I woke up feeling rested and happy this morning … so much better than yesterday where I woke up wired and tired.
And today I removed something from my life that was not serving me well, in fact it was making me forget who I am. So, out of this experience came my first 5 steps toward living an artful life.
I won’t go into detail because it was such a small thing (in the grand scale of things) like really, really small, but it was sucking the fun out of one of my greatest joys … photography. So after a particularly restless night, I decided to remove the offending “thing” from my life. I always knew it was toxic, but just wasn’t prepared for what it was doing to me … . anyway, it’s gone now, and I feel so much better.
I’ve also been reading my new book “Living Artfully” by Sandra Magsamen. I’m quite sure I’ll be quoting her often in the next year, as she writes so eloquently and seems to speak directly to me:
Living Artfully is about creating a life worth celebrating, worth remembering.
Sandra Magsamen
OK … did she say celebrating?
Goodness, I can’t seem to get away from that word! and indeed, why should I try? Looks like I’m going to have to keep it around, after all :)
I thought by making lists, it would help on my quest to live an artful life. So here are the first 5 steps I’ve chosen:
- Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. (Oscar Wilde)
- If something is not serving you well, remove it from your life.
- Be honest. Be honest with yourself.
- Create from the heart.
- Play. Experiment. Trust.
Know exactly what you want to focus on.
Day 5 of blogging every day in February.
Hi Barb. Thank you so much for leading me to this book the other day. I loved this post and your photos.. oh so much beauty.
Have a wonderful night.
Thank you so much Lisa. I’m glad you like the book!
Sounds like you are off to a fantastic start, Barb!
Love the second photograph here.
What a great composition.
Thank you Lisa!
beautiful images… and good for you…. : )
xo
Barb,
That pattern is so beautiful. I have walked into the store about 5 times and walked out. You couple others on IG have it so I am resisting . :) but I do love it.
Thanks for sharing.
Ann
Love your list of 5 quotes, Barb! And celebrating life ~ the colorful flowers … I will check the book as well!
I’m going to have to read that book myself! Love your list of five steps, especially the Oscar Wilde quote, and such beautiful photos…glorious!
Hi Barb. I’ve ordered Sandra’s book (as well as her DVD of same title) from our library … I appreciate the recommendation.
#2 — “if something is not serving you well, remove it from your life” — is a stickler for me since it usually involves those ‘good girl’ to do’s, but I’m working on it :)
Great pics, great posts.
Thanks!
Thanks Barbara for introducing me to that author. Getting rid of anything toxic, large or small, is such a good thing. Congratulations.