Delight in Your Work

When I take delight in my work and I find that it doesn't feel like work. I'm blessed to make money doing something that I find joy in. That feels like playing at times.

When people ask what I do for work their reaction has a hint of knowing that there's fun to be had in my day. And sometimes a longing of wanting to have a "fun"  or "creative" job. There's creativity and joy, though, to be found in many arenas. Singing while taking care your home as the CEO of your home. Learning the ins and outs of a car as you study to become a mechanic. Discovering the science behind food as you create a new dish. You don't have to be envious of #creatives.

We are found in every industry. We're the ones who take delight in what we create - be that a piece of art or a masterfully crafted spreadsheet.

What are you a creative at?

Magazine Remix: W October 2014

This art journaling page ended up being very simple. Looking at what came from pulling this page together, to me it's about potential. This girl represents a life bursting with possibilities. When we take a leap from our comfort zones and jump toward that thing that is burning in our heart - that powerful calling - we have a much greater chance to be who we want. Letting go of fear and leaping toward something ushers in a burst of life and a freedom to be ourselves. I think this is something that we all want, but sometimes we hold back. We fear judgement. We fear failing. We fear not fully understanding where we're headed. I know that this describes me at times. But the more I let go the more I discover who I am and the greater the strength I have to embrace and love who I was created to be.

This art journaling page was created from the October 2014 issue of W Magazine.

Magazine Remix: W May 2015

I loved watching the found poetry from this magazine remix art journal page come together. These are elements from the May 2015 issue of W. 

In My Chair: A Makeup Artist's Perspective on Beauty

I started doing hair and makeup for my photography clients about a year ago. It's amazing some of the conversations I've had while curling hair and applying makeup. 

Most women have some area of doubt especially regards to how they perceive their own beauty. There are a mountain of reasons for this. Past wounds. Words spoken to us thoughtlessly. A lack of confidence, be it big or ever so small. We doubt ourselves for reasons that could some times fill a volume of books. Or, possibly worse, we compare ourselves to her. You know. The woman who seems to have it all together. The mom who you think has it all together. The coworker that is always receiving praises. The friend on Facebook who's selfies show her amazing wardrobe and put together hair and makeup. 

She has it together, I imagine, in areas. But I can promise that she suffers from the same gut wrenching comparison that sometimes torments you.

A friend asked me why it's so had to make friends and really connect with other women. Being someone I confide in on a regular basis, my answer was very much to the point. Because we struggle so hard to be vulnerable. We think other's would die to know that we're a hot mess at times, regardless of what our social media posts seem to portray. As a gender, we fear letting our guard down and being authentically ourselves. Layout out our meltdowns and shining moments alike. 

What our fear and comparison robs us of is connection. Just one authentic relationship in your life can be the difference between opening up the world before you and defeat.

Is there someone you'd like to get to know. Or someone you're sure could be a great friend? Grit your teeth and, with just 20 seconds of bravery, send her a text, an email or tweet - something - and invite her for coffee. I doubt you'll regret it.