Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

“Life is too short for you to be the caretaker of the wrong details.”

Alexandra Stoddard

This quote is one that hits home when you think about using your time, money, energy and other resources doing things that don’t inspire you.

Like maybe you have a lot of cool stuff, like art supplies, but you’ve got so much that you only spend time shuffling it around and never spend time actually using them.

Or maybe you always say yes to every request that comes your way and you want to help but resent not having any time left to do the things that bring you joy.

Maybe you feel like you are on a runaway train headed in the wrong direction. I remember feeling that way when my husband and I started a jewelry import business. I wanted it to be a transitional business as I started creating my own jewelry.

Sometimes it might just take a step back to get a better perspective and simply refocus your energy.

When you continually take small steps in getting the details of your life closer and closer to what you really want, the happier you’ll be.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”

– quote by Scottish mountaineer William Hutchinson Murray

Note: While this quote is often said to be by Goethe, after checking various references, it appears that is not true.

I love this quote.

When you aren’t fully committed to something, it is much easier to just give up.

When you make a decision and a commitment, however, you begin to take action.

And when you begin to take action and your thoughts and actions are in line, you often see opportunities open up in new and surprising ways.

Is there something you want? Are you ready to make a decision and a commitment?

"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.