Try saying YES for a change!

Most people have a tendancy to say No immediately. Of course, there are plenty of times to say no (say no to drugs, texting while driving, etc), but how about saying yes for things that are good for you? Yes to branching out and trying new things. Yes to taking on a project you are afraid to do, and have doubts you are able to do, but would love to do it just the same! Yes to going to that conference that might bring you great things in life. Say yes to possibilities!

I am a children's illustrator. I love to go to conferences and hang with like-minded illustrators and writers too. All that creative energy in one room, whoo! Plus, as an artist, sometimes I feel like a bit of an oddity  . . . forever doodling, working from home with just my dogs to bounce ideas off of, and (gasp!) getting paid for drawing . . . I think some people think that's nutty. So, it's definitely a great feeling to be around other artists who share the same issues. My peeps! I feel like I fit in, like I can hang with these folks and not be judged. Love that!!

Anyway, over the weekend, I did just that. I attended an art director/editor day at my local SCBWI chapter (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators). One of the speakers was Dan Yaccarino. You may know him as a children's book writer and illustrator or the fabulous creator of the Nick Jr. TV show "Oswald". Think big blue octopus who has a weenie dog, flower, snowman, and penguin as friends. Genius, really! He told us that the secret to his success is saying YES! (see, I was getting back to that eventually) When projects came along that he really had no idea how to do, he said YES and immediately went to work figuring it all out. He accomplished great things this way. Think if he had said no instead. "Is there a manuscript that goes along with this picture?" "Uh, no." NO BOOK DEAL! "Do you know how to create a TV show from your illustration idea?" "Not really." NO OSWALD! (and trust me, that would have been a real shame!!!) He's done commercials, books, TV series, political illustrations, wrote stories, screenplays, etc. He probably had days when he lacked the self confidence and questioned why he had said yes in the first place, but he kept plugging along. YES! It does work.

So, keep saying NO to the things you really absolutely MUST say no to. Say YES to possibilities and stepping out of your comfort zone to try new things. Be fearless.Try it today. Yes, you can!!

Just do it!

This guy inspires me. He had a big mountain to climb, was really feeling down about himself & life in general, but something inside him made him go for it. He accomplished amazing things all because he just kept at it each day. A year later he's a changed man. Sometimes you just gotta motivate yourself. Decide. Commit. Do it. Reach inside and feel it . . . you can do whatever you set your mind to. No mountain is too high. No challenge is too tough. You are strong & powerful. You deserve to be happy too!!

http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-083010-9waystobeatnegativity.html

http://www.jongordon.com/newsletter-083010-9waystobeatnegativity.html

Discipline

Inspirational - The Pursuit of Happyness

Check out this awesome motivational site too.  Have a fantastic Monday, and get out there and do what makes you happy. Don't let anyone hold you back from your dreams.

Tony Robbins - Tiny Changes Mean Huge Results

Get back to life

Tuesday again. Sorry 'bout that. It's been a busy 2 weeks of summer vacation.

Yesterday, I was listening to Carl Daikeler, CEO of Beachbody, during our Monday morning conference call. I decided to go along with his theme today. It really inspired me. Beachbody is all about people helping people, and I absolutely love that. I hope that this motivational blog is helping someone out there. It feels great to help others.

It's back-to-school time again. Time to buy mountains of school supplies, new clothes, and sporty new shoes. It's kind of exciting, a little scary, but full of so many wonderful possibilities. Kinda makes you wish you were back in school, huh? Okay, maybe the memories of math homework put a big damper on that excitement (for me anyway), but it's still a time of year that intrigues me.

Most people seem to wait until January 1st to make big changes and goals, but the first day of school seems to be the beginning for me. Clean slate, loads of opportunities, new adventures. So, how about making this time your back-to-life time? What would you like to accomplish? What were some tasks you've always wanted to complete but life got in the way? Make now the time to take your life back. The kids are going to be in school all day, it's time for you. Your potential is waiting for you! Make your goal list, buy some new supplies to get you motivated and excited, take a class/get involved with a group/start something you've always wanted to. It's not too late!

Now sit up straight, spit out that gum, and get to work! :)