria Robinson that resonated with me “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
I love listening to Earl Nightingale’s coaching session called “The Strangest Secret” which can be found on YouTube. There’s also a book on Amazon. This was the first life coaching session that was ever recorded back in 1956. I’ve listened to it countless times. I’m often asked “Why do you keep listening to it? It’s basic stuff and you already know all of this.” My answer is always the same, “Yes, I do know the basics but hearing this recording helps to remind me of what they are and keeps on track.”
Let’s face it in today’s world we have hundreds if not thousands of distractions each and every day. With so many distractions, it’s hard to stay focused. So sticking to your goals and having clarity can be pretty difficult when we keep running after each new shiny penny we see.
I recently listened to one of Brendon Burchard’s podcasts and he made some really good points. In this podcast Brendon said “Common sense isn’t always common practice.” And that’s so true. We know we should be doing x, y and z but often we don’t and as a result we fail in life and in reaching our goals.
Earl’s recording reminds me of how easy it really is to reach your goals and create the life you dream of. The power to create is in you, in your mind. If listening to Earl isn’t your thing, that’s ok. Then find a life coach that works for you. Or make a list of reminders that you can look at first thing in the morning to help keep you on track. But be mindful of where your thoughts take you so you can stay focused on what’s important.
Hope this post inspires you. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Share the Happy💖
“Perhaps the world isn’t giving you what you want because based on all your distractions and lack of discipline, it’s simply unclear what you are asking for.” ~ Brendon Burchard
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, this coming Monday. There’s nothing better than snuggling in front of the TV and watching a movie together for a romantic evening. A simple movie can make for an extravagant and memorable night if you pay attention to the details.
Start by lighting a few candles and serve chocolate covered strawberries with a champagne. Or if you prefer popcorn, serve freshly popped corn with homemade cookies and your favorite candies. The main thing is to use your imagination and create a fun and magical night.
These are my top picks for Valentine movies. They’re all nice, light hearted movies with happy endings:
Pride and Prejudice Starring Keira Knightley & Matthew Macfadyen (2005)
The Holiday Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law & Jack Black (2006)
Notting Hill Starring Hugh Grant & Julia Roberts (1999)
Laws of Attraction Starring Pierce Brosnan & Julianne Moore (2004)
Robin Hood Starring Russell Crowe & Kate Blanchette (2010)
Sense and Sensibility Starring Emma Thompson & Kate Winslet (1995)
What’s Up Doc Starring Barbra Streisand & Ryan O’Neal (1972)
The Proposal Starring Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds (2009)
Sweet Home Alabama Starring Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey & Josh Lucas (2002)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Starring Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaghey (2003)
Kate and Leopold Starring Meg Ryan & Hugh Jackman (2001)
Must Love Dogs Starring Diane Lane & John Cusak (2005)
Fool’s Gold Starring Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaghey (2008)
Two Weeks Notice Starring Sandra Bullock & Hugh Grant (2002)
Hope this sparks your creativity for romance. Thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy 💖
Love isn’t about the time you spend together. It’s about the memories you create.” ~Unknown
Flowing Waters Art 