This has been a crazy month filled with ups and downs and twists and turns but it looks like things are beginning to get back to normal.  It is interesting how "normal" can sometimes seem a little boring but how good it looks after a few unexpected and unwanted surprises.

I am glad to be participating in Paint Party Friday again and I have commited to Art Every Day this month as well.  I have decided to use this commitment as a time to play and experiment.  I've gotten my watercolor pencils out again.  The first painting was done very quickly and then I loaded it into the computer.  I played with the color saturation, etc. and I actually like the second picture.  My goal this month is to totally trust the process and to enjoy whatever I create.

As you know I like to reflect each Friday on what I am grateful for.  I am very grateful that I have the time to enjoy painting.  This was not always the case and so this time is very special to me.  I believe that each season of our life is different and special in its own right. Life keeps changing and offering us new opportunities and for that I am very grateful.

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

                                                                                                                                             Ginny

Each Wednesday I share my thoughts on one of the Kaizen-Muse coaching strategies and tools.  Today I want to talk about the power of being aware of who you are and want you want your life or business to look and feel like.  I believe it is important to give yourself time each day to just "be" .  It's important to take time to reflect upon what is working for you, what needs to be changed and what gives you great joy and happiness.  Everyone has their own way of spending this time.  For some it is in meditation, for others it is journaling, or walking in nature.  The important thing is to know what works for you and then to take the steps to do it.  

I have been thinking a lot about my coaching business.  I receive emails daily telling me how to reach more people, what I need to do to be more successful, etc.  It's easy to start second guessing yourself when you are bombarded with information.  So I began to think more about my coaching style and who I am and who I would like to reach.  I realized that I enjoy what I am doing and how I am doing it. I love talking to people I meet through my blog.  I love seeing their faces through Skype or Facetime and I especially love hearing about their dreams.  I realize I could send out newsletters and emails but right now that does not feel right for me.  So I am going to continue doing things in a way that feels right for me.

I believe that it is important to be open to new information and to new ways of doing things.  I want to learn as much as possible and than sit back and decide what is right for me and for my clients.  It all goes back to awareness.  It's important to be aware of what is available and it just as important to know what is right for you.  So as you go through this week I hope that you will take the time to listen to not only your head but also your heart.  What makes you happy?  What makes you smile?  What feels just right for who you are and who you want to become?  What feels right for your business or project?

As always I would love to know what is happening in your life or business.  I enjoy reading your comments and emails.  Please don't ever hesitate to contact me at [email protected]   It would be great to connect.

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

We have really enjoyed the lake although the weather has been cooler than expected.  Eight hours on a motorcycle is a long time when the wind is blowing really hard and the temperature is in the forties.  But we survived and had fun. It's always good to go away for a few days but it really feels great to be home.  While we were gone I spent some time with my watercolor pencils.  They are so easy to take with you and the cleanup is nonexistent.  I have a feeling that I will be using them more and more 

This week I am really grateful for the beautiful scenery that we have seen everywhere we looked.  There is nothing more inspiring than Mother Nature.

I have had an Iphone for awhile now but I have never used it to take pictures.  I'm not sure why except I like to know exactly what I am doing and if I don't I put off trying because I don't like to make mistakes.  

One if the Kaizen-Muse creativity principles is known as Spills. Spills is there to to remind us that the more we make a mess the more we learn.  I have to remind myself quite frequently that the only one who expects me to not to make a mistake is me.  

Can you picture yourself as a beginner who is doing something new and is having fun?  What does it look like?  What does it feel like?  Can you take one small step towards that vision?  What step is it?
My step this week is to have my phone close by at all times so I can capture whatever catches my attention.  I invite you to try something new this week.  Let's practice, make mistakes, and see what we can learn.  I have a feeling once we forget about being perfect we'll start having fun.

                                "The greatest mistake a man can make is to be afraid of making one."
                                                                                                        Elbert Hubbard

I was watching TV the other night and heard someone say, "It's not a long shot.  It's her shot."  It really stuck with me.  We all get opportunities in life.  Sometimes we have prepared for years for those opportunities and sometimes we are not quite ready when opportunity knocks on our door.  I think it's important to notice the things that are all around us.  Often an opportunity is staring us right in the face but we are too busy to notice it.  

This week I am going to have an opportunity to learn to become a better photographer.  I want to take the time I will have to photograph the fall colors with my phone.  I don't use my phone to take pictures and I want to learn how use it to take really good pictures. This week I will be in the mountains surrounded by the fall colors and I want to take this opportunity to learn how to do something new and fun.

Some people say opportunities don't come around often, so grab them when you can.  I think they are there for us to take more than we know.  It's becoming aware of them. It's realizing their importance in your life. And it is making the most of each opportunity that presents itself to you each day. So this week I hope you will join me in looking for all of the wonderful opportunities that are waiting for all of us each and every day!
                                         
                  When you share your dreams and talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin.

Last week we discussed the concept of percolation vs. procrastination.  Percoloation is a positive thing which can happen at the beginning of a project or at certain points during a project when you need time to take a step back and think about things.  Procrastination can stop us from ever starting or finishing a creative project so it is something that we need to be aware of.  Awareness is the first step and I often think the key to becoming a more creative person. If there is something you have always wanted to do or a project you just can't seem to finish, you might ask yourself why.  Recognizing why it is easier to clean the bathroom than write the first sentence of the novel you have dreamed of writing is the first step to beginning to write.  Is it because you are afraid that you don't have time?  Maybe you are afraid that noone will read your book or that you don't have something to say.  Fear often stands in our way of reaching our goals. Recognizing that fear can be a normal part of the creative process is liberating.  Overcoming fear by taking small steps towards our goals is empowering.  

One way to overcome procrastination is by setting very small steps or goals for yourself.  Getting your paints ready to begin is a step.  Looking at references pictures is a step.  Sketching one small part of the painting can be a step.  Setting aside 5 minutes to paint is a step.  What often happens when you give yourself five minutes to paint is that you quickly realize that you have painted for 20 or 30 minutes.  It's getting started that is often the hardest thing to do.  On the other hand if you only plan to paint for five minutes and then paint for five minutes you have met your goal and should celebrate those five minutes

Awareness of what has worked for you in the past is another way to overcome procrastination.  I know that I have a hard time going to the gym but if I have a trainer waiting for me I will get there.  I know that it's hard for me to walk the track on a regular basis but if a friend is waiting for me, I won't let them down.  Does something like this work for you?

A big part of overcoming procrastination is recognizing the steps that you do take.  Taking time to notice and celebrate the creative process is often overlooked.  Have you ever thought of keeping a Tah Dah list to celebrate each tiny step that you are taking towards completing your project?  TaDah lists can be lots of fun plus they help you recognize what you have accomplished rather than worrying about what you have not completed.  Focusing on the positive helps in every aspect of life.

Having an accountability partner often helps.  Checking in with someone who supports your efforts and is there to encourage you when the going gets a little rough can be a great help in keeping the momentum going.  This is something new that I offer as a creativity coach and you can find more information here.

Procrastination happens to almost everyone at one time or another.  If you have any questions about procrastination or possible ways to overcome it, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected]  I would love to help you get your projects started today.

Next Wednesday I will talk about the importance of making mistakes and practice in the creative process.  I hope you willl join me.

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

Wow, what a week.  Last Sunday I when I decided to use the phrase, "Experience the Unexpected" to start off the week, I did not have any idea what was instore for me.  I guess I was thinking of nice friendly smiles. recipes that turn out better than usual, lovely fall weather, etc.  I did not expect a trip to the hospital and an overnight stay with lots and lots of tests and needles and everything that goes with being in the hospital.  All turned out well but it truly was unexpected.  I had a wonderful day on Wednesday and even said to my husband when I got home, "I really feel good today."  Then two hours later I was in incredible pain and thought I was having a full blow heart attack.  So I guess I got a lot more of the unexpected than I wanted.

Today's post is a little late for Paint Party Friday and a little early for Sunday Sketches but I did not want to miss either.  It is amazing how much I enjoy participating in both.  I also realized this morning that I forgot to post what I was grateful for this week. My gratitude practice has become really important to me and something that I like to share with others.  Today I am so grateful for the wonderful care I received at the hospital and for all of the people who took such good care of me.

  I think this week I will find my inspiration in lots of deep breaths, looking at the beautiful fall colors, laughing with my family and friends and just enjoying life.  I am sure I will be back to looking for opportunities to experience the unexpected again but for now I am really happy to be able to enjoy all of the special moments that occur routinely each and every day.  I would love to know what simple pleasures make you happy each day.

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

Every time I look at the picture about I think about how I could use it as a reference photo for something that I create.  I could use it as a scene in a story.  It could be a reference photo for something that I paint or it could bcome part of a collage that shows many of the beautiful islands that we have visited over the years.  Am I procrastinating or percolating?  It really helps to know the difference.

I always thought that I was a procrastinator.  My husband would often ask in frustration, "Why do you wait until the last minute?"  And he was right.  I did wait until the last minute.  But I knew that was when I did my best work.  If I finished early, I would go over and over my project, until I was finally finished - yes, that's right - right before the project was due.  Now, I know that I was percolating an idea which for me is an important part of my creative process.  I like to think about the project.  I like to imagine what it will look like and what steps I will take to complete the story or painting.  I love to do research before I begin and to talk to others about what I am planning.  Then when the time is right, I begin, I work, I create, I revise and I celebrate the completion of something that I have been thinking about for a long time.

Procrastination is normal for many people.  I procrastinate sometimes.  Usually, it is when I am afraid I don't know what I am doing.  Instead of working, I call friends, browse through blogs, go for coffee, walk the dog, etc.  I'm not thinking about what I am going to work on when I am procrastinating but rather avoiding what I know I have to do.  There is a big difference in the two.  Procrastination is avoiding the creative process, percolating  is thinking about and visualizing what your are going to do before you do it.  

There are many simple ways to overcome procrastination.  Next Wednesday we will explore some of them.  But this week it is important to recognize whether you are percolating or procrastinating.  Awareness is always key to making changes in anything that is standing in your way of building a creative life.  You cannot change something that you are not aware is happening.
 
Do you procrastinate or percolate?  I would love to hear your thoughts either by leaving a comment or by emailing me at [email protected].  Hope to hear from you soon!

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