Notes On Negatives To Positives

Oh, how I love reading journals. For the most part, the authors are young. (I consider anyone under 60 young.) These well-intentioned self-examiners writhe and struggle with the complexities and intricacies of life and self. They devour self-help books and courses. They look high and low for something to fill some undefined inner void. Guess what folks... All one has to do is STOP the self-scrutiny, self-absorbtion and drama. Simply decide to give up the emotional roller coaster and the ongoing personal soap opera filled with crises. Could all of this be an addiction? A habit? A narcissistic longing using negatives to get attention? How about developing positive achievements instead? Want to be better? Focus on becoming a better writer, artist, dancer, etc. How about accepting the good in ourselves and accepting praise for that good?

Break the negative habits of low self-esteem and life gets a heck of a lot easier.

The truth is our self imposed agonies don't amount to a hill of beans. Artist's do not have be unhappy (or poor) to be artists. Artists just have to be good artists. Becoming good at what we do takes patience, determination and energy. Replace negative habits with positives and discover how living is worthwhile, joyous and special. There is no void--no emptiness--and little struggle. We become aware of our gifts and begin to share.

Afterthoughts: To minimize one's talent under the guise of humility to me is disgusting, as is boasting of a talent one doesn't have. There is a balance. When you know your "craft," you know you know. No one needs to pat you on the back. You know how far you have come. The reward for learning on the the creative journey is to claim your title.

Reality Is. You are what you are [an artist] and you are what you are becoming.

An artist is only as good as the ideas he is able to tap into and develop.

Speaking Out

Written in remembrance of walking away.

Why do some folks stay in abusive relationships? Some are afraid to leave, some don't want to admit to making a mistake and some actually derive a hidden pleasure from being the underdog. The victim often gets approval and pity from friends and family. They become important through negative instead of positive attention. Some actually believe they don't deserve better.

However, a bully can only continue being a bully if his, or her, behavior is accepted and endured. The only way to fight back is to decide not to put up with this negativity. Mental and emotional abuse is as detrimental as physical mistreatment and can have long-lasting effects. Get smart. Walk away. Get away and stay away.

It has been said, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem." So, if you aren't happy, then only you can choose to change. Develop a legitimate plan, then follow through. Only you are responsible for you. This is true in all areas of a person's life. No one is responsible for you, but you. If you don't take care of yourself, who will?

The lesson learned from close proximity to abuse is one learns the telltale signs. When confronted in the future, a red flag goes up in your head. Pay attention to that red flag. It means, DANGER. Listen. Run. You don't need it. You don't want it. No promise is worth selling your soul.

One way to combat negativity is: Say "Stop It" to yourself, or out loud if necessary, when dealing with negative thoughts and behavior. Instead, surround yourself with people of like mind. We have a choice. We are in charge. We are alive. We are here and we have a right to be here. We are worthy of success, health and happiness.

One more thing...The myth that an artist must be unhappy to be creative is not true. One can be creative and happy. In fact, the most creative people I know are happy and have the freedom to create anytime anywhere.

My wish and prayer for the New Year is that the abused will realize their worth, stand tall, and walk into a world of creative good.

Remember: Be Good, Do Good and then Strive to be Better.
Believe in Yourself. Be Creative. Be Grateful. Love life. Life is good.

When Will You Be A/An __________?

When will you call yourself an artist, writer, photographer, performer, musician, whatever? When will you claim your title? And...what does it take for you to call yourself an artist, or photographer or ????? When will you be that? How about now? You must believe in yourself. You become what you believe you are.

Then:

Study and learn all you can about your craft. Listen to what the critics say...they may have a point and you can learn from their criticism. Listen to what folks who like your work say...you can learn from them too. (One of my favorite things to do at an exhibit is to eavesdrop on folks viewing my work.) After having said that: follow your heart, your Muse and your path. Never do anything artistic to please someone else. Always work to please yourself. Then, you will be on the right track even if your path is different from what has been done before.

Do what you want to be doing. Do it regularly.

Join a group, or groups. Be with people of like mind, i.e. art organizations, camera clubs, etc.

Enter exhibitions and competitions. Sell your creations.

Be happy...you are doing what you want to be doing. How many people can say that?

* * * * * * * *

I never felt like an artist until I entered a competition in Albany, New York, back in the 1970s, and walked away with third prize. It wasn't first prize, true, but it was something. After painting and painting and painting, recognition. This happened thirty years ago and I remember that epiphany moment like it happened yesterday. I got the news and the next morning woke up saying..."Holy cow, I AM an artist!"

Most important: You must believe in yourself and your talent.

The greatest downfall I hear is what folks say about themselves. They do excellent work, but don't believe in themselves and their creations. Their words and actions show their disbelief. If your work is good, then accept that fact and price it accordingly. What does it say to the world if your work is selling framed for $5.? How much do you value your work? Be realistic and don't EVER put yourself down. (If you say bad things about yourself, or your work, people will believe you.) Your ideas, your time, your energy and the years of study invested in creating anything significant is worth more than five dollars, isn't it?

Something to think about:

When someone gets something for nothing, they don't appreciate it. So let folks pay for your creations. Don't give your work away.

Today's Reminder: Be Good, Do Good, then Strive to Be Better!

Remember: BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING! Being grateful increases awareness.

Winter is approaching...Are you interested in creating a photography journal? Learning how to take better pictures? Having some creative fun, fun, fun? If so, email me. I am thinking about starting an online workshop...So...let me know. My email address is on my profile.

Gold Stars--A Secret Ingredient

Creative people need praise and encouragement. Praise for a job well done. Encouragement to keep going and doing...to keep exploring...to continue succeeding. If noone is giving you the praise you need, do it yourself. SILENTLY PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK...AND...Give Yourself A Gold Star.

You are alive...give yourself a gold star. If you are momentarily down and make your bed, give yourself a gold star. Is there one thing you accomplished today? Even the smallest thing counts...One gold star coming up.

You are important...you are important to yourself...some days you are all you've got (especially if you are good at what you do).

You are here...that makes you important. You are someone. There is no one like you.

Bring on the Gold Stars!!!!!

Remember: Be good, Do good, then Strive to Be Better!

And...hand out gold stars, some praise and a kind word or two.