There's that old song that reminds us to "Keep on the sunny side of life" especially when life is challenging or difficult. And that's what I try to do--with varying degrees of success--but I'm usually able to find a silver lining.
One thing I like to do to keep myself positive, is to post uplifting quotes around the house--in my work area, on the side of the fridge, next to my mirror in the bathroom, on my night stand--just about everywhere that I spend a lot of time. (During one particularly difficult time in life, I even had notes taped to the dash board of my car!)
I guess this is why I often incorporate quotes like these in my jewelry.
I just recently noticed how many of these little notes I have hanging around. I finally realized this when I began participating in a wonderful art business class lead by Alyson Stanfield (the Art Biz Coach & author of "I'd Rather Be in the Studio"). We've been working on setting goals, getting organized, and dreaming BIG. One of the things we've all done is come up with a vision and put together affirmations to help us see that vision as a reality. I struggled with this, until I looked around and saw that my notes are a lot like the affirmations I was trying to conjure up.
I thought I'd share some of these with you... Let me know if you find a gem that you'll be posting on your bathroom mirror. Or better yet, let me know if you've got a great quote that I should add to my own collection!
Here goes:
The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work. ~Oprah
Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. ~Greg Anderson
If they can do it, you KNOW you can, too. ~quote I found on a Dove chocolate wrapper
The person born with a talent they use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work. ~Emile Zola
Big results require big ambitions. ~James Champy
If you can’t excel with talent, triumph with effort. ~Dave Weinbaum
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. ~Oprah
Opportunity never arrives. It’s here.
God doesn’t give people talents that he doesn’t want them to use. ~Iron Eagle
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you desire. ~Henry David Thoreau
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. ~Goethe
Don’t let success go to your head or failure go to your heart.
High expectations are the key to everything. ~Sam Walton
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. ~James 4:8
Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength.
