Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

Sometimes all you need is a different perspective to get some good ideas.

Think Backwards

In the early 60’s the FCC was concerned that some of the quiz shows had supplied contestants the answers (remember the movie the Quiz Show?)

Julann and Merv Griffin were on a plane to New York and she suggested that they give the contestants the answers and they guess the questions.  They had their concept of the show by the time the plane landed.  Jeopardy has been on the air since 1962.

Begin with the End

Think about what you want to accomplish and write down the end result as if it has happened.

For example, let’s say you want to write a book.

Write a book from the end or write the back cover first with the kinds of quotes people would say about your book  which gives you insight into what you want to write.

What are you working on now?  How might you start at the end?

P.S. In case you are wondering, the photo was taken at a wonderful garden design show we went to when we were in France a couple years ago and it is an etched shovel.

"Dream Conversations" by Sally Evans

Making your dreams come true and living your desired and inspired life is an ongoing journey of discovery.  And a process.

Don’t you sometimes wish you could just push a magic button and everything would be perfect – now?

But it really isn’t about achieving one goal or one moment that defines your happiness or your life.  It is about the journey of discovery and the adventures and opportunities along the way.

I have spent a lot of time resisting the fears,  risks and even some of the joy and excitement along the way.  I have spent a lot of time getting in my own way.

Realizing that all the stages, including  failing, trying again, re-evaluating, re-inventing and refining goals are part of the process of living my dreams allows me to see it differently.

Just like the creative process which has it’s moments of excitement and momentum along with lulls and incubation.  It helps to know there are a myriad of stages and the feelings that go with it that allow you to continue to grow.

Your journey is usually a series of spirals and rarely ever a straight line.

Even though it might be frustrating – isn’t it comforting to know it’s not black and white? There isn’t a check point at the end of the line where someone stamps your Dream Card- granted or denied.

And if you are discovering and appreciating the journey along the path of your dreams, you’ll expect twists and turns along the way.  You won’t give up so easily when you encounter them, and you may even come to regard them as opportunities to grow.

An Easier Way to Set Goals

As we enter a new year, in our area, the ground is covered with white, sparkling snow like a blank canvas, fresh and full of possibilities.

How are you starting off the new year? It can be exciting and overwhelming.

As you set goals, are you making a giant to do list that would be intimidating for someone running their own country?

Are you vowing to do better than last year? Or are you feeling bad that you haven’t made new promises yet that you’re afraid you won’t be able to keep?

What if one of your main aspirations this year could be to simply enjoy your life more?

“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever his is.” – C.S. Lewis

With a slight change of perspective, it is possible. Think about each area of your life such as relationships, finances, career or business, mind, body, spirit, fun and recreation. Try to write down at least one thing that would make it more enjoyable and more satisfying. How could you make it easier?

The best part is it could be something very simple. Here a just a few possibilities.

• What if you devoted an hour or two a week to a dream or goal you’ve wanted to do for a long time but haven’t found a block of time to accomplish it?

• What if you let go of the pressure of having a certain outcome or deadline?

• What if you were trying to cut down on coffee or sodas and you add a glass of water in between each cup?

• What if you got help from a friend on something you’ve been procrastinating and dreading? My sister and I did this with some of our clutter and it was a huge help!

• What if you gave yourself mini rewards to recognize your efforts?

What if you got in the habit of asking yourself how you could make something more satisfying and easier before doing it? You may come up with some great answers and even better a habit of enjoying life more.

How can you make things a little easier this year?