This week I spent time playing with my pastels. There was not set agenda other than to take out the chalk and make marks.  When I did this it took me back to my early days in the classroom.  That was a long time ago when manipulatives first came into favor.  When we brought the new math manipulatives into the room we spent several weeks just playing with them. Only when the newness wore off and the kids could really start to pay attention on how to use them were specific strategies taught. 

I realized recently that I have not given myself permission to play in a long time.  I reminded myself that by not giving myself time to play with my pastels, and to learn how they feel and what they can do, I have missed a lot of fun and I am sure a lot of important information.  So I have decided to start over and look at my adventure with pastels as if it was just beginning.  I am going to create one small piece a day and see what happens. I am going to enjoy myself and play.  As George Bernard Shaw said, "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."   I think it is definitely time to play!  I would love to have you join me in at least one "play date" this week.

Each Friday I share what I am grateful for.  This week I am very grateful for the time to play!  

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

                                                    "Creativity is contagious.  Pass it on."  Albert Einstein

I love the idea of creativity being contagious.  I know that being around positive people makes me feel good.  When I am talking with my yoga friends I often feel very relaxed and zen like. And when I am talking to people who recognize how good it feels to express their creative side I want to go home and get out my paints and create something too.  I have not been very disciplined this summer.  I find that I am inspired to create when I go to class regularly and most of my classes have been cancelled for the summer.  But rather than wait for my classes to get started again, I am going to commit to painting each day for ten minutes. I'll paint a quick flower and see what happens.  Several months ago I painted a series of skies and I really enjoyed the structure of knowing what I was going to paint each day. It will be interesting to see if painting flowers each day inspires me like the sky did.  I want this experience to be fun. No expectations except to get back to the joy of  painting on a daily basis. 

Is there something that you have put aside this summer?  Is there something that has been missing and that you would like to get back to?  I'd love to have you join me this week - ten minutes a day of doing something that will make you feel good.  What will it be?  

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

I usually end my Friday's post sharing something that I am grateful for experiencing during the week.  Today I wanted to share a note that I received from a friend this week.  We have never met in person but have corresponded through our blogs for many years. We worked together a few weeks ago and then this week she sent this note and said that I could share it in whatever way I saw fit.  It is definitely a testimonial for creativity coaching and for Circle of Dreams but I really think it is so much more.  It is an honest look at what it means to live a creative life.  She happens to be a wonderful writer and photographer but her experience could happen to anyone.  Although she said that it was a rough piece of writing and that I could change whatever I needed to change, I thought it was perfect just the way it was.  I hope that this note will remind you that as creative people living a creative life we all experience some of the same things as we continue on our  journey each day. It is nice to know that we are not alone and that there are people who are there to support our dreams.

This summer has been a challenge for me.  I had lots of personal issues, which took energy to deal with.  Anyway, my creativity went into a deep freeze, even though the temperatures where I live were in the high nineties. 

Then I visited Ginny’s site one day. Ginny is a Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach. I decided to give her a call and find out just what a Creativity Coach is. We set up a session. What I learned via this session was very helpful.

Through our work in that one session, I realized writing, for me, isn’t about the end product as much as the journey. Writing is a place where I step into a whole different world – it is imagination, freedom to play with words and a place where I willingly forget time. 

The core of my session with Ginny was a reminder to listen to my heart when I write. When I’m writing from my heart, I have fun. I’m like a kid who finger-paints. I don’t know where the story will go or how it will end. Instead, I put my fingers into the words, swirl them around and around, letting them join others to make something new.

There’s something in any creative endeavor that defies definition. It’s so much more than the end product. It’s also about the emotional roller-coaster of being creative. I know in my case, this summer I’ve had days when the fingers flew across the keyboard and then days when they hovered and all I could do was stare at the empty white page in front of me.

This brings me to the other lesson I learned from my session with Ginny; the reminder I’m not alone in my creative process. Just talking to her made me feel better. She understood where I was coming from. She made me realize one of greatest resources creative people have is each other, but too often we forget to share the emotional ups and downs of creativity. 

Ginny’s starting a Circle of Dreams group in September. This is opportunity to not only embrace your creative dreams, but also share your doubts. You never know when a gentle nudge, a tiny suggestion or a new way of looking at something may spark your own creativity to new levels. 

I was deeply touched by this note.  It is not always easy to talk about the times when we face writer's block or didn't  know what to paint next.  It's not always easy to start a project when you are working alone or to keep going when things seem to be taking longer to get off the ground than you had anticipated.  It does make it easier to know that you are not the only one who struggles from time to time.  As I said in the beginning of this post, I always end my Friday's post with something that I am grateful for.  Today I am very very grateful that a friend took the time to share her journey in order to help me.  That is true friendship and true support!

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

Special Moments In Time Creativity Coaching Tip - People often wonder what creativity coaching actually is. Today I would like to share how I am using some of my Kaizen-Muse Coaching strategies and tools to help me as I learn about marketing.  The wonderful thing is that these strategies and tools can be used in every aspect of your life. 

In life we are always learning something new.  Sometimes it is by choice other times it is because of necessity.  I have been emerging myself in something I know I have to learn more about.  I am learning all about the world of marketing.  This is a really uncomfortable area for me but if my business is to grow I need to know how to better share what I do with others  I have been talking to people, researching, reading, and taking tiny steps. I have been applying many of the Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching principles to my current project of learning more about how to let the world know about Special Moments In Time Creativity Coaching.  I have been:

Taking Small Steps -  Right now I am reading about marketing. It is a totally new area for me so I just read a little at a time and give myself the time and space necessary to absorb all that I am learning.

Paying Attention - As I begin to market, I am paying attention to what is working and not working. 

Thinking Out of the Box - When something doesn't work, I think out of the box.  I ask myself questions about how I could do this differently.

Having Fun -  Marketing can be difficult but I am determined to have fun doing it.

Giving Myself Permission to Make Mistakes - Although I don't want to make mistakes, I know if I am doing  something new I am going to make mistakes. I am giving myself permission to be imperfect and to mess up from time to time.

"Just Do It"  -  There are times when hitting the post or send button makes me nervous.  I remind myself there are times in life when I Just Have To Do It and see what happens.

Take a Break - Because I am doing what I love I often forget to take a break.  Taking time to do something other than coaching is important and I remind myself often to take a break.  And then I actually take it.

Compassion - It is important to show yourself the same type of compassion that you show to the rest of the world.

Self-Care -  Part of self care is acknowledging what you have accomplished and celebrating the small victories along the way to reaching your goal.  Each day I take a moment to celebrate the things that I have accomplished.  

Surrounding Myself with Positive Supportive People - We all need to surround ourselves with supportive people. It makes trying something new easier and a lot more fun.  I do this in lots of different ways.  It might be coffee with a friend, a conversation with my husband, meeting people through my blog, or taking an art, yoga or writing class.

How many of these things are you already doing ?  Is there one area that you do really well and another that you need to work on?  I would love to know which of the steps above speaks to you today.

Circle of Dreams begins on September 16th.  It is 8 weeks filled with sharing, planning, action steps, and celebrations.  The group is limited to 8 women and will be held through a free teleconference.  You can learn more about Circle of Dreams here.  I would love to have you join us.

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

                                  "Joy happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things are." 
                                                                                                Marianne Williamson, lecturer, author

Special Moments In Time Creativity Coaching tip:  Surround yourself with supportive positive people.  Pay attention to who brings you joy just by being who they are. 

The pastel above is one that I painted exactly a year ago.  I like to go back and look at my paintings to see if I still enjoy them in the same way.  Some I like more, some less, and others I always feel the same about whenever I look at them.  The painting above is one that I always like.  It was one of the first paintings that I completed that I was really excited about.  I remember sharing it with someone who's opinion I really valued.  They had the training that I lacked and I hoped that they would see what I saw in my painting and be as excited about it as I was. Although they were complimentary, the compliments were lukewarm and the suggestions for improvement came quickly. But what surprised me was that my enthusiasm for the painting didn't change.  I realized that day that even if noone saw what I saw in the painting it would be ok.  The fact that I enjoyed creating it and liked the finished product was enough.

I have learned a lot since that day last year.  I've learned that it is ok if someone does not like my work.  I've learned that although I can take criticism I also like and need support.  I've learned that support can come from people I have never met or from a trusted friend.  I've learned that getting better at my craft takes time and patience and lots and lots of practice. I've learned that when I immerse myself in a project that I love that I lose track of time and everything around me. I agree with Marianne Williamson that "Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things are."  You could interpret that to mean how good life is right now, or how good the moment feels, or just how good creating a simple pastel makes you feel.  I hope this week you will take time every day to recognize how good things are and to allow yourself to really feel the joy.  

                                                                 What brings you joy?

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

I just returned from a great yoga class.  Our instructor received a certification last weekend in Kids' Yoga. The theme for tonight's class was to be free like a child and to enjoy the class. We were encouraged not to worry about whether the pose was correct but to enjoy the pose and the experience.  When I came home I set an intention, as I began to paint, to just have fun.  I wanted to continue the experience of the yoga class and enjoy the feel of the pastels in my hand and on the paper.  I did not use expensive paper, I did not use any particular pastel and I didn't worry about my stroke.  I just enjoyed the moment and guess what -  I like the finished painting.  Amy Grant wrote, "More important than talent, strength, or knowledge is the ability to laugh at yourself and enjoy the pursuit of your dreams."   And Robert Fulghum wrote, "Be aware of wonder.  Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some."  It's important to play. It is important to feel free to experiment and to discover new things.  Play helps you to do just that.  I hope that you will take some time to play this week.  It's fun!

Each Friday I share what what I am grateful for.  This week it is simple.  Normally the temperature in our area in August is from 90-100 degrees.  Today it was 71 with an incredible breeze.  It is amazing how different weather can make you feel. I know that the temperature will go back to normal soon but for now I am enjoying every single minute of this incredible weather.

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

PS  Circle of Dreams begins the last week of September.  If you are interested in talking with a supportive group of women who also have plans and dreams they want to make happen, this is the group for you.  During our eight weeks together we will talk about how to find time for your dreams, the creative process, the importance of self-care, simple but effective strategies to help you when or if you become stuck and much more.  You can read more about Circle of Dreams above or contact me at [email protected]

PPS  On Wednesday I offered a free coaching session to the first person who contacted me this week.  I would like to make that offer again today.  You can read more about my reason for the offer in Wednesday's post which always offers a creative coaching strategy.

True passion is intoxicating and invigorating, soothing and sensous, magical and mystical.  I just thought you should know what you are in for.  -Tazo tea bag:  "Passion"

Aha Moments can happen anywhere.  They can happen when you are in an incredible environment like the place where I took this picture several years ago. They can happen when you are alone with lots of time to rest and think.  Or an Aha Moment can happen like it did to me yesterday when I was talking with a client on a coaching call and realized how much I loved what I was doing and that no matter how much time or effort it took to make my business grow it didn't matter because it was what I was supposed to do. 

I think the most important thing about an Aha Moment is that you pay attention to the moment and how you feel.  It might be a feeling of joy or excitement that tells you that you are on the right track or one of uneasiness or dread that tells you it might be time for a change.  Stop for a minute. Take stock of how you feel  Pay attention to what is inspiring you.  Pay attention to what is giving you energy.  Listen to what your Aha Moment is telling you. You might want to record the moment in your journal or draw a picture that is inspired by the moment. Recording it is a way to help you remember what about that particular moment was important.  Take the time to give your Aha Moment the attention it deserves. 

Each Wednesday I share a coaching tip.  This week I encourage you to listen to what is happening all around you.  What makes your heart sing?  What fills you up with positive thoughts and feelings?  What makes you happy?   Where do your true passions lie?  The more you know yourself the easier life becomes.  Priorities change, decisions become simple, and creating the life you were meant to live becomes simpler when you are fully aware of who you are and what is important to you.  Look for your Aha Moments!  They are there.  You just have to stop and notice them when they happen!

Have you experienced an Aha Moment lately?  

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

Because of yesterday's Aha Moment I would like to offer a free 45 minute coaching session to the first person who contacts me this week.   We can talk on the phone or Skype whichever you prefer.  You can contact me at [email protected]   It would be fun to create an Aha Moment for you!

      "Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life."  Mark Twain

I know I have used this quote before, maybe many times.  But whenever I come across it, it speaks to me.   It reminds me that every day can be beautiful.  It reminds me that every day can be filled with simple pleasures and special moments if we are open to seeing and appreciating them.  It is hard to always remember this with all that is going on around us.  But it is possible to do so if throughout the day we stop and take a minute to look for the beauty that is in front of us.  I drew the flowerboxes that are on our deck awhile ago. To me they are always beautiful whether it is a year where the flowers bloom like crazy or one like the year above when it was too hot for much to grow.  As I walk through the house I always take time to look outside and appreciate the color of the flowers, the green of the leaves, or once in awhile the beautiful butterfly that stops by to visit.  It's a simple thing to do but one that always gives me pleasure. Is there something that you do that reminds you just how special the day is?

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

                                                                  What If

Wednesday I took a great painting class where we used water and pastels.  Before we began class the instructor had placed a small piece of paper on everyone's easel with the words "What if"  The class was built around the idea of just letting go and taking a chance.  We were given a step by step set of directions for using water with our pastels but we were also free to step back and say "what if"  and then do whatever came to mind.  Questions help with creativity.  They open the door to new images, new possibilities, new dreams.  

I like the question "What if".   I am finding that my answer is usually freeing.  I find that my answer is usually fun and it helps me realize that most things are not as serious as I tend to make them.  

This week I am grateful for a class that opened the door to not only a new way of painting but to a new question to help open the doors of life when I am stuck.  Getting stuck happens to all of us.  It may happen when we are writing or painting or almost completing a project.  It may come in our daily life or when we want to make a big change in the way we think or the way we do things.  Looking at all of the different possibilities and asking "What if" may be a simple but effective way of seeing things in a new light.  I am going to try it more often.  How about you?  

             Remember:  When you share your dreams and talent with the world, magic happens.  Let it begin today.

 What if you joined Circle of Dreams which begins the last week of September?  Joining a like minded group of women to share your dreams and talents with can be just the thing to help you start something new, finish a project, or get in touch with who you are and what you want to do with your life now.  The circle will be small so we have time to really talk and share what we have accomplished each week.  I will also be sharing Kaizen-Muse Creativity strategies which I really find helpful in so many ways.  If you are interested in learning more about the group, please read the Circle of Dreams page above or better yet contact me at [email protected]

I am linking my post to Paint Party Friday.  I love visiting the artists each week.  I hope you will join us.