Doing More..

On my weekend adventures these last few  days, I stumbled onto this beautiful wall. I snapped a picture just cause, but looking through my phone later was very glad I snapped that picture.. 

Because we all deserve to be happy. We deserve to live the life we want to live. We shouldn't waste a single minute of our lives being anything but happy.  And sometimes we just need that little reminder.. 

The reminder to surround yourself with people who make you happy. 

Things that make you happy, hobbies, creations, and of course lots of little things to laugh at. 

 (Like Wicket's never ceasing ability to get stuck in the couch when I run errands.) 

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The Reality That No One Actually Cares

So, you are free! 

And so are they.... 

First off, some of you may not agree with this post. And that's totally okay. These are just my opinions. Having grown up with depression, been through divorce, and gathered my own personal experiences, this is what I find to be inspiring. 

This is going to be a bit of a different "inspiring" post... Because the message is actually a little bit sad.. well at first. I stumbled on this photo the other day and felt incredibly inspired by it. It actually boosted my mood. And I was in a pretty sad place. 

My first thought, well that's sad. Then I realized, wait a minute... that's actually pretty inspiring and freeing. It's like letting go of a heavy weight that's pulling you down...

Now, I'm not talking about my readers, family, or friends. I know you guys care about me and others.  Those reading this post have sent me positive energy for many many years, and it does matter to me. This post isn't negating that. This post is about all those other people in the world. You know, the billions and billions out there living their lives not really caring about those they don't need to. 

Another favorite quote of mine.. 

A sad but freeing quote... The first second after reading it is a shock, but it goes away and then there is comfort, much like the previous one. 

So, what do these two quotes have in common? 

It let's other people off the hook. 

And that's one less things to be sad about. 

We have to remember that people aren't living for us, they are living for themselves. Just like we should be living for ourselves. And putting expectations on others to care about us. Or being sad when they fail, is needless sadness. We are all players in this game of life, but on different levels. All dealing with trials. And it's hard to look outside of that.. and that's actually okay. 

You can sit around the house being depressed. You can walk around the park sad that no one cares, but the grass is still going to grow. Babies will still be born, and people will still kiss each other and fall in love. Life is going to go on, and people will keep living.. so you might as well live too.

There comes a point in everyone's lives when we discover we are at a rock bottom. Things aren't working out the way we wanted. We feel stuck, or in a rut. Things are going against you. People you feel should care, don't. (Because they are most likely in that same place.) Some people share some positive energy. They send virtual hugs, or cards in the mail. Some give you advice, and others criticize you ad your choices. But there is only so much another person can do. You can't rely on anyone person to make you happy. Perhaps moment to moment memories can make you happy. Perhaps a personal message from a friend to a friend can lift you up momentarily... but you can't rely on any single person to bring you happiness. This has to come from within you. 

Not one can tell you who you are, or where you need to go. No one can tell you the magic word to make you happy. You have to make that choice on your own. Sometimes it takes therapy, medicine, or other routes, but deep down, it comes from one place. The Self. The greatest success in life is rising after we fall. Choosing to rise. Create the kind of self you would be happy to live with.. because that's all you've got. And the best feeling in life comes when you realize that you are perfectly happy without depending on other people. And them being in your life is just an added bonus. They should enhance your life... but you shouldn't depend on them for your happiness. Depending on others for your happiness is giving away pieces of yourself to them, making you not a whole person. 

Let other's off the hook..

 and release them to make themselves happy, as you get to make yourself happy. 

Remember, it might sting at first

but, nobody really cares if you are miserable, so you might as well be happy.

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True Freedom

Years and years of cultural conditioning has told us the terrible belief: Happiness must be "earned." And it can really only be "earned" by enduring unpleasantness. The term endure is even an unpleasant one.

Suffer patiently.
So, our happiness is earned after we suffer unpleasantness. It's earned after we suffer through a lot of work, pain and unhappiness.

But, how do you know if you've endured enough unpleasantness to finally deserve your happiness?
Do we really have to endure to the end? Suffer patiently until the end of our lives?

Another sad part of this enduring game is that we must be "responsible adults." And responsible adults can never really endure enough unpleasantness to really deserve happiness. Maybe when we retire we can finally get our long awaited reward of happiness. Maybe.


But, then put on top of us needing to "earn" our happiness, the idea of buying happiness is laid on top.

Ever tricked someone by making caramel apples and hiding a caramel onion in the batch?
This is the same thing...
This is the equivalent to the caramelized onion.


If you spend enough money to give you the illusion and conditions for happiness, you start to taste the onion in the form of worry, guilt and needing to work even more.


And we all know that worrying is the easiest and most popular way to frighten away happiness. So, we never stop working, we never stop spending money, we never stop worrying and we are never really happy.

Perfect conditions for a slave economy. 

Happiness is a fleeting little bird that keeps flying just out of reach.
It's the light at the end of a dark never ending tunnel.

It's the thought that, "When I have ______, then I will be happy."

But the truth is, 

there is no real way to happiness. 

Happiness is the experience in living fully and in the moment. 

Making the most of what we have now. 

Making our current situation beautiful.

Exploring all that this moment has to offer. 

Happiness is the journey, not the destination. 

So set yourselves free. 

Decide to be happy in this moment and experience true freedom. 

If Misery Loves Company, What Does Happiness Love?

Misery loves company, and happiness is quite content on it's own. 

Misery feels validated if it's shared, but happiness infectious and uplifting.

Happiness is self perpetuating.

But the thing with happiness is that it's a bit unstable. Extreme happiness is a wild emotion, and everyone finds it differently.

Contentment is simple and it's safe.. but let's not strive for contentment all the time. 

Because happiness is just too good. 

Happiness loves noises and music.

Happiness loves company and friends. 

Happiness loves to be shared.

Happiness loves adventure and beauty.

Happiness loves laughing. Oh my gosh. I love laughing too! 

Happiness loves silliness and playing.

Happiness loves happiness. 

This list could go on and on.. but the most important one is,

Happiness LOVES.

7 Beliefs of Happy People

Happy people exist. But, you really don't hear about them often enough. They aren't in the movies or on TV. It's rare to meet a truly happy person, but when you do... their happiness becomes contagious. They can brighten any room, and lift other people up without even meaning to or trying. I think that's a beautiful trait. 
Happiness. It's inspiring and beautiful. 
When I have a bit of free time, I like to stumble on the internet to find interesting and beautiful articles. I stumbled upon this great list. I saved it on my desk top for a long time, and now I'm so excited to share it with you! These are great beliefs and very easy to adopt.


7 Beliefs Of Happy People


1-You are ok
You are as you are, with all your limits, with all your faults, the good and the bad. You have the right to exist and be happy.

2-Your life is no accident
Your life has a meaning: it might be humble, it might be great, it might be rational, or it might be totally weird! No needs to explain it: it just makes sense.

3-You can choose the life you want
You can enjoy what you have and change what you don’t like.

4-Your past is ok
There are things your are proud of, and maybe others you wish you hadn’t done. There are periods in which life has treated you well, and others in which you felt so very unlucky. All is all part of your story, all is part of who you are.

5-Your present is interesting
This crazy thing called life is so damned interesting!

6-Your future is bright
Things will turn out well. If anything bad happens, you will cope with it and you will find a way to learn from experience.

7-You are loved
Loneliness is just a state of mind: if you close your eyes, love is all around you!

Original Source

I've come a long way, and it's been a long journey to become a happy person. 

But, I feel confident when I say, I'm a happy person. 

Despite my past, and how hard things have been..

I overcame.

And despite my future, and how hard things will be..

I will over come. 

I am happy.

I will be happy. 

Rising Above

A little while ago I had a blog reader write to me for advice. 

She was going through a hard time, and wanted some of my tips on being happy.

I told her the usual tips, but then I remembered one thing.

One thing that I didn't read about, or see.

I dreamed about this one.

I told it to her, 

and realized I hadn't told anyone else this..

And who knows, maybe it could help.

Let's rewind a little bit.

I used to be very depressed.

This was before this blog existed really, before I made art all the time.

Back when I was in a very negative relationship, and far away from anyone to talk to.

I remember a dream I had.

It wasn't a story-like dream, it was a vision-like dream.

All I saw was purple, and a small green vine growing.

The vine circled and twisted as it grew,

But it grew.

I woke up with a wonderful feeling.

And that vision of that vine has never left me.

For a long time, when I was sad, I would imagine that vine growing.

Reaching up to heaven, growing from nothing.

Sometimes all I needed was that instant picture in my head..

with the words, "Rise above" and the simple word "Happiness."

Those were my mantas during my hard times..

and this image was my own personal Mandala.

And I promise this helped me. 

This simple image brightened my day, and lifted my spirits.

Something as simple as a beautiful image when you need it most can make all the difference.

And the other day, I decided to paint my vine.

Just the way I saw it when it was in full bloom.

And now I will hang the original in my room.

And hope to sell prints, where I will share it's story, 

and hope others will find peace and happiness the way I did.

And I invite you, if you are having a hard time.. or going through rough patches.

Create a beautiful image in your mind, and go to it when you need it.

It could be sun rays, a growing flower, or a waterfall.

And if you would like, you can take my image.

The peaceful purple background, with the little vine reaching upwards.

And right now, while I wait to hear back about this house,

with the big windows, and the yellow walled art studio,

and the the living room I could dance in,

I'm holding onto my little vine.

 While I am anxious and nervous,

it gives me peace. 

Smile. Smile. Smile.

Smile. Smile. Smile.

Dig deep into your thoughts 

and memories until you've found that power.

That inner strength, that will to go on. 

Show the world the person that can smile no matter what.

Find the lingering smell, and song that makes you think of good times... 

Look for the colors that spark the good  memories. 

You know that in all darkness you will find a bright enough light.

Conquer the fear of change, loss and monsters. 

Take a shot of courage and bravely march on. 

March to your own beat.

Grow your own wings and fly.

Your time to shine is now.

You have your own light. 

Aim that light at the shadows below you.

Let your light catch them, they will reflect it back to you.

Your smile will becomes their smile. 

Your smile and your cheer is your super power.

You can save the world with your smile.

You, this world and everyone in it is always more beautiful when you smile.

Don't forget to smile. 

Smile. Smile. Smile. 

Why Me?!

Has something bad ever happened to you, and your reaction was "Why Me?" 

I call it the "Why Me's." 

(Clever name, I know.. I'm a clever clever girl.)

Well, I had a really bad case of the "Why Me's."

Like really bad. 

And the thing with the "Why Me's" is that it doesn't really do anything.

You don't feel that much better, and it actually just opens a door more even more bad things!

I'm not saying the "Why Me's" were the cause of all my problems,

but they certainly didn't help.

Do you remember last month?

I sure do. 

First a flea outbreak, then my car broke down, then the house flooded, and I lost a ton of original paintings, and my favorite tea set broke, and now my hard drive doesn't work with all of my pictures of my sweet Mowgli, and one thing after another just kept happening. 

And all the little things that started to fall apart hurt even more.

And I would say, 

"Well, of course,

if anything bad out there is going to happen..

it will happen to me."

Which was just a huge invitation for even more bad news to come my way.

The "Why Me's" are a terrible habit. 

It's hard to get out of feeling sorry for yourself.

But I've found the cure! 

I've done it! 

And I want to tell you my secret.

Next time you ask yourself "Why me?!" 

with tears running down your face, and hope gone from your heart..

Add a little something to that question.

"Why me?!   Because....."

And then expound on that because.

Why is that bad thing happening to you?

(And don't just answer "because I suck")

Here is a petty example,

remember, I was in the midst of the "Why Me's." 

Where everything seemed to be going wrong.

All the little things too.

So for Christmas my mom gave me and my sister's a beautiful leaf necklace.

Well, I tried putting it on a few days later, and it broke! 

I was angry at the world, that I couldn't even have one little thing.

(That's what the "Why Me's" do to you!)

 I was a sad, that out of all three necklaces, mine would break.

Of course.

So I asked myself, "Why me?!" and all of the sudden I had my answer.

"Because I'm the one with the jewelry making tools to fix it." 

And besides that, I wouldn't want that to happen to my sisters!

Then one after another I had answers to all of my other "Why Me's"

"Why did my hard drive break? With all of my pictures of Mowgli?

Because I can figure out how to fix it."

"Why did my car break down?

Because I can figure out another way of getting around."

And sometimes the answers were a little forced.

"Why did my house flood? Ruining 36 original paintings?

Because... I'm strong enough to handle even that."

But each answer was empowering enough to cheer me up, 

and get me out of the "Why Me's"

And once you answer the "Why Me?" you feel glad it didn't happen to anyone else.

 Because it was meant for you, because you now know why.

You are strong enough to handle it, 

or you have the tools or resources to fix it.

I of course can't guarantee results.
I can't guarantee that all bad things will go away.
But I can tell you that the more you focus on your problems,
the more you pout and ask "Why me?"
You will seem to find more problems.

Since I've gotten myself out of the "Why Me's" I've felt a lot better.

And each time sometime bad happens..

cause I know it will

I'll face it with my secret weapon.