snapshot: reframing happiness

Happiness is far from an endpoint. 

Snapshot inspired by Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar.

[click it!]

inspired

Major source of inspiration in my life? Fresh farmers market finds. 

Colors. Textures. Simplicity. Canvas for creation.

imperfect creativity

“…if your internalized view of failure is anything that is not perfect, then you are disempowering yourself from exercising your inherent creativity.”

-  Peter Sims in The No. 1 Enemy of Creativity: Fear of Failure

Oh, snap.

There goes that wall I’ve created -- you know, the one that keeps all imperfect actions and ideas far from the world.

Since I’ve stood in the confines of that safe haven for so long, the idea of releasing imperfect ideas leaves me more than a little exposed. I cringe at the thought of admitting that perfect doesn’t fly in the real world. And yet, I know this to be a gem of truth -- imperfection is an inherent quality of the creative process. 

So what do you say we brave this together, friends? Let’s dare to be vulnerable and allow creativity to flourish in imperfect soil.

sights: bakeshop

Baking in the morning light...

[brown butter muffins via sprouted kitchen]

portland

a war of thoughts

I’m my own worst enemy. 

More often than I care to admit, “I can’t decide,” gains foothold over, “I can make this decision.” 

Yet, I've witnessed a beautiful truth -- heightened awareness let's me turn the tide. Instead of simply accepting defeat, I can catch myself in the act. I hear that negative voice and now proceed to counter it boldly. It's liberating to see how much that action changes the flow of my hour or day.

I'm guessing you too would say a battle is being fought in your head. The question is -- which voice do you offer the reigns of control?

stay focused

Don’t fall into that deadly trap – widening your audience “just a bit more.”

Don’t keep generalizing your message and website copy in the hopes you may catch a few more folks.

Why?

Your widening actions taint your words. You’ll lose your initial, ideal target because you no longer speak directly to that person anymore. In fact, you’re too general to specifically resonate with much of anyone.

Better idea: Write to that one ideal person you see in your mind. Stick to what will move them. Write so that the ideal can actually find you. Don’t worry about the rest.