Work hard and watch it happen

Today I launched a dream... the beginning of my kickstarter.com campaign to support and fund our PaintonCanvas Project. The first time I exchanged emails with my paint kit supplier was about a year ago. You can basically say that this is a dream that is a year old and is just starting to come alive.

The reality behind today is hundreds and hundreds of emails and photos exchanged back and forth between me and my supplier. The reality behind the video is countless hours contributed mostly by my video creator Gregg and a few days of repeating what I wanted to convey in the video over, and over again.

I can honestly say it was a lot of work. I invested time (mostly at night because of the time change difference in communicating with my supplier), money (I had to purposely make efforts to get the money together to begin the process) and emotions (excitement, stress, happiness, and exhaustion!)

The truth is- it was a lot of hard work. The conclusion is- work hard and watch it happen.

It's your boat...

I often find myself telling people "whatever floats your boat" as a response to a choice they have to make. Many times it is at my art studio, where apprehensive guests are asking questions about their paintings and I say "whatever floats your boat" as a care free way to lead them to make a decision based on what they like or want of their painting.

While listening to Dwayne Dyer's audio seminars I heard him mention how he uses a boat to relate to his teachings. He used the song "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" as a metaphor of how we should live our lives. The boat is our own, and symbolizes our life. The rowing is the work we put into our lives and goals. The song states to row your boat "gently" which encourages us to go be gentle and kind to ourselves and to others as we "row" through life, and finally, the direction you are going with your boat should be "down the stream", rather than against the current.

The most important thing that stuck with me about this metaphor is that Dwayne Dyer emphasizes that fact that you should row YOUR boat- not mine, not anybody else's, but yours. Wouldn't life be so easy if we all just worried about our own boats? Wouldn't be be fabulous if we all took responsibility and ownership of the direction and pace that our boat was going in? Ultimately, it is your boat, and if this boat sinks, floats, moves, gets through the storm, sails beautiful oceans or stays in anchored in one place it is YOUR decision.

Who did it?

I am responsible for my actions and my reactions to other's actions. Basically, when it comes to how things affect you and how you live your life, you are truly the boss. Any emotional or behavioral reaction that you make is ultimately your responsibility, no one else's. We tend to blame circumstances and people for our successes and troubles, when really, we are the ones that created the outcome.

There will always be environmental factors that will prompt you to react in a negative or positive manner- those can be family, friends, coworkers, the weather or your health. It is up to you entirely how you will receive the environmental factor and how it will affect your behavior.

Next time something negative happens that would normally ruin your complete day, change your reaction. Take whatever happened, think about it for a few minutes and figure out what you could have done differently to avoid the situation or make it better.

Once you take responsibility for your contribution to the negative event, turn it around into a positive and go about the rest of your day as if you had accomplished something. You are the boss of what you do, what you say, and how you react to other people's behavior- no one else.

Get off your comfy couch!

We all know that change is good. Change is also scary. Putting yourself out there to change habits, reach goals or achieve anything can be very scary. The truth is that we don't really succeed or change until we put ourselves out of our own comfort zone.

The reason why we are comfortable where are is because it comes easy to us to follow the same behavior patterns we've already developed.

What is it going to take for you to change that habit or achieve that goal that your heart desires? It is going to take you feeling uncomfortable and doing things different for a while until you achieve your desired outcome.

Imagine that right now you are sitting on your favorite couch, in your favorite spot, that you've sat in for X amount of years (your age) and all of a sudden you have to stand up and sit on the floor for a while. The first thing you'd probably do is say "heck no!, I'm not sitting on the floor", or you might sit on the floor for a while and then get back up and sit on the comfy spot again.

If you want to truly change and achieve, you have to sit on the hard, not so comfy floor until that floor becomes your norm.

Try on their pair of shoes...

The other day I was helping one of my clients on job searching and finding creative ways to supplement his income. His disability doesn't allow him to concentrate or maintain focus for a long time. He always comes up with really interesting topics and asks random questions while we are working together. Our conversation that afternoon went a little like this...

Client- I have a question and it is a random question.
Me- Ok, What is it?
Client- You know how in the cartoon Scooby Doo they are going after ghosts and everyone is scared of the ghosts?
Me- Yes
Client- Well I always wonder why no one makes a big deal about a talking dog!
Me- You're right, that is funny.

Then he goes on to say what truly stood out to me as an interesting observation coming from someone who is probably judged and viewed differently by people around him.

Client- I mean, I just would love to see an episode where the ghost screams back at the dog and says "Ahhhhhh! A talking dog!"

See, the truth is that everyone perceives their surroundings differently. What seems normal and sound to one person could be completely absurd to another. We should, at least, try to imagine what other people are going through that are causing their actions. It can be hard, and we are all guilty of passing judgements, but the next time we are presented with an opportunity to judge a person's actions or behavior, let's try to wear their shoes for a minute and perceive the world from where they're standing.

Today is the day...

I've had a few aspiring entrepreneurs ask me about how to get going with their business. There is a long list of things to be done including business licenses, ordering supplies, marketing, etc. This, of course, is a concept that can be applied to anything in life that you are trying to achieve whether it be school, personal, or work related goals.

When and where do you start? The answer is... You start today with the first thing you can think of! Start somewhere. There is not defined order as to how we should go about achieving our goals. Some things do come before others, but they won't come unless you start doing something today.

When I started Corks & Colors Studio I started looking at wholesale suppliers of the materials I needed. I would email myself the link to their website when I found a good one so I would have it saved. Then, one day I googled "classroom space, Gainesville, FL" and one of the search results was the Santa Fe CIED, which later became our location to teach classes out of. I had decided that I would find a place that would rent space to me per hour and then I would have 1 class, and I would schedule subsequent classes based on the results of my first class. In fact, when I had my first class I didn't have a date picked out for the next class. I was literally taking it one step at a time.


At that time, thinking of having the money to pay for a retail space was beyond what I could afford and I just decided that I would start somewhere, have a class, and make bigger decisions after that.

The next month we had 2 classes. The next month we had 4. Now we have 16 classes scheduled per month, not counting private parties. We don't always get a huge crowd for every single class, but that is just part of the process of being a growing business.

Start somewhere and anywhere. Everything else will fall into place.

Be kind to yourselves

When I stand in front of a group of our guests before we start a class I see a bunch of of eager, nervous, excited and apprehensive faces. Some of our guests have painted at our studio before, and some haven't painted since kindergarten- so we've got a mix of all comfort levels possible.

I like to say "be kind to yourselves, be kind to your friends, be kind to your paintings" before we begin each class. Some of our guests look at eachother funny as I say this, but there is a lot of simple truth to what I'm asking them to do. Doing something new is unkown territory, and we tend to be critical of ourselves. The worst part is when we use the negative energy and hurt people around us because of our own insecurities.

We can be so mean about the things we are doing. We are literally mean to ourselves. This sounds funny but it is true! Shouldn't we be our own #1 fans? Shouldn't we think that we are capable of doing beautiful things without having to depend on others to think this for us?

In the audio seminar "Born to Win" by Zig Ziglar,he asks the audience how many people would trade losing the ability to use their legs for 1 million dollars.

No one, in their right mind, would choose money over the ability to use their body. He uses this example to show self worth and explains that already we are worth 1 million dollars because we've placed that value on our legs.

So, next time you do something new, give yourself a break and be kind to yourself. You're already worth a million bucks just on your legs! Imagine your Retail Price if you start seeing value in all of the pieces that are part of you. You're a pricey item!

Have a little faith...

What would we do if we didn't believe in something greater than us? I would have probably lost my mind by now. Having faith has allowed me to get through the most difficult moments of my life. I'm not sure that it really matters who you believe in or what you call your faith, but just have a little faith.

There have been times when I have completely poured out my heart to God and just knowing that I believe in something higher, something greater and divine, gives me a sense of peace beyond words. The idea that you are not doing this alone, and that through struggles and happiness you can give a "thank you" or a "help me" allows for a sense of fluidness to your life.

You don't have to handle it all on your own, you've got faith that someone or something is watching out for you. In a way, it brings in a sense of responsibility for your behavior. Call it Karma or blessings, there are consequences to your thoughts and actions, and having faith puts these into perspective.

Be a Suncatcher

According to wikipedia,the definition is: A suncatcher or light catcher is a small, reflective glass or mother of pearl piece that is hung indoors, so that it "catches the light" from a nearby source, usually hung at windows.

It is meant to catch the light around it, and it is see-through, although it usually has a certain shape or colors that make it beautiful and unique. The light intensifies the colors the sun-catcher already has.

A lot of us are not see-through. We've got colors and unique qualities about us, but we block the light from shining through us because we are afraid to show "our true colors." By doing so, you are literally blocking your beauty from shinning through. It is absolutely, positively, and definitely hard to show who you truly are and show your weaknesses at times. Mainly because of appearances, we don't want people to see how quirky, silly, or scatterbrained we really are.

Personally, it is really hard for me to hide the above mentioned qualities about myself. In most places, being quirky or scatterbrained, free spirited or somewhat hippie would probably not be the way to go, but I honestly can't help but do silly things.

I chose to let the sun shine right through me when just a few weeks ago I wore flip flops to work (to my day job working as a job coach)- I wore dress pants, make up and the full on work day deal, but I forgot to change my shoes and wore flip flops. The first thing I did was tell someone when I got to work. It took all the weight off my shoulders of feeling like I had messed up. It wasn't a secret, so I could laught about it. This isn't the first time I wear different shoes, by the way- the problem dates back to when I was in first grade and I literally wore two different shoes that day.

Not to mention the wall that got taken down from my studio to open up some space. The wall had light switches for the two corner lights in my studio. I was so excited to open up the space that I didn't think to tell the guys working on it that we needed to re-wire the lights. I didn't even think about the lights or light switches. So, we have a dark corner in our studio and everytime I think about it I just want to laugh at myself for being so scatter brained.

But here's the catch- if I were not the scatterbrained, free spirited, henna tattooish kinda girl that I know I am, I wouldn't own an art studio that welcomes quirkiness, silliness, free spirits and uplifiting to our guests. I've let the sun shine through my colors, and I like them.

Not so perfect

I've stood in line at the grocery store and I've seen what seem to be close to physically perfect beings with the most organized shopping carts, organized wallets, and super healthy foods in their carts. As I stand there, with receipts falling out as I grab my debit card, rainy day frizzy hair, and frozen pizza flowing out of my cart I reconsider my thoughts and think-

Nobody's Perfect. It doesn't matter how put together someone might seem, we all have times when we are seriously on the verge of losing our minds. We don't all look our best every day, we don't all make the best decisions every day, and we don't all have it together every day.

I've had days when I get home, cook dinner, get my girls ready for bed and I literally want to collapse right after and I've asked my honey "is this really what is supposed to happen or are we the only ones that do this every night?" And, the reality is, that EVERYONE has those days.

Fight your battles

Everyone, at almost every instant of their lives, has a battle. It could be a situation at work, a sour relationship with a family member, overwhelming debts, or illness. Battles are common, and you can almost consider them a given.

No one said anything would be easy. It could be that everything else in your life is awesomely amazing, but that one battle stays standing. It just so happens that there are resources around you, at your reach, for you to fight your battles. Consider them your weapons. For an illness, your weapon is your medicine or some sort of spiritual healing. For debts, your weapon could is money. For difficulties at work and for sour relationships your weapons are communication, patience and acceptance. If you take a second to think about your battles, and then think further as to what the solution would be and what resources you have at your reach to use to fight these battles, you'll find a clarity that will bring you peace.

Go ahead and fight your battles. Strap your ammo on and go head to head with the things that are bugging you- but, do it with peace in your heart. Use the weapons that life has given you to deal with these situations.

Everyone has them, but not everyone fights them. Don't let them get the best of you, or allow them to interfere with your awesomely amazing life.

I'll kill you with kindness...

So many times I've had to face people that are "not so nice." Both personal and business related, I've had moments when a "not so nice" response back to them was appropriate. I'm sure I've slipped up and sometimes have let the situation get the best of me. For the most part, I try to kill people with kindness.

I started working when I was 14. I don't mean just babysitting- but really working for a paycheck. I did it because I wanted to- I felt industrious! When I was 14 I worked at a flower shop that was in the mall. My mom happened to work at the same one. I would only work a few hours because of the labor laws, but I loved every second of it. Anywho, I started to get an idea of what customer service was at a very young age. I began to handle "grown up" situations and I learned a ton from them. I dealt with angry people, undecisive people, sad people, confused people, and "not so nice" people. I then worked as a server, and at the ripe age of 17 I worked for one of the most popular gyms in Gainesville as a floor instructor (really!) - and I learned the most while I worked there.

Dealing with people, specifically in business and customer service, is challenging. It takes knowing that the customer you are dealing with contributes to the success of your business in one way or another, and a positive outcome with them will ultimately yield positive results for your business. Some of the most difficult people that I have ever dealt with have come back for more of my services at a future point. They became repeat business because I killed them with kindness the first time. I listened to what they had to say, did my best to make it better, even if I knew there was no wrong doing, and in the end, I still got the best of the situation.

Killing someone with kindness means giving your absolute best, having the utmost patience, being extra nice when that person is doing the opposite for you. You can do this with anyone, business or personal relationships, and I guarantee you, you will look back one day and realize how you benefitted from that situation. So there, KNOCK 'EM DEAD!

Success is a numbers game

The fear of rejection gets the best of us. We literally let go of dreams and goals just because someone or something stood in our way the first time. I remember reading a few years ago that most highly successful people had failed at least a few times before. Each time they tried again, and eventually became a success in what they were trying to achieve.

For an entrepreneur, it is a life long dream to start a business that takes off. Many times, you "fail." I can remember a few ideas that I've pursued and they simply didn't work out. Many of them were at times in my life when things were out of sorts in my life, so it makes sense now that they didn't work out. I remember putting countless hours and efforts into some of these ideas, and still, they didn't stand.

So, I learned, that success is a numbers game. If you try, and try again, you'll not only learn from the mistakes and "failures", but you'll be getting closer and closer to the goal. Think of it this way- if success is a numbers game, then there are odds that you will succeed. The odds get greater the more times you try.

Besides owning my own businesses I work with people with disabilities as a job coach. I teach them employability skills and help the find job leads. My ultimate goal is to help them find a permanent position. My clients are already facing adversity when they walk into my office. Their employment road is probably harder than other person. Many times, after months of trying and not finding a job they are feeling down and in the dumps. I always tell them that life is a numbers game. The more jobs we apply to the closer we get to finding one. The more "no's" they hear, the closer we are to getting a "yes"- if we apply to 2 jobs per week, we have less odds of getting a job than if we apply to 7 jobs per week. This idea seems to make them feel better and time and time again, I've seen the numbers game come through for my clients.

If you approach anything in life with a "numbers game" attitude, you'll notice that every road block, every "no" and every fall becomes part of your journey to your destination- success.

2017 Party!

Some of my family and friends know that for a few months I've been listening to audio books instead of the radio in my car. Sometimes, I give myself a little break and listen to a song or two, but I honestly feel that listening to motivational books is a better use of my time in the car.

One of the audio books, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, is a book that I have already read but I knew I could use hearing it again. Jack talks about how in 1986 (ish - can't remember exact year) he went to a 1991 Party where every attendee was to act as if it was 1991 and they had accomplished all of the goals they had for the next 5 years.

He mentions how everyone was dressed and was acting as if they had become that person they wanted to be in 5 years- retired, successful, expert in their fields, etc. The one guy that sticks to me is the one who wanted to be a successful stock broker. He dressed in a fancy suit and hired someone to call him every 15 minutes during the party so that he could say "Sell 5000 shares, Buy 500 shares!" This guy knew precisely how he wanted to live in 5 years, down to the frequency of phone calls he wanted to be getting- all related to the field he wanted to be successful in - Stock Exchange.

The point is to visualize yourself having the things and being where you want to be, even if you are not there yet. The thinking process behind this moves your mind to attract those things that you want. Sounds deep? It is, and it takes a few times of trying it and watching it work to be truly convinced.

I'll give you my personal example, and one of the most recent successes for my business, our new studio space. We were incubated for 1.5 years at the Santa Fe CIED, which was one of the most beneficial experiences we've had as a business. We were ready for our own space, cement floors, paint on the walls and cute retail items. I envisioned a long space, and I would see myself looking down the space, with my drawings on the wall. I would see our guests sitting in rows all facing towards the back where the artist was. I would also see our retail items at the entrance of the space. And, this is where it gets tricky. I had to find a landlord who would understand the transition I was about to go through with my business. I needed someone who would do some sort of temporary "post incubator" transition and allow me to pay up to the full amount after a few months. I attempted about 5 times to speak to landlords and look at spaces, and none of them ever worked out. Then, after seeing a space advertised for a while, I went for it. When I went to look at the space, it was too small for our needs, and then... my landlord said "Let me show you this space over here" and off we went to suite E-5. He asked me- "how do you like it" and I said "well, I love it, it's perfect, but it is above my budget."

And then (and here is where my envisioning having this conversation a thousand times before comes in...) He said- "well, how much can you pay?" and I said " well, I can pay $xxx for a few months, and after that I'm sure I'll be able to pay the full amount." He said, "how many months do you think it would take for you to get on your feet?"

This whole time I was thinking 4 months, but I was almost afraid to say it because I didn't want to push things too far- they were already going good!

And I hesitated... and he said "do you think you could do it in 4 months?" and the rest is history.

Today, we have a studio space at the one that my landlord showed me. I've stood in the front, where the retail items are, looked back at the rows of guests all facing the same way, watching the instructor at the front, surrounded by my drawings on the wall. All because I thought it many times before.

How I became "The Canvas Lady"

Living in a small town means there aren't a ton of wholesale suppliers close by. This leaves a business owner to order products or to, in urgent situations, resort to the retail world of sales and coupons. The only supplier I have of canvases in my town is Michaels Stores. We have ONE store, and they don't have it, I'm pretty much driving 45 miles to the next store.

So, many times (many, many times) in the crazy world of entrepreneurship you must improvise- hence my trips to Michaels during Canvas Sales on a daily basis. I stack as many canvases as I can in their tiny cart and roll on over to the cashier. I usually buy them out and hope that they will restock for the next day. When I ask the staff if there are any in "the back", I normally get a positive response (after a few days they are probably sick of it, and I totally get it.) So, after many trips, one day I got called The Canvas Lady. The catch is I didn't have any canvases in my cart yet, so this guy knew who I was and what I was about to ask him. Then, thereafter, I became, The Canvas Lady. I laughed the first few times, but then I totally embraced it. I had worked so crazy hard for my business, and to be called a canvas lady was sort of a success of its own. I had earned the nickname, and I was proud of it.