wholeheartedness

Revisited one of my favorite books today and created a simple visual reminder. Being a bit under the weather always brings a healthy dose of perspective.

Get your hands on a copy of The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. In my mind, it's essential reading.

found

Inspired by fashion catalogues and other found materials...

unique

It's easy to get distracted. Easy... to look around and wonder why your life doesn't look more like that of another.

...until you pull yourself back toward the truth, that is.

Your uniqueness is profound and highly intentional. Your compass frequently will not align with others. Be at peace with that. Often, it's a sign that you're on track.

time

Time flies.

Assuming that you must hurry is folly, though. Life isn't a race. Don't operate under some false assumption that it is. The best way to act in response to time's quick passage is to truly value the present.

awaken truth

You are not your work product. You’re not the hours you spend laboring, nor are you the end result.

The most meaningful use of your time isn’t found by squeezing the greatest possible productivity from your minutes. It’s far more critical to appreciate the your natural rhythm and truly respect it.

Yes, the world around you will keep racing. It will beckon you to take part in the madness, but refuse to align yourself with that dance.

The temptation will run deep, but you must never allow comparison with others to become your benchmark for living. Doing so will only lead you to dire places – places that sap your sense of hope and confidence.

The lies – they won’t stop coming. But when you choose to have a say in the matter, I can assure you, those lies ultimately cannot overpower the truths.

bakeshop

[adapted from green kitchen stories' 

thin oat and ginger crisps]

idealism

The idealism you possess isn't meant to torture you. In truth, it's meant to set you free. It's designed to release you from the notion that this current reality is all that can and will ever be.

No matter how many people try to tame that idealism within you, you must continue to see its beauty. You must fight powerfully for the visions your idealism awakens within you. Through those very visions, you can and will transform the world.

branch out

Some days, branching out will translate to that simple act of trying a new ingredient.

[jungle peanuts]

conflict

You'll find yourself continually astounded by the horrendous way people treat others. At times, you may be the target of such behavior. You will experience pain. You will want to lash back at the source. Though it will be challenging, you must take an entirely unforeseen route.

Refuse to play that game. Let your words and actions instead be prompted by unmistakable love. In doing so, you'll challenge both yourself and those around you to deeper growth by a most unexpected means.

the story of today

Each day of your life will be profoundly shaped by the dialogue you allow to take hold of your mind.

What are the stories you choose to tell yourself?

Do you choose to celebrate the little things, declaring their inherent worth through your sense of appreciation and joy?

Or, do you choose to deprive the ordinary moments of significance, detesting their seeming smallness?

Those thoughts -- whichever you choose -- will dramatically inform your day.

So, choose wisely.

today

In pursuit of your long-term vision, take care to not deprive yourself of the ability to be fully present today.

modus operandi

I know it sounds crazy, but you don’t always have to explain your mode of operation to others.

You know whom you answer to.

At the end of the day, just make sure you’re in the green there.

a hello

Sometimes, it will be the little things that illuminate your day…

Like the old man you pass on your morning walks – the one that used to bear such a stern countenance. The fact that the very same old man initiated a hello and smiled this morning will inspire you. You’ll realize your simple act of smiling and saying hello each day truly left a mark.

machine-like

You’re not a machine. So today, don’t treat yourself like one.

Regardless of what others ask or expect of you, the route you must take is the one that respects your humanity.

Better, I think, to be at odds with others than to deny your true self.

bakeshop

[zucchini bites adapted from the sprouted kitchen cookbook]

today

Today...

someone will stand in the way of your work becoming the best it could be.
someone will make poor decisions - the consequences of which will affect you.
someone will let you down and not hold up their end of the bargain.

Today will fall short of perfection. It will look nothing like your ideal.

But, today is still worth celebrating.... because although you cannot control the perfection of this day, you can decide the meaning it has for you.

Is today a reason to be frustrated and lose hope? Or, is today simply beckoning you to deeper growth?

forward

Why on earth would you not try?

...because I might fail.

That's no longer a valid reason.

Though it may have excused you from acting in the past, it will no longer suffice in keeping you from moving forward.

Forward. That's your option, not stuck at a standstill.

small

It's easy to keep yourself small.

Easy... to let the dominant voice in your mind
be the one that claims you're not enough.

It's critical to fight back.

Critical... to decide that voice will not hold you down
or keep you from declaring your worth powerfully.

You weren't created to stay small.
Stop denying that truth. Start living accordingly.

brand crush: puesto

I visited a quick Mexican eatery down in La Jolla called Puesto. The entire experience - building design, collateral, team, food - was branded so incredibly, I had to give it a little love on here. Here's a taste of the design work...

perfection

Perfection is not your aim today either.

Though your mind will crave the perfect schedule, words, work or actions, your heart will remind you of an alternate pursuit that you may choose.

Joy.

Look for opportunities to celebrate each step of the journey. Those moments will not be perfect, efficient, productive or practical. Accept that now. It is imperative that you do so, for it is the only path to the life you are intended to embrace.

Out of that acceptance, joy itself will awaken your ability to illuminate for others the beauty in this day.

productivity

The aim of your life isn't productivity. Nor is it efficiency.

This isn't a truth you can simply nod at, then proceed to act in direct opposition. Or, perhaps you can, just be willing to accept another truth -- your actions are inconsistent with your beliefs. I'd call that foolishness -- a key ingredient for a frustrating life.

So before you dash off to fashion another to-do list or judge yourself for "wasting too much time," stop and ask yourself -- What race is this that you're running? What is your chief pursuit?

--
It must be noted -- this post directly stemmed from a "less productive" morning followed by moments of self judgment. Funny how creativity defies productivity.

a refusal

[lyrics]

there is a voice that's telling me
this is a race
you better catch up quickly
there is a voice that's telling me
it's meaningless
every action waiting

but I refuse to believe
the lies that you
keep feeding me
yes, I refuse to believe
the lies that you
keep feeding me

there are two paths that do arise
the way of truth
and then the lies
I wish the truths most captured me
but the lies take hold
so powerfully

but I refuse to believe

the lies that you

keep feeding me

yes, I refuse to believe

the lies that you

keep feeding me

there is a voice that's telling me

you're perfect dear

so stop comparing

there is a voice that's telling me

you are enough

time to start believing

security

It's become increasingly apparent that my life isn't defined by practicality.

I mean, come on -- I live in L.A. This place isn't remotely practical. For someone with an embarrassing affinity for security and efficiency, settling down here is more than a little humorous. I don't even work in entertainment.

Yet, this place challenges me in incredible ways and provides fertile grounds for growth. In other environments, my challenges would be far more manageable. Here, each day is a declaration - I choose faith. I choose to believe that life is far more beautiful, far more meaningful when I don't obsessively hold the reigns of control.

From Erwin McManus' Uprising -

When we keep our challenges manageable, we not only manage our fear, but squelch our faith. One way to deal with our fears is to surround ourselves with security and predictability. We may look courageous when in fact all we've done is minimize our risk.

The choice to pursue faith isn't a natural one. Yet, I'm learning to value the life that stretches far beyond the realm of what is known. Each day, I remind myself to recalibrate the messages controlling my mind and debunk the myth that my chief pursuit in life should be security in all things. Beyond my zone of comfort, I find real growth and significance.

creation

[buckwheat & oat bread adapted from edible perspective]

thinking

A distinction must be made between thinking and over-thinking. The former is highly advisable. The latter is dangerous territory. In that second realm, investment is high and payoff is low.

Take effort to think before acting, but be sure to temper that with an understanding that the thinking becomes meaningless in excess. It ought not be divorced from meaningful action.

finding my strength again

In discussions with other coaches, several folks have shared the strengths they’ve brushed aside or had trouble owning.

Fascinating, but I don’t have one of those.

At least, that’s what I told myself. Did my denial truly run that deep? How could I be so blind to the fact that my attempts to embrace the “go with the flow” LA culture have simultaneously stripped away something so inherently me – my talent for discipline?

I realize now that the term “discipline” seemed like some effort to kindly mask “rigid” and “stick up her ass.” So, I flocked instead to an opposite extreme – unstructured living. The problem is, though it may suit some folks, it doesn’t work for me. By restricting myself of use of my strength, albeit subconsciously, I found myself feeling incredibly weak. Deprived of my natural rhythm, I felt lost.

It’s been a needed reminder – while use of one’s strengths feels good, it does take work and intention. And yes, your strengths will often make you stand out in a crowd. Despite the necessary effort and vulnerability, it’s an investment that’s entirely worthwhile. When I actively harness my talent for creating structure, I feel powerful. I’m far more productive, insightful, helpful and creative.

How ‘bout you? Which strength are you brushing aside? What does it take to pick it back up?

--

To explore your own talents more, consider using Gallup's fantastic StrengthsFinder tool. 

the resistance

The resistance likes to do some crafty things. When it infiltrates your mind, it accuses you of wrongdoing when you set and uphold personal priorities. To the resistance, the thought of you making real efforts to bring your greatest gift to the world is frightening. But to you, the thought of doing exactly that can and should birth excitement.

When you hear the voice that holds you back, laugh and move forward. Remind yourself that action that seeks to bring good to the world around you is worth pursuing. On the flipside, the inaction that the resistance likes to praise is a waste of potential. While it may shelter you from vulnerability, it merely withholds you from living out your creative intention.

---
A few reads on the resistance: Stephen Pressfield (the man who coined the term) and Seth Godin (a man who should need no parenthetical reference).

can't not care

Some days, it’s easier to fall in line - pretend not to care and act as though you aren’t capable of making a difference.

Except, you still do care, and numbing your emotions only aggravates your desire to make a difference. That you’ve chosen not to act is irrelevant; the fact is, that desire is still there.

Better, I think, to heed the voice that tells you to care. Better to act in spite of the obstacle. Better to know that despite the outcome’s imperfections, you decided to dare.

dos and don'ts

[an assortment of observations]

Do take time to envision your future with great clarity. Be brave enough to guide your life according to that internal vision. 

Don't let obsession with perfection deprive you of experience within your journey.

--
Do be open to change in structure as you gain deeper perspective. Be willing to widen your understanding and respect others' insights along your growth journey.

Don't fixate on others' steps of progress too deeply. Comparison's magnetism can drag you away from your core purpose. If you lack intention, it muddles your own life vision and goals.

--
Do establish your own driving core values, and stay true to them. Establish reliable means of remaining accountable.

Don't impose your values on the lives of others. Instead, respect the unique set of values at their core.

summer

salty cookies

 

This stack of salty cookies is proof of opportunity - a chance to decide which chatter wins in my head.

See, the less-than-perfect flavor of these lovely things sent me spiraling into a shame storm post-baking. But, shame didn't endlessly reign. It wasn't automatic, but my thoughts shifted to a courageous refusal to let shame have the final word.

Now, they stand as a reminder to celebrate moments in which I choose to defy shame, embrace imperfection and unleash further creativity.

creative vulnerability

It’s oddly enticing - the allure of not shipping. Endless untapped ideas never intersect the world outside our control; they remain trapped within our own grasp. It seems like the safest route: constant perfecting, vulnerability absent.

Except, the other side of the equation weighs far too heavily. Unreleased creativity can eat you alive. 

"Unused creativity is not benign - it metastasizes. It turns into shame, grief, rage, judgment, sorrow... We are divine beings, by nature creative, but it gets lost along the way; it gets shamed out of us." - Brene Brown

Your creativity was meant to be shared not withheld. Yes, that equates to dancing directly with vulnerability.

No, creativity is never safe... but denial of your creativity is a far more dangerous thing. We ought never allow fear to suppress our creativity.

nonsense

It doesn’t make sense – the fact that the moments I feel the strongest are the ones that require the most vulnerability.

Except it does… because when you step into vulnerability and make it through alive, you find you have strength far beyond what you believed could be true.

It doesn’t make sense – the fact that I’ll use avoidance as a tactic of dealing with the things I most desire.

Except it does… because those are the very things I most deeply fear; that chance of rejection, loss, or pain already feels a little too real.

Life doesn’t make sense.

Except most of the time it does… because we have all the truth we need; it’s just our commitment to truth that needs to get a bit more clear.

lunchtime

Beauty midst the day...

[brussels sprout salad with quinoa, avocado, 

marcona almonds, dried cranberries]

self-compassion

You'd think it'd be an obvious choice - to protect ourselves via self-compassion. Yet, we sabotage ourselves with negative patterns of thought far too often.

None of us are exempt from the negative mental chatter, but we can choose whether we are diligent in our efforts to counter it. Each day, we must ask - will we let shame, fear and negativity define our story without opposition, or will we actively replace these forces with healthy conversations?

This intentionality must be a priority. For, as our thoughts weave together to shape our stories, they inform the way we interact in the world around us. When we decide to oppose the pessimism in our own minds, we're better equipped to unleash kindness and hope in the world beyond us.

movement

True - in the land of uncertainty, there's room for failure. But, don't forget - there's also room for possibility. 

Take purposeful movement precisely when the outcome is up for grabs. Regardless of what unfolds, you'll awaken opportunities for growth.

"Movement with intentionality creates possibilities."                          - John Maxwell, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

exploration

Sometimes, the greatest exploration
lies within simple acts of creative engagement.

[beet smoothie]

tomorrow

When you hear the voice that tells you to execute that idea tomorrow… instead take note, take action and make it happen today.

Why? That voice of procrastination is out to sabotage your creative work. It sees distorted beauty in tomorrow because there is a higher likelihood your brilliance won’t see the light of day.

“Since you're going to ship anyway, then, the question is: why bother indulging your fear?” – Seth Godin

Ask yourself honestly, will there truly be more time, energy or inspiration tomorrow? Or, is fear tricking you into settling for less than your potential today?

busyness

From Brene Brown's Daring Greatly 

We are a culture of people who've bought into the idea that if we stay busy enough, the truth of our lives won't catch up with us.                                                  

Yes, being "busy" is an obsession in our day and age. In our preoccupation with busyness, we lose sight of a few key truths.

#1: Busy is a choice.

It's easy to point the finger of blame at someone else and claim our bosses, clients, families or friends are at fault for our busyness. Yet, our busyness is ultimately our choice alone.

Where can I be more intentional about my schedule? 
How can I create more margin in my life?

#2: Busy is a mask.

When we are busy, we sabotage our growth by leaving no time for exploration of the real stuff - the root of our problems, the depth of our fears. We desperately need space for reflection that moves us forward.

Why is busyness the route I've chosen? 
From what emptiness am I attempting to hide?

Go ahead. Grab a notebook, and give these questions some focus. Dare to be a little less busy and a bit more meaningfully reflective with your day.

idleness

From Tim Kreider's article "The Busy Trap"

Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensible to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets. The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration - it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.

Don't let our cultural fixation on busyness fool you. Idleness is indeed something of deep value.

[photo: portland]

responsibility

Your personal sense of focus directly impacts those around you.

With a scattered mindset, you can forward that incoherent email effortlessly. Or, you can choose to hone in, ask appropriate questions and add a layer of clarity. Really, it’s up to you to own your part. 

Will clarity or chaos be the message you keep spreading?

There's endless beauty in simplicity...

[purple cabbage]

intention

"For a healthy spirit, you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."
                          - Dallas Willard (via Hank Fortener)


Your refusal to rush is bound to tick others off.

That’s a good thing.

It’s a sign you’re chipping away at the status quo. Others might not always find that so comforting. But, blatant adherence to the status quo is far from what this world needs.

Keep defying the norms. Each time you do, there’s a tribe of us cheering. We can awaken real intention in this world instead of blindly scattering. 

step one

Step one – it’s the uncomfortable one we’re far too inclined to skip.

Step one – it’s also the defining one we’re crazy to dare miss.

The absence of step one is obvious in:

the organization without a cause

the meeting without a purpose

the life without direction

the brochure without a message

the email without a point

Scarcity of resources may try to silence your dire need for it. Yet, when resources are scarce, it’s precisely the thing you need.

Step one – that powerful stage of:

considering why you exist

questioning why you’re embarking

determining what you’re after

envisioning where you’re going

All steps that follow benefit from step one – if you’re patient and courageous enough to embrace it.

Muster patience and lean into the power of step one.

break the routine

An ordinary morning is transformed when you:

(a) actively look for beauty

(b) intentionally break the routine

[oatmeal w/sauteed apples]

bakeshop

sans gluten

[apple, oat, buckwheat muffins 
adapted from love and lemons] 

leading with my heart

In yoga the other day, the teacher told me to lead with my heart. I posture my body in a way that puts unnecessary stress on my shoulders – not a good thing. But, that’s no surprise to me. I don’t stand as tall as I should. I carry most of my stress up in my shoulders. Countless times over the years I’ve been reminded – shoulders back.  

The words of my yoga teacher, though – they penetrated much deeper. Yes, my physical body is not leading with my heart. But, the more compelling truth – that physical reality is mirrored by my emotional tendency. At times, I choose not to lead with my heart. Why? The vulnerability is freaking terrifying. I cut myself off instead of connecting. I bar myself from love because it might be imperfect; I very well could get hurt.

See, the fear in my head forgets to tell me a crucial bit about leading with your heart – there’s an upside. When you follow the way of love, you see beauty and opportunity. At every corner, there’s possibility.  Yes, the vulnerability of it all may get you burned along the way, but instead of feeling hidden, you’re alive like never before.

cease the hustle

When did we ever begin to accept that corrupt notion that hustling to please is praiseworthy? You know what I’m talking about – that asinine belief that the most noteworthy folks are the ones that work late and bear endless stories of being martyrs for their jobs.

I bought into that lie. Each time I stopped myself from working later or pushing longer, I let the menacing thoughts creep in – You must lack real determination. If you knew how to persevere, you’d see things through. Stop copping out. Quit idealizing.

I never really openly referenced those thoughts. I’m not sure I even realized they existed, but the fact that they subconsciously sunk in is undeniable given the shame that took control.

A couple days ago, something new took hold though – a glimpse at the other side of the picture. A realization dawned – I don’t say no to the hustle due to a lack of perseverance. In actuality, it’s a decision to stand by the values I hold dear. It takes a heck of a lot of determination to quiet the achievement-obsessed, fear-driven thoughts running rampant in my mind. True discipline is required to defy those powerful threats to my personal value for balanced living and healthy well-being.

See, the truth is far different from the one our world likes to feed us. It takes far greater strength to uphold your core values than it does to give in and hustle to please the masses. When you recognize your inherent worth and the matchless significance of your driving values though, you’re freed from the need to exist in constant overdrive.

ambition

It's a term that's historically evoked distaste within me.

I haven't ever thought to question why, let alone consider reframing my reaction. That is, until Steven Pressfield dropped a batch of insightful reflections on me via his worthy read Turning Pro.

It took me a long time to come to terms with the idea that I had ambition. I felt guilty about it. Who was I to aspire to "rise above" my brothers and sisters or aim to be "better" than anybody else?

Yes, I know that guilt. 

To feel ambition and to act upon it is to embrace the unique calling of our souls. Not to act upon that ambition is to turn our backs on ourselves and on the reason for our existence.

Crap. I really have turned my back on myself.


The good news? Thanks to Mr. Pressfield, a new sense of perspective is rising within me. I'm saying goodbye to my discomfort with ambition; it's a major factor holding me back from where I ought to be.

25

Growing older...

Yes, I made a birthday collage in my own honor. 

Here's to more creating-for-the-heck-of-it this year.

being me

Historically, I've spent a lot of time questioning the things that are authentically me. By measuring myself against others, I've made assumptions that something's wrong with... me.

Take my introversion, for instance. I used to feel guilty on those days when I found myself thinking – Honestly, I just want to read a book by the fire and sip some tea. No, I really don’t want to engage in a bunch of surfacy conversation at a party.

Or, consider my design work. I’d pour over super clean designs, trying to mimic them carefully, wondering – Why is this so difficult? Perhaps, this whole design thing really isn’t for me.

Lately, there’s been a shift, it seems. As I’ve learned more about my personality and my talents, I’ve given myself greater permission to let my internal compass guide me. I’ve found that I don’t need to spend all my energy apologizing for lack of what simply isn’t me. The things that are most natural – the introversion, the rustic designs, the intuitive way of perceiving the world around me – each of these has value. Each is a vital piece of what makes me – uniquely me. And, I've found – it's enthralling to lovingly give myself permission to simply be me.

2013

2013 will be a year of COURAGE...

   trusting in God's presence

   stepping beyond comfort

   acting in areas of uncertainty

   defying fear of failure and imperfection

   exercising increased self-compassion

   dreaming of a life and world far beyond me