Many creatives have been blessed with a sensitive nature. It's the part of them that responds to beauty and truth . . . the part where creativity is born. It's the amazing intuitive gift that hears the music, envisions the painting, feels the dance, and writes the stories that tug at heart strings. This gift of sensitivity is an incredible blessing, but it can sometimes puts artists in position to be precariously vulnerable.
The beauty of the intuitive nature opens your senses to perceive and create, but also opens your senses to feel passionately the pain of the world around you and all the stresses that it brings. With our current economy and international tensions, the artistic souls can easily become overly anxious.
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a friend, who is also well-known author of over 58 books.
We discussed this problem of 'overwhelm' that many are finding themselves caught in. It can be an obsession with the world situation or the nightly news or ones financial woes, but it causes the sensitive souls to grow increasingly negative and non-productive, even to the point of being immobilized by fear and anxiety.
If that is you or anyone you know, it's important to act immediately and change this cycle. It's vital to turn OFF the news and fill your mind with positive material.
My friend, the author, told me of his friend who has had success with a new and simple technique. This person suggests that you proclaim 'out loud' your intentions to stop dwelling on the negative, choose the good and to change course - and do it regularly. He says that we can actually change the neural pathways, or 'grooves' in our brain, by speaking loudly and stating our new path.
It's working for some - I don't know the scientific evidence to back all of this up, but I'd say it's worth a try. I do know that each of us must fight for what is good, for our families, our futures. Why then does it not make sense that we also fight for hope?
"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Those of us with sensitive natures often struggle to keep our heads above water during stressful times.
At my house we are proclaiming whatever is true, lovely and good . . . makes sense to me!
Let this correction in thinking move into your creativity. Paint, sing, dance, write, sculpt, create and draw your proclamation!
I also encourage you to write out your proclamation below that says you will no longer bow to the negative forces that are trying to pull you down - then shout it to the housetops!
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Wednesday
It's All About Relationships ... Community Rules!
Do you feel you need other people?
I've been looking back over my life, considering the breakthroughs I've had with my creativity. I've often quoted the old saying: "I'm a jack of all trades, but master of none." On one level that is very true, but I've come to realize that the one thing I might say I actually "master" is encouragement. It's probably my most consistent and natural gifting. That's why I started this blog. I hope to encourage you, while using my gift.
That being said, I also dabble in songwriting, singing, songwriter coaching and photography. I've also worked as a fashion print model, have appeared in a few commercials, and spent years as a dancer/choreographer. Most recently, I'm writing and painting.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I realized that each breakthrough or open door in every one of these areas came through relationships ... or a term I like to use: community!
Yes, the natural gifting had to be there, but the development of the gifting, the open doors and the real breakthroughs came through knowing someone who opened the door.
It's easy to isolate ourselves, to constantly create and then 'protect' our creation by keeping it hidden, waiting for that open door. But the real opportunities come when you share your gift, play your song, share your latest idea with a friend, show your painting, post your photos on Facebook, or just ask for an opinion about your art.
Lately, I've been asking some of my Nashville friends how their 'breakthrough' came about. Without exception, they each have told me that they came about very naturally, through sharing with friends and friends of friends, when eventually, a door opened.
So I present you with the following questions:
- Do you share your vision often?
- Do you share your gift?
- If not, why not?
- What's holding you back?
You may be just one small step away from your breakthrough. Let me encourage you ... don't hold back! Don't try to force your way . . . but naturally share your heart, your gift and your vision. Ask if you can serve with your gift, if you can help, or fill a need. Eventually, you may share your way to success.
There is a theory known as The Six Degrees of Separation. The theory is that anyone can form a chain of personal contacts leading to any other person in the world, with no more than six people in the chain.
Another old saying is, "It's all in who you know." This really is true ...
and especially as creatives living in Nashville.
Reach out to your friends and make this a big part of your strategy. The more you connect - the more chances you have to succeed!
"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open!"
Elmer Letterman
I've been looking back over my life, considering the breakthroughs I've had with my creativity. I've often quoted the old saying: "I'm a jack of all trades, but master of none." On one level that is very true, but I've come to realize that the one thing I might say I actually "master" is encouragement. It's probably my most consistent and natural gifting. That's why I started this blog. I hope to encourage you, while using my gift.
That being said, I also dabble in songwriting, singing, songwriter coaching and photography. I've also worked as a fashion print model, have appeared in a few commercials, and spent years as a dancer/choreographer. Most recently, I'm writing and painting.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I realized that each breakthrough or open door in every one of these areas came through relationships ... or a term I like to use: community!
Yes, the natural gifting had to be there, but the development of the gifting, the open doors and the real breakthroughs came through knowing someone who opened the door.
It's easy to isolate ourselves, to constantly create and then 'protect' our creation by keeping it hidden, waiting for that open door. But the real opportunities come when you share your gift, play your song, share your latest idea with a friend, show your painting, post your photos on Facebook, or just ask for an opinion about your art.
Lately, I've been asking some of my Nashville friends how their 'breakthrough' came about. Without exception, they each have told me that they came about very naturally, through sharing with friends and friends of friends, when eventually, a door opened.
So I present you with the following questions:
- Do you share your vision often?
- Do you share your gift?
- If not, why not?
- What's holding you back?
You may be just one small step away from your breakthrough. Let me encourage you ... don't hold back! Don't try to force your way . . . but naturally share your heart, your gift and your vision. Ask if you can serve with your gift, if you can help, or fill a need. Eventually, you may share your way to success.
There is a theory known as The Six Degrees of Separation. The theory is that anyone can form a chain of personal contacts leading to any other person in the world, with no more than six people in the chain.
Another old saying is, "It's all in who you know." This really is true ...
and especially as creatives living in Nashville.
Reach out to your friends and make this a big part of your strategy. The more you connect - the more chances you have to succeed!
"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open!"
Elmer Letterman
The Path From "NO HOPE" to Goodness!
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." Dale Carnegie
Are you in an impossible situation? Does there seem to be no hope at all for you or for your situation?
None of us would choose to be in one of these situations. But, as I write I am in one. If I believe that all things work together for good, then I too must choose to believe that this situation will work for good in my situation. Another truth - 'good' doesn't mean 'easy.' So . . . am I willing to face being uneasy for the sake of good? YES!
It's taken me years to get to the place where I give a resounding 'YES' to that question.But my walk with God and knowing of His faithfulness brings a resounding 'YES!'
Could it possibly be that pressing through my 'impossible situation' will allow me to tell my story and encourage others who face similar situations? I believe it will.
Some of my favorite people are the ones who have faced insurmountable odds and overcome them. They are the friends that are the most gracious, most encouraging, warm and willing to listen. They have grown sweeter through their difficulties and are full of wisdom for others.
We each have a choice to make when we face insurmountable odds; whether to grow in graciousness or bitterness.
I choose graciousness! How about you . . . are you facing insurmountable odds? Join me in on the path of growth and of grace. :-) We can cheer each other on as we wait for the good that is promised to come forth.
Waiting . . .
Are you in an impossible situation? Does there seem to be no hope at all for you or for your situation?
None of us would choose to be in one of these situations. But, as I write I am in one. If I believe that all things work together for good, then I too must choose to believe that this situation will work for good in my situation. Another truth - 'good' doesn't mean 'easy.' So . . . am I willing to face being uneasy for the sake of good? YES!
It's taken me years to get to the place where I give a resounding 'YES' to that question.But my walk with God and knowing of His faithfulness brings a resounding 'YES!'
Could it possibly be that pressing through my 'impossible situation' will allow me to tell my story and encourage others who face similar situations? I believe it will.
Some of my favorite people are the ones who have faced insurmountable odds and overcome them. They are the friends that are the most gracious, most encouraging, warm and willing to listen. They have grown sweeter through their difficulties and are full of wisdom for others.
We each have a choice to make when we face insurmountable odds; whether to grow in graciousness or bitterness.
I choose graciousness! How about you . . . are you facing insurmountable odds? Join me in on the path of growth and of grace. :-) We can cheer each other on as we wait for the good that is promised to come forth.
Waiting . . .
Saturday
Artists Seminar Survey! This is your chance to speak up!
Hi Everybody,
I'm asking for a favor. Would you please take a few minutes and complete my survey.
I've been working with the folks at 48 Days for the last few years.
Dan Miller wrote the best selling books, 48 Days to the Work You Love; how to turn your passion into profit and No More Mondays. I'm now teaming with his wife Joanne, to lead a seminars for artists.
If you think you'd be interested in a seminar like this one please Click HERE to take the survey!
Thank you! I value your input!
I'm asking for a favor. Would you please take a few minutes and complete my survey.
I've been working with the folks at 48 Days for the last few years.
Dan Miller wrote the best selling books, 48 Days to the Work You Love; how to turn your passion into profit and No More Mondays. I'm now teaming with his wife Joanne, to lead a seminars for artists.
If you think you'd be interested in a seminar like this one please Click HERE to take the survey!
Thank you! I value your input!
Wednesday
Who says learning stops when you get out of school? The fact is, we are never out of school! The thing I’ve realized about learning is that it's much more fun and productive when it’s a subject you are interested in. And it’s much more enjoyable when it’s my choice to study!
I can’t seem to get enough time lately to study all I want. I’m always on a learning spree of one sort or another. Last week was no exception. I pushed to get to Orlando for a one day seminar. Actually, it was called the "Momentum Mastermind" and it’s led by my coach, Carrie Wilkerson and fellow coach/writer/speaker Paul Evans.
We were challenged, motivated and instructed on how to make our online presence more productive. Also how to figure out what our fans want and how to fill that need.
Recently I was challenged by a scripture that talked about stewarding your talents. While reading I knew that I was being commissioned to learn how to steward my gifts. Now that I’m learning, I’m being challenged to learn how to pass these strategies on to my fellow creatives.
How many of you have noticed another creative in your field who was knocking it out of the ballpark? Their work was being featured, talked about and getting rave reviews. All the while you sit back and think that your talent is better but confused about how they are getting all the attention, while you are not.
I figured it out . . . either they are working much harder, or they know a thing or two about marketing and they are implementing those strategies.
How do you turns things around and catch up? Here's how: You determine to work harder than ever and learn everything you can about marketing, even if it’s not your area of expertise!
I’m not a marketing guru and I don’t like to sell, but I do like to meet needs and help people. I’m learning that this approach can be very productive.
The next 5 people who comment on this blog below are invited to join me in a teleseminar. Next Tuesday evening I’ll be sharing the tips I learned in Orlando to just a few.
If you have or want to have an online presence, and if you long to turn your vision into provision, please join me!
Only five slots available, so comment NOW!
I can’t seem to get enough time lately to study all I want. I’m always on a learning spree of one sort or another. Last week was no exception. I pushed to get to Orlando for a one day seminar. Actually, it was called the "Momentum Mastermind" and it’s led by my coach, Carrie Wilkerson and fellow coach/writer/speaker Paul Evans.
We were challenged, motivated and instructed on how to make our online presence more productive. Also how to figure out what our fans want and how to fill that need.
Recently I was challenged by a scripture that talked about stewarding your talents. While reading I knew that I was being commissioned to learn how to steward my gifts. Now that I’m learning, I’m being challenged to learn how to pass these strategies on to my fellow creatives.
How many of you have noticed another creative in your field who was knocking it out of the ballpark? Their work was being featured, talked about and getting rave reviews. All the while you sit back and think that your talent is better but confused about how they are getting all the attention, while you are not.
I figured it out . . . either they are working much harder, or they know a thing or two about marketing and they are implementing those strategies.
How do you turns things around and catch up? Here's how: You determine to work harder than ever and learn everything you can about marketing, even if it’s not your area of expertise!
I’m not a marketing guru and I don’t like to sell, but I do like to meet needs and help people. I’m learning that this approach can be very productive.
The next 5 people who comment on this blog below are invited to join me in a teleseminar. Next Tuesday evening I’ll be sharing the tips I learned in Orlando to just a few.
If you have or want to have an online presence, and if you long to turn your vision into provision, please join me!
Only five slots available, so comment NOW!
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