tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu » thoughts + discussion

Creative Business 101 – Check Yourself

linda — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:44:23 +0000

I’m sitting in my room and it’s the last day of January 2012. I try to ignore the feeling, but now and again I get that numbness of realizing how old I am, how much time has passed already, and how little time there is left. Yes, I know it’s a bit morbid, but those thoughts pop up every now and again.

I would like to blame it on the snow outside and how everyone is grumbling about the troubles of bad weather. I would blame it on hormones and some kind of biological funk I can’t control. Maybe it’s the winter blues? I could blame it on something, but what’s the point? I realize that it’s totally okay to freak out a bit and worry about things. The bright side is that it means I’m alive and thirsting for more. There’s energy, perhaps misdirected, but it’s there.

Last year I started blogging creative business 101 posts, sharing my progress of building a profitable business. I was happy with the general progress, the accountability, the momentum of it all. Unfortunately, I fell off the wagon when the holidays rolled around. I totally lost my momentum and it’s the last day of the first month of the following year now. Jeepers.

I’ve been watching videos, reading blogs and listening to podcasts (all under the guise of researching) and slowly, but surely, realizing that I am failing myself. It wasn’t a dramatic or sudden epiphany – it was a bonk on the head in slow motion, because it took me so long to maybe, perhaps, snap out of it.

I have been avoiding those reality checks and simply brushing the surface with others, in attempts to avoid the truth. Total FAIL. This is when the Ice Cube song suddenly started to play in the soundtrack of my life, Check Yo Self.

No matter what the circumstances are in life, no matter what crazy huge mistakes I might have made, I always have the opportunity to check myself. That ultimately means I can change course and move forward in the right direction. And if you think about this rocky road of life, we always have to change course. Change with the times, because we never can predict how things will go.

The worse thing is stagnation and inaction. That’s how I’ve been feeling and it sucks. It’s about time to check myself out of this situation.

I’ll be taking some time to re-align, formulate a plan and actually use the resources that I have at hand. Do you need to check yourself about something? Sometimes you need someone to shake you to your senses, but sometimes it’s just a very slow and gradual realization. All that matters is that you want to move forward…

Creative Business 101 – Check Yourself is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – Happiness Mantra

linda — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:13:30 +0000

Thinking positively helps you to move on and move forward. Although it might seem trite, I think it’s true. A little mantra goes a long way. I suppose that is why I often create art with little sayings and pick me ups. I’m trying to remind myself of these things…

You can do it. Carpe diem. I am Artist, hear me roar. Simple…yet happy and helpful little words.

A mantra is supposed to help you create transformation… and I think anything that makes you smile, laugh a little, and breathe easier counts! It’s all well worth the effort. Do you have a happiness mantra? A favorite song that always picks you up? A photo that puts a smile on your face? A piece of art that reminds you about the important things in life?

Today I had a bit of a scare in Italy – earthquake in the North and a mysterious fire with smoke in a local town. It made me turn to my little tools for happiness, telling myself everything was going to be okay. Big or small, anything that helps you through the day is a good thing. Try to keep your happiness mantra(s) close at hand. It really helps.

Happy Thought Friday – Happiness Mantra is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – Kindness

linda — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:22:19 +0000

Grand gestures of kindness in our society might be thought of as charity, donations, and volunteer work. Even online there are movements such as RAK (random acts of kindness). Kindness is clearly an important aspect of living.

I think that we are naturally driven to help out and be kind to others because it contributes to our own happiness. I know it might seem self-serving, but we all have experienced it. You often get recognition from others for your acts of kindness, whatever form they might be in. But I think even without external recognition, you acknowledge it to yourself and that counts, too. Doesn’t it make you happier to know you did some good?

So let’s make it a point to practice kindness regularly. Sure, there are big things and big projects that you could take on. But what about the little things in everyday life?

Clean out the coffee machine for everyone. Put a love note on the bathroom mirror. Hold the door or elevator for someone. Smile and say good morning to people passing by. Pick up that stray piece of trash and toss it in the bin. Leave that pile of stuff organized and neatly in order. Bring donuts for everyone at work. Share something. Compliment someone. Be kind. It can be the smallest little thing.

What are your ideas for acts of kindness? I bet it’ll make you just a bit happier today.

Happy Thought Friday – Kindness is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – Acknowledge Success

linda — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Especially when the new year rolls around, there are countless folks recounting the success and failures of the past year. Resolutions are usually based on what did or didn’t happen. I’ve been catching up on my blog reading here and there, most definitely congratulating those who acknowledge their success and growth.

We are always quick to beat ourselves down for failures, but what about all the successes that should be celebrated? Not just actual accomplishments, but also the learning and progress that comes with living your life. Do you spend just as much time celebrating as you do beating yourself down emotionally or lamenting? I hope it’s more celebration, because that energy seems to push me forward even more. It’s not only important to acknowledge your success for an emotional reason, it’s probably productive as well!

I’m taking some time to look back at my year and review what I have done, what I will continue and what I will work towards. More importantly, I’m going to take some time to toast myself as well. Celebrate and acknowledge the success and growth of a year’s time. It makes me happy to think about it.

Have you ever thought of making a success list or a book of successes? It would be such a fabulous thing to look through at the end of the year. Instead of a list of to do’s, why not a list of hell yeah, I’ve done it?!

Happy Thought Friday – Acknowledge Success is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – Avoid Negativity

linda — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:16:08 +0000

Bad company, mean people and general downers in life… why not avoid them? In The Artist’s Way, there’s a whole lesson about getting those energy-sucking people out of your life. If you can’t totally get rid of them, just avoid them when possible. I suppose the idea is to not let negativity get to you. Whether it’s a person, event, thing or thought…

I realize that there is the counter argument or not living in a bubble and being too oblivious. Perhaps we must face the reality of real life and be strong through it all. But, I think there is a difference between being aware and choosing to not dwell. Rather than sinking down and wallowing in the bad.

It makes such a huge difference when you consciously avoid negativity or work past it to greener pastures.

When I think back about my personal experiences, there are days when I’m feeling depressed and down. I was obviously led down that spiral of hate and pity in my own mind. Even when none of the cold hard facts have changed, I don’t feel the desperation now. So it is all in the mind.

I have to remind myself to avoid negativity in all situations and not let myself get sucked in. From the smallest things, to the biggest things in life.

BTW, today is January 6th, La Befana holiday here in Italy. It’s the true end to the Christmas holiday season, when kids get their stockings of goodies. Not to mention the sales start now

Happy Thought Friday – Avoid Negativity is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – For the Good of Me, Myself and I

linda — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

I’ve been busy these days with family from America, but wanted to reflect a bit on my post last week. I wrote about the greater good and how we all contribute in our own way, in making this world a better place. It’s definitely a focus on how our actions ripple out to others. There’s this feeling that ultimately it’s all “bigger” than just me and you. That “greater good” idea.

It got me thinking about the complete opposite situation as well. My pondering usually does flip back and forth between the extremes, when exploring a topic. What about being good to ourselves and not thinking that it’s selfish, petty or insignificant in respect to large world events? Self-interest.

Often, we try to find some excuse or valid reason or permission to be good to ourselves. To seek out our desires and wants. The catch-all is that being good to ourselves, makes us happier and then we can do good for others. Because there’s this negativity that goes with self-interest.

But it’s survival instinct, so why shame it? Our ego helps us to achieve so many things, so it’s important to feed it, right?

In hedonistic fashion, why not seek out more pleasure and try to reduce pain? Why is that not a wonderfully beautiful way to live? Think about the good… for you!

Happy holidays to everyone! I wish you a lovely holiday season…

Happy Thought Friday – For the Good of Me, Myself and I is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Happy Thought Friday – For the Greater Good

linda — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:23:10 +0000

Studies show that long-lasting happiness is achieved by doing activities for the greater good. I think we all know this to be true.

Think about those things we do for no personal gain. Saving the world, kind of things! Okay, maybe it’s not actually saving the world from destruction in the next 24 hours like Superman or Wonder Woman… but I think you know what I mean. Trying to make this world a better place.

Most tend to think immediately of charities and volunteering. There are many great causes out there and you can start your own movement. However, I think giving back to the community with your particular skills, whatever it may be, is also for the greater good…and it’s not always a fancy or seemingly huge gesture.

Teaching other people to do what you do. Inspiring others to innovate and to create. Making people smile, even if it’s a bad day. Contributing to the advancement and continued exploration of creativity in our culture. That leads to all kinds of innovation and greatness. Keeping yourself out of trouble, that’s for the greater good, too!

I think it is a way of thinking and living. Not a huge gesture kind of thing. I think many of you bloggers do just exactly that kind of miracle work. Not trying to toot my own horn, because I too doubt it all. Seems like self-centered type of activities. It seems like nothing some days. Nothing, until you receive that one email, from someone who shares their story with you. Their life has changed because of your post or your art or your thoughts.

So don’t underestimate yourself and keep rocking onward. It’s for the greater good. Be happy!

Happy Thought Friday – For the Greater Good is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Mistakes

linda — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:11:35 +0000

I’ve been cutting, gluing and sewing paper on leather today – all the while lamenting my rudimentary skills. Fumbling with what seem like giant hands and clumsy fingers. I most definitely have a love hate relationship with making journals. I love creating them, but the process is far from an easy one. I always run into issues and I always make mistakes. Come to think of it, I make mistakes in everything I do.

We all make mistakes, but I happen to beat myself up a whole lot. It’s been a challenge for me to fail, because somehow I grew up learning to do only the things I was 99% sure of succeeding in. I took the safe and practical route more often than not. Of course, I was missing out on a whole lot of life in doing that. As I stared at the stitching my sewing machine created, I suddenly thought “Hey, the sewing machine makes mistakes too.” The thread gets caught, the stitch is skipped… it happens.

My first thought was to blame the damn machine for all the imperfections. But then I got to thinking about how a tool might have limitations and flaws, but it’s still useful. We don’t negate all the good stuff because of a few mistakes. I know, this is old news for most people. I just thought that it should apply to me as well. I have limitations, flaws, imperfections in my character and skills. I make a whole lot of mistakes and often hit my head from bad coordination and general clumsiness. But instead of being so hard on myself, instead of focusing on the mistake…I should just keep going and realize it’s a-okay. I don’t consider Mr. Mistakes a beloved friend, but I shouldn’t waste my time hating on him either. Hmm… what a thought. This lesson probably applies to more things in life. And that is my pondering for the day

Mistakes is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

The Tormented Artist

linda — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:01:00 +0000

The stereotype of brooding, tormented artist rings true some of the time. Don’t you think so?

Creative people are trying to express themselves, say something to the world through their form of Art. But we all know it’s easier said than actually done. Thus begins the struggle for the Artist.

I certainly feel as if it’s a war at times. Struggling to get all those thoughts, moments, realizations, images, flashes, sparkles, moments, sounds, feelings…out of my head… in a way that actually speaks to others. It’s not easy to do and I often wonder if it is possible. If it’s a futile struggle to be understood.

The creative process can certainly seem like torture. Trying to get it all out of your system – releasing it – but only drips and drops at times. Or splashes, waves and a huge mess other times. Often it’s all “wrong” – it’s not what you had in mind.

We can be haunted by our own ideas and thoughts. Maybe that is the definition of Artist. Maybe not for all, but for many. Maybe this is just life.

There are those who figure out a way to “speak” their feelings, while others may never find their way. It does seem sad. But striving for that enlightenment, that magic, that balance – how wonderful it would be. That is Inspiration perhaps, the possibility of getting to that point in life!

I know that attempts are not always successful and it’s all part of the journey. It sucks to fail and hurts to feel misunderstood all the same. That applies for all things in life. But still, it’s always worth the attempt in the end. What else would we be doing?

The Tormented Artist is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

Friendship

linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:28:31 +0000

I was listening to the latest Tranquilty Du Jour podcast about friendship… and felt a bit of melancholy. Dr. Andrea Bonior’s book, The Friendship Fix was talked about and she offered her thoughts about the friendship relationship, as opposed to the love/romantic relationships that many books focus on. It’s an interesting point, because we never think of friendship as something we might need to work on. Even though, it’s probably one of the most important types human relationships we have.

So why my gloomy state of mind? I suppose it can be easily attributed to the weather and the fact that the church bells are ringing at this very moment for a funeral. Our house is right behind the church, so I have the unfortunate privilege to know whenever there is a funeral going on. I suppose partially the year end is a gloomy time for me, as I reflect back on the year and the fact that time is fleeting. Everyone is out and about, going on with their lives and it’s as if I’m stuck here, just watching and going through the motions. I’m somewhat isolated here in Italy, although there is the Internet. Even though I’ve never been the type to be so out and about anyway, things were certainly different for me in America.

Can’t explain it logically, really. Maybe it’s just the good ‘ole blues. Or maybe it’s a case of the Mondays for Office Space fans out there, check this and this out. I’m also feeling particularly cold and just want to hibernate. Instead of all this complaining and dwelling though, I think I might go seek out friendship in a book and some organization. Putting things in order always seems to cheer me up.

Friendship is from tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu

tortagialla.com - the virtual creative journal of Artist Linda Tieu » thoughts + discussion

Creative Business 101 – Check Yourself

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