Happiness Revolution

For the past couple of years, for various reasons, I've struggled with being happy. Happy, like the happy you feel as a kid looking forward to Summer, Ice Cream, a trip to see your grandmother. Why is it so hard to be happy? I've read books, blogs and even talked to people about it.

I think after the past couple of years with the economy, job situation, political craziness and financial stress we are all under, American people have lost their faith and more importantly their sense of humor. Without a sense of humor life is REALLY hard.

When I first started working on the late 80's, work was tough BUT I judged my day based on how many laughs we had at work, all of the funny stuff we did and said to each other. Work and life was way more playful. These days at work, you don't want to joke around, be goofy (which I totally am) because you fear losing your job. You don't want to be goofy in line at the airport, because you fear  being flagged as someone suspicious, you can't tease people because you don't want to be sued! It's crazy.

I woke up this morning thinking I'm going to start a happiness revolution. I'm bringing Happiness back! I want to be happy, I want to live my life in a playful manner and not FEAR the consequences. As a country we need to lighten up, take a deep breath and find some things to be happy about. I can do my part and I will, one day at a time! You in?

Happy New Year!

I'm happy to say I actually stayed up late enough to watch the ball drop and to wish my entire family a Happy New Year. I am so excited for this year, it's filled with new opportunities, experiences and great journeys.

I'm doing things a little differently this year. I usually set up an entire list of new years resolutions, not this year. I'm not going to put that pressure on myself! This year it's all about getting back to basics (family, home, heart, happiness) and enjoying the journey. I'm going to use this worksheet to list the 5 most important things for me in 2013. I'm sticking it on the fridge so I stick to it! I invite you all to do the same!

Have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013! And remember, Be Creative and Have Fun!!!

Being Creative

What does it mean to be creative? I think if you ask a lot of people, they will say it's the ability to draw, sing or perform. I generally think that way too, but when I really think about it, I know that everyday we all have MANY opportunities to be creative.

I believe that all living things are creative, so when friends tell me they don't have a creative bone in their bodies, I ALWAYS tell them it's not true! Did you ever stretch your household budget so you could afford that vacation? That's being creative! Did you ever figure out a way to incorporate that yellow polka-dot scarf old Aunt Betty gave you into a stunning outfit? That's being creative! Putting the leftover broccoli and tomatoes into the meatloaf, that's really being creative!

Each day offers new opportunities to be creative. I saw a guy the other day with two different colored sneakers on, that was really cool and very creative. He looked awesome and it made me want to up my game so I went out and got some skinny jeans, cool ankle boots and an awesome new hair cut.  I felt like a million bucks! Being creative is the spice of life, something that can turn the blah day into something really special. I think we all have a tendency to get caught up in the race and miss the opportunity to take the creative path.

I decided the other day, after my fun day of shopping and a cool new hair cut, that I was going to slow down, pay attention and take the creative path. Will you join me??? Let's be creative and have some fun!

Aileen

My Daughter ROCKS!!!

Not only is Jade a fashionista, she is also a HUGE helper. I recently moved my studio out of the house and into a great space in Manchester. She helped me clean the space, lug boxes and furniture and even endured a very long trip to IKEA where I obsessed over what to buy. She is a trooper.

This weekend we spent Sunday at the studio and when I was done, she actually swept the place clean and then used the "swifter" on everything (including the pictures on the wall)!

Am I lucky or what??!!!

Boxes!!!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I'm moving on up and out of the house!

After years of dreaming, I finally got the courage up to find a studio space that is out of my house. I needed this because when I work out of my home, I'm still home and prone to interruptions, loads of laundry, paying bills and worrying about making dinner. And since I still have a full time "day job" time in the studio is precious to me and I don't want to waste a second!

So I made the leap and am in the process of signing a 2-year lease for space in Manchester Connecticut. I am very excited and it's my intention to work out of the space and really grow my art business to the point where I can decide if I want to keep the "day job" or not. I'm hoping for the "or not" scenario! Its all good.

Inspiration!

There's nothing like the beach to fire up some inspiration for me. I took this video this morning around 8:00 am, from Harvey Cedars New Jersey. Enjoy!!!