A Beautiful Ripple Effect » Inspiration

To Start Anew

Carolyn — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:40:36 +0000

I came across this quote by Georgia O’Keeffe in the latest O Magazine. It is beautifully inspiring.

photograph: joyhey on society6

The Rhythm of Struggle and Ease

Carolyn — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:40 +0000

Each week, I make a goal for myself and write it at the top of my weekly planner. As I flip through previous weeks, I notice that one goal appears most frequently: embrace ease. Time and time again, I bemoan the complexity of just about all elements of my life − nothing feels easy. I recently wrote in my journal, “Nothing is sticking. Lots of time, lots of ideas, but nothing glistens with passion.” I yearn for the days when things just clicked and came together effortlessly, with a sense of magic. Of course, I forget all of the work and the not-so-good ideas that came before The One that clicked; rarely does everything magically align without some work behind it.

“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” –Pablo Picasso

Picasso’s words never really resonated with me before, but now, I get it. Inspiration is more likely to arrive and take root if you are holding a safe container for it to enter your life. You need to cultivate a life and an environment that thrives with inspiration.

The relationship between struggle and ease is a bit like thrift store or yard sale shopping. You hunt for the treasure among piles of ordinary junk. The process is in no way glamorous or easy (e.g., waking up at 5:00 a.m., searching for yard sales, and sifting through junk in the heat), but for many, the ease and excitement associated with the ultimate find overpower the struggle. People love this practice of treasure hunting and become regular thrifters, because the beauty of the find is magnified after the work is done. Writers, artists, and other creative professionals face a similar process. One must put in the leg work, sift through ordinary words, and allow time to pass in order to reach the treasure. Rarely do you find treasure immediately upon beginning a piece of work. To recognize and fully appreciate the result, you must know and appreciate the struggle as well.

Rather than compartmentalize struggle and ease, I love the idea of these two states coexisting. It’s liberating to relish the ease of success within the struggle and the struggle within the ease. This perspective produces a much greater sense of pride and self-worth. You value much more than just the sparkling treasures. Everything counts: the struggle as well as the ease.

I’ve been fighting against the struggle, focusing on its negative impact and wishing for a quick and easy escape. But I’m realizing that, within struggle, there is ease; moments of bliss emerge for us to embrace. It’s easy to miss them or fail to recollect them when you’re in the midst of a storm. But they are there. Similarly, amidst ease, there is struggle, but we typically don’t remember that—and maybe that’s a good thing for a while. But without recognizing its presence, we may become naive to the path ahead of us.

Within the natural rhythm of struggle and ease, recognizing and appreciating this rhythm empowers you to keep moving forward.

image: pinterest via sacramento street via apartment 34

Color Me Happy: Gold

Carolyn — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:00:51 +0000

Currently, I am attracted to all things GOLD! It seems to be popping up everywhere from the runway to home design, stationery, and of course, jewelry. And I am loving this current color trend. I went to one of my favorite sources, colorstrology, to find out a bit more about what this oh so fabulous color means. The three main defining characteristics of this color: radiant, uplifting, and intellectually energizing. And I have to agree with these characteristics. How about you? How does gold make you feel? Do you notice that certain colors seem to energize you while other colors seem to drain you?

sources: made by girl (love candy gold) | tiffany & co (charms) | kate spade (spade paperweight) | judith leiber (crystal handbag – lattice)

PS The incredible journaling e-course giveaway ends this Friday September 23rd! And be sure to check-out the comments on the post so far—they are truly incredible.

One Positive Thought

Carolyn — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:30:18 +0000

The air is heavy this weekend. For many, this weekend symbolizes the day their lives changed forever—in a single moment. When it comes to talking about September 11th, I notice that the media is focusing on fear, loss, and general sadness/negativity. I got sucked into this mentality and avoided thinking about how I could bring up this day on my blog. I’m not sure what/if other bloggers will be reflecting on this day over the weekend. So far the topic has been mostly absent within my google reader feed.

It’s hard to discuss something that means something different to each individual. Yet, when something feels difficult to talk about (e.g., “I don’t know what to say” or “I’m sure others have already discussed this so what is there for me to add?”), it’s usually a sign (at least for me) that saying something is better than nothing — just showing up and acknowledging the emotions at play. There is no “right” thing to say. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show up.

This weekend, I am going to show up. I am going to journal one positive thought as I light a single candle in honor of those who are desperately lacking light.

And to stay true to my blog’s core purpose: to create a beautiful ripple effect of inspiration one person at a time, I invite you to help me create this ripple effect by taking a moment this weekend to put a positive thought into the world and/or light a single candle to signify hope and light. With so much sadness coupled with fear and negative media, I believe in using the power of positivity to combat the negativity.

Will you help me create this beautiful ripple effect?

P.S. Feel free to share the little image above and continue this ripple effect. You can download it by simply clicking on the image.

The Glitter Inspired Giveaway

Carolyn — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:09:25 +0000

I would love to escape into a world of glitter. Something about glitter just screams, “FUN!” And who doesn’t need an added jolt of fun?! Let’s end August on a glittery note with a big sparkly giveaway. Are you in?

Super simple giveaway with THREE winners :). Each winner chooses one item from the glittery eye candy below.

Giveaway ends Friday September 2nd at 9 PM EST. Enter by leaving a comment below – share how glitter makes you feel! The winners will be announced on ABRE Saturday September 3rd Tuesday September 6th. Check back to find out if you’ve won!! This giveaway is open to US residents.

Let the glittery fun begin!

giveaway items: tinygalaxies organic silver post earrings with white gold | social proper glitter stripe note set | deborah lippmann nail polish set | martha stewart glitter (set of 12)

additional image credits: glitter background (paper source) | glitter + glam photo (via pinterest)

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This giveaway was not sponsored by any of the featured companies. I just genuinely love *glitter* and my incredible readers. This is a little thank you from me to you for your support and generosity. However, if you’re interested in sponsoring a future giveaway just send an email to carolynblog (at) me.com.

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The Winners of the Glitter Inspired Giveaway Are . . .

Congratulations Chelsea, Deb, and Darnita!! Check your inbox for a glittery message :)!

Color Me Happy: Purple

Carolyn — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:37:44 +0000

I’m really loving these color posts—hope you are too! Today, the color of choice is PURPLE. I really don’t have much purple in my life, which is surprising, since it is such a beautiful and lively color. It adds a certain depth and sense of life to inanimate objects. I’m on a mission to incorporate a little purple into my daily scenery. How about you — is there a color that is missing from your life?

sources: style me pretty (laura murray photography – floral shot) | cocoa and hearts (painting) | crumbs and doilies (cupcakes) | royal milk tea (chevron rug – via pinterest)

The Journey

Carolyn — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:48:48 +0000

I can see the finish line — something I’ve been dreaming of reaching, the day that I would cross the finish line and be able to look back and see how far I have truly traveled, how strong I’ve been against all odds. Yet, I’m fueled with resistance and fear and uncertainty and those oh so loud voices, whispering not so gently in my ear: you are not good enough. you will not make it to the finish line. Oh, the journey of a warrior — it never gets boring, but it sure does get exhausting. I’m exhausted, but I promised myself that I am going to make it to the finish line — even if I cross the line and come in last place, crawling my way across. I’m going to get there.

I wasn’t going to share, but I would love any positive thoughts to help me get to this finish line (one of many finish lines, but a very important one for me at this point in my journey).

Mark Your Calendar:

Fri 4/29 (Research Thesis due to committee & Presentation to my department)

Tue 5/3 (The BIG Presentation with Q & A in front of entire department — not just clinical field)

… Inspiration for The Journey …

all images link to sources via pinterest (click on image to be directed to its source)

On a High Dive: Inspiration from Steven Spielberg & My Dad

Carolyn — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 07:54:17 +0000

Last week, my parents came to visit me in Boston — to support me as I continue to swim uphill. I’m so grateful to have such a supportive family — regardless of distance, we are there for each other, whenever — wherever. And lately, it’s been me needing the most support. And they have stuck by me, giving me strength and wisdom to keep pushing forward in whatever direction I feel is best — no pressure, just love and encouragement to follow my heart. That is priceless. My parents are filled with so much wisdom that a mere few minutes with them is enough food for thought for months. But last week, I was nervous about taking a big step — putting myself forward for criticism and rejection. And I felt alone — like I was the only person to ever feel like this, especially strange for someone who tends to reach towards these situations that make me feel very vulnerable. I used to be stronger (or maybe naive?) — to feel completely confidently in all that I did, to know that I was giving all that I could give and that was enough. But the bar has been moved higher and what I’m giving, even if that is 200%, is often not enough. So it’s becoming harder to keep pushing forward, to think that maybe next time, enough will truly be enough? It’s hard to trust and believe that I am worthy and good enough — all of the work I’ve put into worthiness, authenticity, vulnerability is being tested BIG TIME!

Now back to this wisdom from my dad via Steven Spielberg. My dad shared with me a poster that Steven Spielberg keeps in his office (possibly the only poster in his office). And it was a huge eye opener for me. We are all scared — truly frightened — before we put ourselves out there, even if we’ve done it 1,000 times before.

“Boy on a High Dive” is usually in Spielberg’s office.

When asked if it were his favorite Rockwell painting, Spielberg said, “Well, let’s put it this way: This is the Rockwell that, every time I’m ready to make a movie, every time I’m ready to commit to direct a movie, that’s me – that’s the feeling in my gut, before I say ‘yes’ to a picture. Because every movie is like looking off a three-meter diving board, every one.”

Do you feel like you are constantly on a high dive, being tested? If so, how do you persevere? How do you know (and trust) that when you jump, you will land safely — especially if you haven’t landed safely in the past? The high dive is set — it’s not moving — so how do you approach the dive differently time after time? How do you maintain faith and optimism that this dive may be different from previous dives? Or if you’re like me, do you find it difficult to maintain that optimism after a multitude of previous failed attempts?

So I asked my dad this question. I told him that I’m good at diving, I’m a great diver BUT I’ve been falling on my head even after my greatest attempts. And so he said, well you have to check to see if there is water in the pool before jumping. Simple, right. I brushed this comment off. But it makes sense. We get consumed with where we are, what we are doing – on the fear of the dive, that we forget to see the big picture — to see things like, am I setting myself up to fail (i.e., jumping into an empty pool)? When you take a scary leap, it feels like you are alone, but in reality, the support (e.g., the support of water — or family, or mentors, or resources, etc.) that you receive after you jump is critical to the success of that jump. It’s important to realize that while the jump is scary, you can cushion the fall.

Case in Point: When I take a big leap and don’t prepare for after that leap, I crumble. I’m overwhelmed with the emotion of the leap itself and haven’t prepared support for after the leap. So whether the outcome is good or bad, I typically end up totally isolating myself and having a mini (or major) meltdown. I isolate myself and lose perspective, underestimating the importance of creating a safety net for either outcome. The focus must shift from “taking the leap” to “taking the leap and creating a post-leap action plan.” And that shift is tough because merely thinking about the leap itself is somewhat paralyzing, but could this paralysis be in part due to our all-or-nothing focus?

Image and Quote: CBS News via my dad

Now Available: More Ease for Your Desktop

Carolyn — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:00:33 +0000

Who couldn’t use a bit more ease while at work?

It feels so good to let ourselves melt into the flow and allow our work to come naturally, unencumbered, and with grace. What better time to invite some ease into our lives than the last weeks of summer?

I recently asked some inspiring artists what ease looks like for them. The latest edition of the free desktop wallpapers series is a compilation of their work. Be sure to stop by and download some summertime ease for your desktop!

The gorgeous pieces include:

Fly by Stephanie Corfee

Meet Stephanie: “I am an artist & designer living and working in Malvern, Pennsylvania. My personal aesthetic is quite varied and changes with my mood. It’s a little bit bohemian, always colorful, and, when it comes to my children’s work, definitely VERY whimsical. No matter what style i’m feeling on a given day, there does seem to be a constant of intricacy & detail.”

Kindred by Jess Swift

Meet Jess: “I’m interested in color. And the way images speak and capture truths and feelings that words simply can’t. I believe we are visual creatures, and we crave worlds filled with sights and images that make us feel joyful. I believe we are meant to do what we love, to feel joy. I’m blessed to be a full-time artist and graphic/surface pattern designer; I’m truly living a life that I love.”

Summer’s Full by Allie Creative

Meet Allie: “A girl with a plan. Or, perhaps more accurately, a girl who’s always planning. Constantly working to make others’ lives simpler and my own as complicated as possible. Aspiring to be a domestic goddess, letterpress shop owner, sommelier, voiceover actress, novelist, and Anthropologie window display designer. And all in this lifetime.”

Reve d’Ete and Summer Poem by Fleur Bonheur

Thank you so much to all of the talented artists who shared their beautiful visions of ease!

How to Motivate Yourself: 21 Quotes to Help You Refocus and Renew

Carolyn — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:00:44 +0000

Quotes are a wonderful source of inspiration. Many people collect quotes (myself included) or display them in their physical space as personal reminders. I love reading quotes when I need an energy boost or a little help getting motivated to tackle my daunting to-do list. For this post, I decided to share the quotes I return to most often to spark my motivation.

Mindful Reading Tip! Try reading the quotes slowly. Allow your eyes to gently soften then close after you read each one, visualizing the words and what they mean to you. Just like a delicious piece of cake that you want to savor! But not all cakes are created equal, so taste this collection and notice if one outshines the rest. Then, sit with that quote for a couple of minutes and let its words work their magic! Below are 21 curated quotes just for you!

The great opportunity is where you are. Do not despise your own place and hour. Every place is under the stars, every place is the center of the world. -John Burroughs

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. -Harold B. Melchart

Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. -Dale Carnegie

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault. -John Henry Newman

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. -Albert Einstein

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? -Marianne Williamson

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. -Lao-Tzu

Things do not change; we change. -Henry David Thoreau

It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It is that they can’t see the problem. -G.K. Chesterton

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -St. Francis of Assisi

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. -Confucius

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. -Helen Keller

The greatest mistake a man can make is to be afraid of making one. -Elbert Hubbard

It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not. -James Gordon

You have to get to the point where going for it is more important than winning or losing. -Arthur Ashe

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. -Louis Pasteur

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. -Ambrose Redmoon

Often you just have to rely on your intuition. -Bill Gates

It’s easier to live with disappointment than regret. -Andre Agassi

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. -J. Pierpont Morgan

Did you have a favorite quote? Do you have another quote to add to the mix? Please share!

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Thank you to @chadrem and @SafetyInNumbers for contributing to this post on Twitter!