This week I am turning 58!

Last evening I was talking to my daughter, and she asked me what advice I would give to a 22-year-old. . . Here is my list . . .

1.       Make the most of every day

2.       Don’t compromise your integrity

3.       Embrace a hobby

4.       Allow yourself to grow

5.       Laugh

6.       Love your kids

7.       Love your kids some more

8.       Hug your kids

9.       Hug your kids some more

10.  Tell your parents you love them, hug them

11.  Tell your brothers and sisters you love them, hug them

12.  Take care of your body

13.  Go outside

14.  Learn about financial investing

15.  Go to counseling when you think you might need it, don’t wait until you do

16.  Let your creative juices flow

17.  Whatever you do, do it in moderation

18.  Ask for help

19.  If you want a partner, choose wisely

20.  Write notes to friends

21.  Stay connected with others

22.  Have a pet

23.  Walk and play with your pet

24.  See the beauty in art and nature

25.  Go to yoga

26.  Get massages

27.  Ask for clarification

28.  Walk in nature

29.  Know there is something greater than you

30.  Be present

31.  Be curious

32.  Treat others how you want to be treated

33.  Never stop learning

34.  Don’t rush your self-improvement

35.  It’s ok to say “I don’t know”

36.  Expect yourself to change

37.  Make your bed

38.  Follow your passion

39.  Focus on the positive

40.  Be kind

41.  Always leave things better than when you arrived

42.  Find balance

43.  Appreciate what you have

44.  Think before you speak

45.  Live more, worry less

46.  Listen more, talk less

47.  Stop comparing yourself to others, be you

48.  Have compassion

49.  Trust your gut

50.  Get enough sleep

51.  Cultivate gratitude

52.  Help others

53.  Volunteer

54.  Have goals

55.  Focus on what is, not what if

56.  Laugh at yourself

57.  Follow your heart

58.  Don’t beat yourself up over small things. . . or big things

In the past 6 months I have lost my dad, my uncle, my aunt, and 3 cousins.  We don’t know how long each of us will be on this earth.  This is a perfect time to check in and ensure we are living each day to our greatest ability.

What is on your list?  I challenge you to share a few in the comments below!  I’d love to read them!

Cultivating Imagination: Tips for Pollenating Your Creativity

As a self-taught artist, I believe there are few key credentials an “artist” must have but accepting yourself as an artist is a bit more difficult.  It is hard to tell when you have crossed from being a dabbler to a full-blown artist.  An artist works to attain self-expression and discovery through mediums such as music, painting, mixed media art, acting, baking or perhaps writing.  The beauty is that the “art” is truly in the eye of the creator.

Throughout my life, I have found joy using my hands to make things from the early days of making crafts in Camp Fire Girl’s to my adult years where I scrapbooked, stamped, quilted, painted and made jewelry.  I’ve dabbled with many mediums and my mom played a huge role in introducing me to various projects. 

In 2020 when the pandemic hit, I made the decision to use the time in isolation to learn to watercolor.  I spent many hours on the internet learning to paint.  Since that time, I have made space and time to take in-person classes and online classes.  Each instructor has their own way of engaging the student and pollenating their creativity with new ideas and concepts.  I personally feel I have found deep joy and peace through art.  I have a dedicated space in my home where I go and drown in creativity.  There are days I start in the early morning and truly don’t come up for air until evening. . . yes, I take a break to eat and drink and maybe walk my dog, but I otherwise it is me and the project.

Over 10 years ago, I began life coaching and through the process developed a growth mindset.  I have a deeper connection with myself as a result.  I have found a way to express myself through art that I never expected and as a result have a deeper connection to the things that truly matter to me.  It has been a journey of self-discovery and finding my own voice through my art.

As I release my website, I have thought about the “why” behind it.  I want to share not only my art with you, but I want to share my thoughts and ideas.   Hopefully I can ask questions that make you take a deep dive into you.  I challenge you to join my journey. . . ask yourself some of the questions I asked myself, such as: 

·       What motivates you?

·       What makes you come alive?

·       What brings you joy and fulfillment?

Grab a journal and start writing.  Dig deep into yourself.  Find your drive.

Grow and bloom!