ENVY & INSPIRATION

 ENVY & INSPIRATION
Envy is a wonderful thing!  Envy tells us that we have seen something that speaks to us, to our own unique drives and desires.  It's kind of light a flashing street sign, giving us information and direction so we can better steer our own course. (do not confuse envy with evil, competitiveness or anger,  envy does not seek to harm or compete).  Today's task is to let a little envy inspire you!

Here's the challenge:   Soak up a little ENVY!
      1. Ask yourself who inspires you.  Could be anyone, for any reason.   
      2. What do you like about this person?  What quality do you envy?
      3. Now write about it, talk about it or create something that reminds you of it.
      4.  Soak in a little of those good envy vibes. Enjoy!

understanding anger- for women

         Women seem to experience anger mostly from the outside in.  We get mad at something or someone, but we usually end up taking it out on ourselves.  You can see this through the actions of self-harm that we inflict on ourselves (overeating, undereating, cutting, depression) and also in the way that our anger manifests into physical pain (headaches, migraines, shoulder pain, teeth grinding).

Our own anger is often something that we are actually a little afraid of.  We try to avoid it, mask it or deny it.  As in...no I wasn't angry I was worried ....I'm not angry but....

Often by the time that anger comes out, it comes out sideways-completely missing the actual cause of our anger and landing on our spouses, our children, our co-workers, an innocent grocery store clerk.  And this only reinforces our fear of anger- it tells us that our anger is reckless and regrettable. 

So what is the purpose of anger? Anger actually serves two very important functions:

                - it tells us when our boundaries are crossed

                -it lets us know when something needs to change

Our anger is highly valuable.  We need our anger to alert us to things that are not acceptable or okay and to help fuel us to make changes in those areas.  When channeled appropriately, anger helps us to live the life we want to live and to keep us safe from harm. 

So next time you are feeling the effects or aftermath of anger, try these steps:

1.       Acknowledge your anger.  Admit it.  So often I hear women say  I’m not mad...   Yes you were.   You're furious. It's not the  end of the world. 

    

2.   Take some time to think about what your goal is.  Get out a pen and paper and write for a few minutes.  Ask yourself:  What do you need from the other person?  What do you want to see happen?  This step is important, it allows for you to refocus on the bigger picture and to keep in mind the potential consequences of your next steps.

3.    Take ownership over your own emotions and wellbeing.  People often assume that the other person should know  what they did wrong or that you are upset.   This is an unfair expectation of others and a way of trying to avoid conflict.  It is your job to teach people about your personal boundaries and to take care of yourself.  It is not anyone else's job to try to make guesses or to become an expert mindreader.   

4.  Go to the source.  At first, it might feel easier to practice this step after the initial triggering event is over.  Often we freeze up in the moment.  That's okay.  Later, after step two, return to the source of your anger.  Go back and deal with it directly.  Express your anger to the appropriate person.   (Face to face is best, unless you believe that the other person could become violent.)  When you are angry, say so. Be clear and direct.  Practice speaking your truth.

EEEETTTSSSYY!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aprilstarrboyd?ref=pr_shop

This is my new favourite obsession.  Etsy is a collection of great gifts and self care ideas, both new and rediscovered.  Enjoy supporting the arts!

MICROMOVEMENTS

THIS IS A GREAT LINK TO CHECK OUT:

http://www.planetsark.com/pdf/MicromovementSheet.pdf

SARK, one of my favourite writers, freely shares tools and resources on her site, including downloadable support sheets.  This one talks about about the concept of "micromovements," a concept that has been very helpful to me.  "Micromovements" are tiny, easy steps that when added all together can create something that may otherwise feel too big or unrealistic.  

manifesto

Great little collection of "|manifestos", words to live by from great minds.
http://the99percent.com/articles/7001/10-Awesome-Videos-On-Idea-Execution-The-Creative-Process
What would your manifesto include?  Here is what I came up with.

April's Manifesto 2011:

1. only say yes when you mean it with all you heart

2. doubt means don't (thanks oprah)

3. life is short. do what you want to do now, not later.

4. make mistakes; mistakes are inevitable, embrace them as part of the process.

5. If you wait for all the stars to align, you will never do the thing you want to do. 

6. if you set out just to be liked, you will be prepared to compromise almost anything to anyone (thank you margaret thatcher.)

7. make your home your sanctuary.  home should be a nourishing, rejuvinating, safe place away from the rest of the world.   

8. we spend a great amount of our lives at work. Do what you love, money will follow.

9.relationships should make life easier, not harder. They call it “partnership” for a reason.

10: most important: if nothing else, listen to your gut.  Your head can lead you astray, your heart can’t be trusted. Your gut never lies. it can save your life or change your world.

how to make an encaustic transfer

Making an encaustic transfer is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.  It is a great way to add extra detail and interest to your work. First, you need to select an image or draw one if you prefer.  Then you make a photocopy (toner or laser only, ink jet will not work).

Then warm the wax of the encaustic background and place your image where you want it.   I used a spoon to rub down on the image. 

This part actually takes a bit of muscle power.  Using wax paper on the back of the image helps things along.

With a damp cloth, wet the back of the paper and clean off the image.  Voila!  Gorgeous, versatile transfers!

Have Fun!

expectations

How does one avoid forming expectations?  And in my case today, the sense of disappointment that sometimes follows.  I often find myself at the risky intersection between planning and outcome.  You try to create something, but it can be hurtful when it does not materialize as you hoped.

 I suppose the remedy is to shift the emphasis onto the process itself.  Any positive outcome then becomes a bonus, a pleasant surprise.  The process is the product, so to speak.  Although intellectually this makes perfect sense to me, my less refined heart still disagrees.  And when I become too focused on what should be, then loose sight of what is wonderful and magical and glorious about already IS.