We change, whether we like it or not. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
The departure of a coworker and friend from the office this week has brought up a lot of thoughts around the topic of change. It has also brought back a lot of memories of moving as child and transitioning into new schools, neighborhoods, and friends.
Change is unavoidable; it is an inherent part of life. And often times resisted against for fear that it will lead to something unbearable. But change can also be positive, depending on your mindset.
When I was diagnosed with several food intolerances, including many of the foods that I loved and ate on a daily basis, I was put in a unique position. I could be upset at all of the things that I could not eat, at how dramatically it would alter my life, and how miserable eating would be without those foods. Or. I could embrace the changes as a challenge, learn as much as I could about food intolerances and what it meant for me, and try to find a support network for advice. I chose the latter.
I often catch glimpses of what life would be like if I had chosen a different mindset. I have bad days where I do focus solely on what I am missing out on. And I can see it in other people, on their faces and in their responses, when I tell them about my story.
The reality is this: change happens, whether we like it or not. So you might as well figure out a way to enjoy it.
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~ Pablo Picasso
The last few months have left me feeling a little bit exhausted, both mentally and physically. I have had little interest in doing the things I love, including bookmaking.
This has been a very hard thing to swallow for me. And the first real time I have struggled for more than a few days with this dilemma. Questions abounded: Will I always feel this way? When will my motivation to create come back? What will I do if it doesn’t?!
And then the terror set in. And lingered. And it hadn’t gone away officially until this past weekend when my family came to visit. Three year-old’s have an uncanny ability to question everything and inspire you in the same breath. And that’s exactly what my three year-old nephew did.
His question was a simple one: how do you make a book? And it turned into a bookmaking lesson with the most adorable student. He also happened to be more keen on bookmaking than most adults I have met.
The excitement in his eyes when he found out he could choose a button. A button. The sheer delight he found in stamping each book. And the pride he found in completing each one, making it necessary to show the finished product to those around him.
All of this begs the question: when do we stop finding the world around us novel, exciting and inspiring? And what shifts in our minds to make it so difficult to find?
Next time I find myself in need of an inspirational kick in the behind, I’m just going to call my nephew and ask him about books. I’m sure he’ll have some amazing things to say on the topic!
Blogging is an incredibly trusted form of marketing
Key to new forms of marketing is engagement and relationship building
Question becomes who are you trying to reach and why
The most interesting part of the evening for me was hearing some of the questions from the Arts organizations that were in attendance. It made me realize that Craft-based organizations are already making full use of the new online mediums. They are cost-effective [ie - free] and an extremely effective way to reach a large number of people.
Wonder when the rest of the world is going to jump on the bandwagon?
I was perusing the internet, and came across some really wonderful videos on the DudeCraft website that focus on creativity.
This video by Sir Ken Robinson really struck a chord with me. Growing up, I excelled at art. I enjoyed it. Spent a lot of time doing it. And yet, I never wanted to be an artist. Why? Because it had been ingrained in my mind that it was merely a “hobby”. No one made any money doing it.
When I started to get immersed into the crafting world, I began to feel more at home. I also felt like I had finally found a way to channel the creative energy that had been making me feel so restless for so long.
About a year ago, I realized that my life had begun to come full circle and the very thing that I had been pushing away was now back with a vengeance. And certainly not going away quietly. And, I have to admit, I’m pretty okay with it this time around.
A kind word is like a Spring day. ~Russian Proverb
I am always pleasantly surprised when someone takes the time to send a kind email to comment about one of my blogs or my handmade books. This week I am doubly surprised as I have received more than one!
Each email talked about how they had found me through Twitter, then went to my blog(s), and finally found my Etsy store. With each click, they seemed to find a new detail or piece of interest and continued on to the next link.
Two things stood out to me:
Social networking is an extremely powerful tool to market yourself and your business.
The dialogue that develops through social networking provides a more quality connection with people because it gives one the ability to show the personality of your product [which, in most cases, is you!].
It is not enough to just be online or have a website these days. And each networking site caters to a different audience. The key seems to be knowing where your target audience spends their time.
Off to go work on my new website! I’m really excited about the concept and cannot wait to get it up and running.
“Having a purpose is the difference between making a living and making a life.” -Tom Thiss
I had lunch today with a new friend and spent much of it talking about blogging, Twitter, and branding for her shop.
I left that lunch feeling inspired and realized that helping others create an online presence – whether it’s a blog, a website, an Etsy shop – is exciting to me. One that gives me a jolt of energy and a sense of purpose. I love good food, great company, and fabulous conversation.
I also love that I have finally found that elusive purpose. It’s one thing to be good at something. It’s an entirely different feeling altogether to know what you are meant to do.
Published February 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm in Sample with 5 comments
I am an organizer, an idea generator, and leader who is dedicated to seeing the crafting community in Pittsburgh thrive. I am a lover of design, fonts, and all things graphic. I am a social worker, a wife, a daughter, a friend.
I am also a blogger, tweeter, and social networking maven who just might be a little addicted to the internet.
