Accepting what is (or at least trying to...)

I think anyone who knows me, knows that I have a hard time accepting things whether they are things I think shouldn't have happened--like getting lupus for example.  Or accepting when things I WANT to happen DON'T - like not being able to afford a vacation to somewhere warmer.  I tend to obsess about the way I THINK things should go--maybe you know what that's like?

Well a few weeks ago I was at work and one of our subs who used to teach in the district and I got to talking.  He mentioned Byron Katie.  I've heard of her before, but this time I decided to get a few of her books from my library.  I'll be honest--some of her wording is really hard to grasp, almost how I feel when reading Eckhart Tolle, but the underlying meaning is starting to really resonate with me:

When I accept things, even the "bad" things, I will be happier.  Period.  Wow.  Tough work though, really tough work.  I'm so used to thinking "why me?" or "why not me?" so this is definitely going to be a work in progress, but I'm pretty sure work worth doing.

I wonder if you have any tips or mantras that help you accept those things that either go wrong or don't happen the way you'd like them?

Looking Forward to Reading...

I'm really looking forward to reading Art Saves: Stories, Inspiration and Prompts Sharing the Power of Art by Jenny Doh.  It features at least 20 artists who share their how and WHY of creating.  It looks full of inspiration from these great artists which always gets me more excited to create something myself.  I"ll be ordering it from Amazon soon and will be waiting very impatiently for it to come like I was for Patti Digh's and Kelly Rae Roberts' books. 



I love these types of art books because they show such unique images as well as a peek into the lives of creative people who are so inspiring.   It's the kind of book that shows the fun mess of real creating.  Can't Wait!!!!

Creative Girl

I just received the book Creative Girl, The Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity into a Real Career by Katharine Sise.  It was recommended by Bonnie Rose from the blog A Life Unrehearsed and she seemed so excited so I thought I'd give it a shot since being creative is what makes me happy.  I do want to make a career out of it even though I haven't had much encouragement from those closest to me.

The author Sise says it is absolutely possible to make a living out of our creative pursuits.  I can't tell you how many times my mom has told me, "You'll never make a living off of your paintings."  Thanks so much for the words of wisdom, Mom.  People do make a living off of their creativity and I plan on being one of them.

Now I'm not creating just to make a living.  No.  I'm creating because it's what my heart and soul tell me to do.  I'm creating because it makes me feel alive and joyful.  But why not try to make a living off of doing what I love.  I know I have a long way to go, but I'm hoping that this book will give me some direction. 

(P.S.  Isn't the girl on the cover just adorable?)