Has there ever been something that you really wanted to do but you were afraid?  Guess what?  That is normal.  Living a creative life means putting yourself out there and saying to the world, "Look at me.  Look at what I created.  Here's a part of my heart.  Please be gentle with it."  Sometimes we are ready to do just that and other times; we take a step back. Taking a step back is ok if it is just a pause and you realize what you are doing and find a way to overcome your fears.  Taking a step back and never moving forward is another story. 

I am redecorating a bedroom right now.  My friends would love to be doing this.  I like the idea but when I get down to the actual project I always hesitate.  I tell myself it's because I don't like change.  I tell myself it will take too much time.  I tell myself I don't really like doing this type of thing or that the room is fine just the way it is.  And I put off the project. It's always there in the back of my mind but I don't take the steps necessary to begin to move forward.  I'm afraid of what the room will look like when I am finished. I'm afraid the outcome won't be worth the time and the effort that I put into what I am doing.  Do you ever feel like this about something?  It could be any type of project or new idea but fear can definitely stop us from taking that first step.  

This time I decided to use my Kaizen-Muse tools and strategies to tackle the project. I did it this way for two reasons:  I really wanted to begin and complete this project in a timely manner and I wanted to see how it would feel if I used a new approach.  So I asked myself this simple question?  How can I make this fun?  Immediately things took on a new feeling. I felt lighter and not so overwhelmed.  I began by buying lots of new magazines and just sitting and enjoying looking at the pictures.  I took short trips to unusual shops that might have pillows and bedspreads that were different.  I visualized the room and how it would look and how I would feel in it.  I took lots of small steps and really began to enjoy the process.  I celebrated each tiny step and began to look forward to the next one.  

The room is almost finished.  A new lamp, some new and peaceful pictures, plus a beautiful vase of flowers and the room will be ready for guests. What a different experience this has been.  Once I realized that fear was holding me back I began to think about how to overcome that fear.  The answer this time was have some fun and to take away all of the expectations.  I let the process flow and saw what happened.  

The next time that you are facing something new or overwhelming ask yourself "What will make this fun for me?" Sometimes the answer will appear immediately.  Sometimes it will take time; but it will come and it is always worth waiting for.


             When you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin.
                                                                                                                                     Ginny  

Last weekend I was doing something very much out of my comfort zone.  I asked for advice, I read about what I should do, I thought, I cried, I took action and I waited.  By the time I was done I was exhausted.  Things did not turn out as I had hoped so eventually I will have to start all over again.  But next time things will be different because of the poem I just happened to see on Facebook.  Next time I will do the best I can do and then let it go.  It was amazing how much lighter and happier I felt after reading the poem.  I hope that it may help you when you need it as much as it helped me this weekend.  I don't know the author but I would definitely like to thank her. You never know she just might see this blog post.

She let go.

She let go.  Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of the “right” reasons.

 Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected day in her Day-timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.

She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.

She didn’t call the prayer line.

She didn’t utter one word.

She just let go.

No one was around when it happened.

There was no applause or congratulations.

No one thanked her or praised her.

No one noticed a thing.

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort.

There was no struggle.

It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.

It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be.

A small smile came over her face.

A light breeze blew through her.  And the sun and the moon shone forevermore….

Rev. Safire Rose

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week and if appropriate "Let it go!"

            When you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin.
                                                                                                                                   Ginny

Wednesday I wrote about living a creative life and how the words explore, experience, embrace and evolve all play a large part in doing just that.  Today as I was thinking about painting the words again spoke to me.  I love to explore different mediums and styles of painting.  I like to experience how the pastels feel as I move them around the canvas or how one brush makes a mark that seems so different than another brush. I love to embrace the calm that comes to me as I paint and I definitely hope that I am evolving as as artist as I enjoy the process.  I hope that this week you will also take the time to explore something new and to really experience the moment while you are in it.  I hope that you will embrace what you learn and that it helps you as you evolve in whatever way makes you the happiest.  

Each and every day I am reminded of how fast time goes and how much we miss if we do not slow down and enjoy the moment.  I hope that you will have a wonderful week exploring, experiencing, embracing, and evolving.  It really is a wonderful way to live a life filled with joy.

              When you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin!
                                                                                                                               Ginny

I really am having fun thinking about what all living a creative life entails.  It is a wonderful way to create each day when you are open to new experiences and opportunities.  I love being in charge of the life I live.  Life doesn't just happen to me unless I let it. I am creating a life by the things I do and the choices I make.

The letter E brought forth words that I really enjoyed thinking about and words that just seem to naturally belong together. When we explore what the world has to offer we learn so many things.  It is exciting to experience each day as a new beginning where surprises exist just around every corner.  When we embrace our creativity and all that it brings with it, we cannot help but to evolve as a strong and talented person.

Living a creative life is not always easy. When I had a "regular job" I knew the boundaries.  I knew what was expected and I knew that I could meet those expectations.  It was a good way to live and I am glad for the experiences I had and the friendships I made.  Now, the world looks a little different.  The boundaries are set by me. I embrace the fact that I create the most when there is structure and support and so I make sure to have both. I'm evolving slowly but surely and I take the time to celebrate that.  I am growing in my new field and although it is a slow process I can accept that. 


 It's fun to think about what I path I should take next.  It's fun to explore my options although it can be scary as well. I'm in charge of what I do and how far I go.  I can explore as much or as little as I want.  I can embrace the things that interest or challenge me.  I can experience something new each and every day if I am open to the opportunities that are always there if I am just open to them.  And I can evolve and change slowly or quickly - it is all up to me and the time and effort I put into what I am doing.  


As I wrote earlier living a creative life is not always easy.  It takes hard work and resilience.  It takes patience and commitment.  It takes a willingness to change and to grow.  But it also allows you to explore, experience, embrace , and evolve and for me that means living a full and satisfying life. 


Do these four words speak to you?  Can you close your eyes and visualize yourself living this way each and every day?Take a minute to think about the words explore, experience, embrace and evolve and how they fit into your creative life.
I hope they become as much a part of your world as they have mine.


                  When you share your talent and dreams with the world magic happens.  Let the magic begin!
                                                                                                                                 Ginny


My words for this year are Living Joyfully.  Meeting new people and learning about their projects, plans or dreams always brings joy into my life.  And when I am there when a client has that AHA moment or overcomes procrastination or overwhelm I love celebrating with them.  If you would like to learn more about working with me, please email me.  I would love to share with you the strategies that are helping me live a full happy creative life.
                                                                    ginny.lennox@comcast.net

"Everything in life is art.  From how you walk and how you smile at a stranger, to how you love someone and the way you choose to feel, it's art."           Jill Badonsky

As I looked for a quote to inspire me this morning I turned to Jill Badonsky's book The Muse is In:  An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity and as I expected it did not fail to inspire me.  I love thinking of life as art.  It's fun knowing that the simple things that I do each day can help to create a masterpiece.  When I walked into my studio today it was dark and gloomy (just like outside) but once I turned on the lights and I looked at the paintings on the wall the way I felt energized and inspired.  I believe that it is so important to surround ourselves with the things we love. I am definitely leaning towards becoming a minimalist. I am learning the importance of having the right thing rather than too many things. This is just one way that I express myself, my life, and my art. 

If you were to begin to look at your life as art, what would you see?  Would there be something you would do differently? 
If so, what tiny step could you take to begin that change?

             When you share your dreams and talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin! 
                                                                                                                                            Ginny
As so often happens last week was one of magic for so many of the people that I coach.  There were lots of "Aha" moments, projects completed, and ideas just beginning to bloom.  Working with a coach can open doors that you did not know were closed.  I would love to know more about your hopes and dreams.  If you would like to talk, just email me at ginny.lennox@comcast.net.  It would be great to hear from you!
                                          

I had to to meet my son and grandsons very early this morning to exchange a forgotten backpack.  Traffic in our area is awful in the morning so I decided to leave extra early and sit and have breakfast while I waited for them.  It was then I took my short walk down memory lane. As I sat in Starbucks which was close to the hospital, I noticed how everyone seemed so ready for the day.  They seemed energized and ready to take on the world.  I thought of the patients they would see, the families they would talk to, and the procedures they would administer.  They seemed on a mission and ready to go.  Of course, this was just my interpretation of what their day would really be like.  Then I started to remember how I felt as I went to work each morning.  I always looked forward to the day.  There were times I was tired but I always knew something fun would happen along with the many things that may have exhausted or frustrated me. It was a great time for me and I am glad that I had the work experience that I had.

Now, that I am retired my days have slowed down.  I have more time for myself and the work that I do now.  I am in charge of my schedule and can make appointments to suit my needs. It's a different time of life and one that I am glad that I can enjoy. It's not easy for me to change.  It was not easy for me to retire.  But I did it and now I am learning a whole new way of experiencing life.  What is really great is that through my coaching I still continue to teach; something that I love to do.  


I'm glad I got up extra early today. I'm glad I took the time to observe people in their everyday comings and goings.  And I am glad that I took the time to think about all the good things that have happened to me both in the past and in the present. It is so easy to remember the hard times; but so very important to remember what makes life special. I hope that you will take a moment today to take a walk down memory lane and remember something that makes you happy and energized.


              When you share your talent and your gifts with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin.
                                                                                                                             Ginny 

     "I stopped waiting for the world to give me what I wanted.  I started giving it to myself."
                                                                                                                               Byron Katie

I have worked with women of all ages for many many years.  So often women spend their life taking care of the needs of everyone else at the expense of themselves.  And so often because they are a giver they expect that others will also give to them and they wait for that to happen.  Sometimes it does.  Sometimes it doesn't.  But what if they stopped waiting for others and began giving to themselves?  How would their lives change?  What would it look like?  How would your life change?  What would you like it to look like?  

Making changes can be frightening.  I have found that by setting an intention or a goal the change becomes more concrete and more real. I like to set an intention for the week. Then I set a goal or goals for each day.  My focus words for this year are Live Joyfully.  My intention this week is to do one thing for myself each day that will bring me joy. It can be something very small like taking a deep breath when I am feeling stressed or eating mindfully as I sit outside for lunch.  The quote above was a wonderful reminder to take care of myself and to do the things that make me happy. 

If you started giving to yourself this week, what intention would you set?  What goal would you make?  What step would you take?  Take a moment to think about it and then begin your own journey, step by step, to living the life you want to live!

        When you share your dreams and your talent with the world magic happens.  Let the magic begin!
                                                                                                                                            Ginny 


I have been very fortunate in that I have lived a very good life.  Most of that just happened. I had the advantage of having a great family and lots of support so that when I made decisions they turned out well most of the the time.  If you told me that I was creating a life, I am not sure I would have understood exactly what that meant.  But I do now.  I believe that all we do is a form of being creative.  From the breakfast we make to the clothes we wear to the people we surround ourselves with we are creating the life we live. I have a vision of who I want to be in five years and so I am making decisions that can help me to make that vision a reality.  I know I can't just sit and  wait to see what happens.  I have to do the work.  I live each day with the intention of aging gracefully but with lots of energy and joy.  I want to be productive and moving and learning and growing so that is how I spend my time now and will continue to do so in the future.  I am using my gifts to write and to paint and to share what I have learned with others.  Each day I acknowledge what I have created and celebrate the steps I have taken to reach my goals.  That doesn't mean that life always goes my way. It's not realistic to think that it will.  But I know that when things don't go as planned I have the knowledge and resilience to get through the rough times.  Knowing that helps a lot.

The word create means so many different things to different people at different times in their lives.  You can create a short story or a puppet show or a beautiful wooden boat.  You can create a lovely home, a wedding reception or a peaceful garden. You can create a wonderful day or a dance filled with passion and energy.  Or you can create the life you want to live.  It's up to you how you spend your time and what you do with your day?  So take a moment to think about it and decide what you would like to create today.  Then share it with us because:

           When your share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin!
                                                                                                                                                   Ginny

I love working with women who are in the midst of creating something important.  We all know that living a creative life is an exciting journey.  It often helps to have someone share at least part of that journey.  Becoming a Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach has changed my life and I would love to share what I have learned with you.  If you would like to learn more about working with me, please email me at ginny.lennox@comcast.net.  The first session is always free so that we can get to know each other.
                                                                        

                                  "Play is the royal road to childhood happiness and adult brilliance."  
                                                                                                            Joseph Chiltern Pearce

Each Monday I facilitate a workshop called All About You.  It's a time for the eight women in the group to focus on themselves and their hopes and dreams.  There is a lot of laughter and reflection as well as some important AHA moments.  Last Monday we talked about play and how much or how little of it we do each week. 

It is interesting to compare how we played as a child and how we play now.  Most of us do some of the very same things or something just a little different but it still includes the same sort of activity. After identifying the things we love to do we created an ideal day and of course those childhood activities (in some form) were usually included. It was fun taking a look back and remembering all of the ways we used to play and even more important to share ways to bring more play into our lives now.  Do you remember how you used to play?  Do you remember how it made you feel?  What do you do now that brings that same childlike wonder, laughter, and enthusiasm into your life?  Remember, "We don't stop playing because we grow old.  We grow old because we stop playing."  George Bernard Shaw 


I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend that is filled with everyday laughter and many many special moments.

            When you share your gifts and talents with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin!
                                                                                                                Ginny