Archive for challenge
Daily Creative: Master the Art of Living
Posted by: | CommentsI read a quote the other day and it really spoke to me. I think I have always felt this way about what I do, but reading someone else’s thoughts about it, really struck me. Here it is:
“The master in the art of living make little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information 
and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both.”
That quote was written by James Michener. I have always believed that God has created each one of us with distinct abilities that only we have. When we are in our “sweet spot” as Max Lucado says, we are where God has designed us to be. That spot is where we find this “mastery of living”, it is our ART. It is who we were meant to be and it doesn’t feel like work, it is who we are.
So my creative challenge to you today is to really think about who you are. Are you living the life you were designed to? Are you mastering your sweet spot?
IF you are… yea! I am so thrilled for you, you have found your calling. Rejoice in it and share it with us… please comment below. IF you aren’t, it is time to really reflect on this challenge and maybe make some changes to your life. Life after all, is far too short, and if we aren’t doing what we love and were designed for, then it’s probably about time we did.
Go ahead, what are you waiting for? The world is waiting for you…
Daily Creative: Joyful Attitude
Posted by: | Comments
How joyful are you? Are you an optimist or pessimist?
Do you practice an attitude of gratitude?
Our days are really determined more by our attitudes than our circumstances. It’s not about what happens to us, but how we respond to our circumstances that makes our lives fulfilled. Even though our days can be stressful, frustrating, and certainly not as we planned, we can still practice being grateful for what we do have and what is truly important in life.
I know you’ve heard it before, but what we often prioritize our days or even lives doing, isn’t what brings us joy and fulfills our lives. We are all designed to make a contribution to our world and often we miss our calling. We know when we are not in our “sweet spot” and feel unhappy, passing that frustration on to others.
Can you practice being grateful for what is in your life today? Don’t worry about what you don’t have, focus on all of the things that make life rich for you. What do you have to offer? Who can you build a relationship with? Who has a need that you can fulfill? We are designed to contribute, what is your calling?
Even when circumstances happen to us that seem less than ideal, there is usually a learning moment, some insight, or even a bigger plan to what is happening. We can be thankful for many things, even in the midst of a storm. Our character is built on it and our attitude is shaped by it.
A wonderful friend’s son was injured severely by a fall off of a roof when he was just 1 year into college. He was paralyzed from the chest down. As he lay in his hospital bed, he told his family and friends how lucky he was. He was still alive and he could breathe on his own, unlike the man in the bed next to him. Over the last few years, he has been in and out of the hospital, had countless surgeries, and many setbacks. He learned to cope with his challenges and move forward, all while maintaining his positive attitude. Through it all, his faith never wavered, but grew stronger. Still in a wheel-chair and unable to walk, he went back to college and earned his engineering degree and is currently designing projects that enhance the lives of other physically challenged adults. He is an inspiration to everyone who knows him. He has built his reputation on being a man of integrity, heart and gratitude.
I challenge you to make a list of 50 things that you are grateful for today…. it’s amazing how much we take for granted. Take time to notice all you are blessed with. It will change your day.
Daily Creative: What do you dream about doing?
Posted by: | CommentsWhat idea, dream, book, project, plan or business do you dream about making happen? What niche are you designed to fulfill? What dream do you keep so hidden within that you haven’t even given it words? What burning desire is just waiting to be set free?
You know it’s there. We all have something we are dreaming of doing. The problem is… we wait for someday, or just don’t even give our dreams enough worth to bring them to the light and take action on them.
What is keeping you from setting this dream to wings? Just what if you set it free and it came true? Just what would happen if your wildest dream came true?
What if? What if you opened it, gave it a name, nurtured it and it became real?
Don’t let it collect dust any longer, open your dream, set it free… and watch it fly. I dare you….
Watch and listen to the talented Kelly Corrigan read “I dare you”. The inspiration for today’s thoughts.
Inviting Entries…
Posted by: | Comments
Does the entryway to your home draw visitors in and tell them your home story? When you come through the door at the end of a long day, does your home invite you in? Does your entry speak to the seasons? Is your entry an organized and functional space that still represents you and your personal style?
Let’s look at some enticing and beautiful entries…. 
I love the wood floors, use of stone and brick, tons of natural lighting, beautiful storage, the welcoming color palettes, and the originality of each space. No cookie-cutter entries here!
Whether your entry is grand and gorgeous, small and inviting, or organized and stylish, it is the first impression you and your visitors have to your home. It should speak with confidence and style, all while subtly telling your story of home.
Use some of today’s inspiration to get a jump start on telling your home story. Start with organization and function, then add in some style and personalization. If you n
eed further assistance, give me a call, I’d love to help. You won’t believe how the changes will effect your entire home.
Welcome home.
(All Photos from My Home Ideas)
Daily Creative: Baking Bread
Posted by: | CommentsMake bread today. Yes, you heard me… create a fresh loaf of tender, crusty edged bread! Baking bread is absolutely sensory- the smell of the fresh yeast, the feel of the soft flour on your hands, as one kneads the tender dough. The patience required to wait for it to rise, then to bake. To make it even more fun, ask a kid to join you… that will allow you both to celebrate making a life staple from scratch. (Oh, and if it makes it more enticing, create the dough for cinnamon or caramel rolls… that is definitely worth the investment of your time!!) Sometimes we are at our most creative when we are relishing a simple joy in life.
