http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/feed Website blog for www.marybealladler.com Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/create-your-dream It all begins with a dream. We allow ourselves to imagine, believe, and create beyond our wildest expectations when we accept the possibility of building our "castles in the air".  As Henry David Thoreau said, " Of course we build our castles in the air. That's where they should be. Then we have to build a foundation under them." We can dramatically transform our artistic areas of expertise and business by embracing creativity, and establishing the resonance of our soul. It's important to know your subject matter well and realize what makes you an expert. There is nothing more attractive and productive then your own uniqueness and authenticity.  Know what that is and be willing to articulate and share it. First, imagine exactly what you want to create. Make that vision your plan. Collaborate with associates and partners through the process of putting these ideas down on paper. Evaluate your resources and put in place financial controls that work for you. Next, take your easily understood steps and keep moving forward, because your course toward creating your dream has begun. Once a stranger experiences part of your energy and creation they will become clients, associates, and partners. Engage them. Build a strong base and listen to your heart. This foundation will ground and affirm that the most interesting thing about art and being creative is that it can be done. Originally posted in the June 2011 issues of Creativity Calling, the newsletter of the Creativity Coaching Association. http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/create-your-dream http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/the-gift-of-living-a-contented-life What do the homeless people at Camillus House in Miami have in common with the artists sharing their work during Art Basel week? What exists when a situation occurs where creative people of contradictory qualities are in the same place? What can be mutual, meaningful, and shared? It bothered me that I saw onslaughts of homeless people all over Miami while this amazing art event was taking place. I was curious how the homeless folks viewed the public sculptures, art, and music that was abundantly available and literally surrounded them. There isn’t a simple answer but I noticed, as I spent a day working the kitchen at Camillus House, distinct similarities. First, one has to be creative to make 3 meals a day from scraps for 300+ people.  There was one chef, one culinary student, ten men grateful to assist and work their way off the streets, and me.  I noticed nobody was questioning the mystery of where he was or what he was doing. There was an acceptance of the mystery of life. Acceptance existed and there was an attitude of, “Let’s create something meaningful,” right here, right now and let’s share it with each other. Let’s serve each other. I doubt many artists in Miami noticed the paradox yet they are making an impact on homeless people. It is a practice of gratitude to share our creative work.  Everyone has a calling to be inspired, to be a leader, and to be creative.  When action is pure and selfless, everything settles into it’s own perfect place where a connection of energy exists and creativity happens. Living a contented life is powerful.  It is a practice of gratitude.  At one point, I needed a break from the hot kitchen, and wandered into the other room where about 50 men sat spellbound watching Art Basel commentary on TV. The gift of creativity the artists brought to the homeless folks in Miami was not measureable, but it was profound. http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/the-gift-of-living-a-contented-life http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/go-for-your-dreams How do we live the life of our dreams? What DOES really make us happy? I believe these are important questions to ask ourselves as we take steps to fulfill our life purpose. Do not compromise. Go for it. The immediate words that come to mind for my happiness right now are love, serve, and remember. Love finds the perfect partnership in everything. Begin with loving yourself. Take care of yourself first and then there’s the capability, strength, and knowledge to partner in other important relationships in your life. Be a dreamer. Be a visionary! We can tell ourselves, “I will remember my dreams and they will become clear.” The feelings from our dreams are very important. Those feelings show us how our subconscious mind is moving. Become a powerful master of noticing these feelings because they act as filters to see creative possibilities.   Dreams are our subconscious taking us on a journey. http://www.marybealladler.com/blog/go-for-your-dreams