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Challenging Moments

Optimists! Dreamers! Artists!

Friday, March 23rd, 2007

By: Liane Schmidt

Together, WE paint this world. We bless this world with the beauty of music, with the joy of heartfelt, genuine stories; we give this world hope, inspiration, and joy.

Hold tight to the beauty in your hearts! Hold tight to the creative vision in your minds! There will only EVER be one YOU - EVER! That is why what you create, what you add to this world is so precious and infinitely beautiful.

Yes, there are MANY talented people in this world, but that is because we are all born with innate gifts. We all have limitless potential to be, to do, and to create anything we put our minds to.

Never let anyone discourage you from believing in yourself. Surround yourself with people who believe and support you and only want the best for you!

You deserve to soar, to spread the beauty in your heart!

Create, live and love!

Best wishes to all.

Your Dreams!

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

What is your dream(s)? What lies deeply embedded in your heart? What has been the love of your life?

I do believe, now more than ever, that the loves of our lives when we were young never change. What meant the most to us when we were young and unbiased to what society told us what was best, is still what means the most to us…if we really take the time to sit back and think about it.

When I was a little girl I often stayed up nights, under the covers, with a flashlight far past my bedtime - reading books. I was always fearful I would be caught by my parents for being up. I also wrote stories and even made books from beginning to end. It was my passion then…

- - - it is still, my passion now.

I hope that all of you can take time to look inside your hearts and really see what your dreams are. It is NEVER to late to pursue what you truly love! NEVER! Whether you are 18 or you are 60…there is always time as long as you are breathing!

Live, risk, LOVE….to the fullest, ALWAYS!!

Make Your Dreams Reality

Wednesday, March 21st, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Take out a pen and paper right now. Get it done. Write everything out. Every little detail that will propel you forward, closer to your dreams.

Do whatever it takes. Your dreams are worth everything.

Brian Tracy, self-made millionaire, is a hero, a role model of mine. (Brian Tracy’s Million Dollar Habits) His books, educational programs, and life exemplify how the path to success is a choice; it is a way of thinking. Change your thought process; what you focus on and you can do and achieve anything in life!

Creating the life of your dreams entails manifesting many external and internal resources. Discipline is a hugely needed qualifier. It will enable you to remain focused when life challenges you to forget your dreams.

Perserverance is also one of the many keys to success. Believe in your dreams and endure no matter what anyone says or does. The only difference between someone who reaches their dreams and someone who does not is often that the former did not give up. The former stayed committed to their dreams through unconditionally. I think this is only possible when you love your dreams with all your heart. When you do, you will be willing to do anything, sacrifice all for them.

But, the power of the mind is limitless. The only limits revealed are those we place on ourselves.

Take all your visions of the perfect life and make them a reality! Manifest your dreams!

My very best wishes to all!

Choose Health

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

In the busy hectic race of life, I have noticed how many people have let their health take a back seat to all other facets they somehow manage to juggle. They reason: It’s quicker to just make a convenient drive through stop at the corner fast food chain than to make the extra concerted effort to stop at the local all-natural store. The thought of lines, added expense and headache does not quite seem worth the quick and immediate comfort the former promises. So fried grease, processed meats and cheeses are readily consumed and life continues forth with hardly a ripple, right?

It would be nice if this were the case. However, as we all know these seemingly time and money saving choices end up causing us more stress and expense down the line. In the moment, the problem is solved; less is spent, stomachs are sated - the true cost is not seen immediately. One’s health can be put off another day as thoughts quickly turn toward jumping back into the constant stream of life.

But as clothing sizes expand and lethargy sets in, days become more difficult to bear. Little chores, everyday nuances gradually begin to magnify. Health problems may start to surface more time spent exercising is needed and often recommended by family physicians. More time, more expense needed to undo what could have been avoided to begin with.

Take a moment: Just imagine leaving your dishes in the sink for one month; how quickly they would stack up, how much more difficult they become to clean up with spaghetti marinades and unfinished meatloaf leftovers that sit and fester and have suddenly become a whole new world of a problem alone. Much of the plate or silver ware may no longer even be salvagable due to corrosion and rust. Thus, many items have to be replaced; others will take sometimes double or triple the time to clean. Whereas if on a daily basis one were to simply take the extra 10-20 minutes it takes to clean the dishes, the task ends up hardly being a wrinkle in one’s day…

…A vivid metaphor to the mal-effects of poor eating choices.

Do not let your health become an after thought. Do not let others peer pressure you into sharing their eating habits as they complain about wanting to lose weight while taking yet another bite of a greasy deep fried weekly bargain priced special #9 on the menu. People can only treat others as they treat themselves. If they cannot take care of their own health, it is a good guarantee their regard for yours will be of little to no consequence.

Yet another comparison:

Would you put dirty, bottom of the line tires, gas or oil in your car? If you did, would you expect it to last as long as its potential reveals it can? Treat your body as if it were the Ferrari of your dreams, the home of your greatest pride. Little efforts now, (B12 Shots: The Newest Energy Booster) might be a bit more costly, but save you more than just dollars down the line; they will save your life.

Allow your path to be as beautiful, as happy, as healthy as possible. You are in control of every choice you make. Do not let anyone tell you differently. And, you are worth every joy this world has to offer. Do not let poor choices hurt your life now or ever.

(Two pennies: One is left outdoor to the elements, bare, to face wind, rain, and sun will corrode in a short period of time; a second penny kept carefully in the best conditions, shined at times, will gleam and last for years to come.)

My best wishes to all, always.

Reflection, Gratitude, Happiness: Hand in Hand.

Friday, March 16th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Happiness is defined by the way we think, what we choose to focus our attention on versus what we choose not to focus on. These small choices we make in every single moment of our lives determines our overall happiness and well being.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
-Mahatma Gandhi

“Nuture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.”
-Benjamin Disraeli

It is important to think about what you are thankful for every single day, to take planned moments alone to reflect on what enriches your body, mind and spirit the most. This time will refresh and replenish you so that you are not only more thankful for everything you have, it will give you more vitalized energy to be able to bring more of those precious moments into your life.

Thankfulness, humility, and reflection are all essential components to the happiness, tranquility and joy in life we are all meant to enjoy every moment of our lives.

Best wishes to all.

It’s Important to Create…

Thursday, March 15th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

…self-motivating techniques.

Whether you talk to others and use what works for them, or create your own…it is important to create techniques that will help motivate you through the toughest, most challenging moments in your journey to go after your dreams. These techniques WILL help you when you feel that you want to give up, what’s the use, etc…all the many things that keep the majority of people from pursuing their dreams and goals. DO NOT let this happen to you!

You CAN help yourself when no one else can!

In some of my previous articles I have already talked about some of the techniques I use: journalling, reading inspiring quotes, and reading books on success. Some other things I do are look to people who are doing what I want to do and try to find out how they got to where they are. I also constantly tell myself: “If they can do it, so can I!” This works wonders!

Other people may turn to trusted friends, a hobbie that helps lift their spirits, or an artistic endeavor that rejuvenates their soul. A day at the spa, a day with friends and family. Whatever works for you. But we all need this support in our lives in order to keep working toward our goals.

Keep working, keep dreaming, and keep believing in yourself!!

The Quieter

Wednesday, March 14th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

There is much to learn in life.

Everyday is an opportunity to open a new “window” into your soul, into your life, into the world.

I am often overwhelmed beyond words by what I can discover sometimes in one simple quote, one simple gesture of kindness, one tiny moment. So overwhelmed that I am moved to tears. Moved to a deeper understanding of myself and the world, so much so that I will literally need to take time to recover and reflect. Time to just sit with what has suddenly become a new part of my spirit and heart; something that knowledge has brought me to discover, was always a part of who I am; who we all are.

“The quieter you become the more you can hear.”
-Ram Dass

Oftentimes I have found that a single quote can change my entire life philosophy and, at the same time ironically make me realize - I have been living my life following it all along. We all have, at the very best we can at any given moment.

It is my firm belief that we are all doing the very best we can with the “tools” we have and know how to use. If a parent only handed their child a dictionary with ten words that child will only think ten words exist. From one perspective this might seem to be a limiting way to live, yet not for the child who has only known that.

“Ignorance is bliss.”

As you continue forward in life, do not be hard on yourself if you are not living at the level you want to be living yet. Instead, be kinder, be gentler. This love and self-compassion will be the eventual force that will allow you to be everything you have ever wanted to be and have always been capable of being.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”

My best wishes to all, always.

New Beginnings

Tuesday, March 13th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

New beginnings seem to propel one to want to “clean house” - get rid of the old, what doesn’t work in return for the new or what works better. Constant improvement and moving forward.

This can comprise of many things. One can literally “clean house” by clearing up any piles of clutter, giving away old clothing or things not used, and other such practices. Doing this can often help one feel better, lighter, freer. It is also something that just tends to feel natural and can be related to the practices of Feng Shui.

It can also comprise of making healthier, better choices in all aspects of one’s life. Give up instant gratification habits for more long-term rewards, ie, put the soda can down and have a glass of water. You will do your body better, have better health, save on doctor bills down the line and skin care rejuvenation.

What is always of utmost importance is thinking about what is best for you in the long-term. Short-term satisfaction is just that. It last briefly and often leaves one wanting more, feeling unhappier and more unsatisfied than before.

This does not have to happen to you now or ever again.

So, from this moment and going forward, take the time to think ahead. Not just for what tomorrow holds, but for what 10 years, 20 years down the road holds for you.

Life is precious. Every single decision you make today affects tomorrow.

Best wishes to all.

Opportunities

Monday, March 12th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Opportunities, choices, decisions: these things shape our lives.

Do we opt for an evening on the couch staring at the television or do we lace up our sneakers and hit the pavement? The love handles you may be complaining about do not just disappear because you hope they will. That six pack you want is not in the refridgerator, it lies within crunches, sit ups and great workouts. That dream career does not just materialize out of thin air, you must make that picture a reality. “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Everyday, we are faced with limitless opportunities, doors that open whether we are aware of them or not; whether our eyes, hearts, and spirits can acknowledge and believe them. And, many times these opportunities can change your life entirely.

Of course, with anything new, you must take a risk, you must take a “leap of faith”, but if you believe in yourself that leap does not have to be so frightening. After all, you will always be with you, and you know that person better than you know anyone else, more than you may realize sometimes.

Whenever I feel a pull in my heart, an ache to try something new but I am afraid to, I always think of those role models I admire who stepped outside the norm and took a risk. Even when my finances are dwindling away, I don’t let that bother me. I can always find a new job. I can always make money.

Donald Trump was in debt for millions of dollars at one point in his career -several billions of dollars later…

Trump did not waste his time worrying about what he did not have. He not only took the time to look for opportunities, if he did not find them - he made the opportunities he envisioned realities; he made and continues to make his doors open.

Never Give Up On Your Dreams!

Friday, March 9th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Times may get tough. Obstacles will always come your way. It is how you deal with the obstacles that will make or break your spirit.

Fight, for everything you have ever dreamt of! Know in your heart, the beauty that lies there is beautiful beyond words! Know that you deserve every dream and hope you can imagine!

If you have a dream, it IS important. No matter what anybody says. If they cannot support you, it is probably because they are too afraid to go after their own dreams. Do not listen to them!

Look toward people who are going after their dreams! Look toward those who are bringing beauty and positive energy to this world! These are the people who can help you achieve your goals, your dreams, what is passionately aching to be expressed from your heart and soul!

Your dreams WILL and ARE coming true!!

Experience Reveals

Thursday, March 8th, 2007

By: Liane Schmidt

“We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” - E.E. Cummings.

I am constantly looking for ways to inspire myself. To keep my spirits high so that I can continue to achieve and work toward my goals and dreams without holding anyone else back, and only adding good to this world.

I know that we are all on our own journeys. I know that each and every one of us is struggling with some sort of challenge in our lives. Something that tries every part of who we are.

Challenges will always be a part of life, but they can be a blessing if we allow them to be. For example, they often force us to make the necessary changes to enhance and better our lives, without which we may remain stuck in a lifestyle we have become comfortable with, but one that is not the picturesque life of our dreams.

Dreams do come true. Words, actions, etc can lift us to a higher level and they can make us doubt ourselves in every facet of our lives. Do not let anyone tell you or make you feel that your dreams are unattainable. Those that do have lost hope in their dreams. Do not let them make you lose hope in yours.

In the end, it might be another’s words, but it will be your actions that shape your life; that reveal who you are and what you are truly made of. Is your heart strong enough to endure any challenge you are faced with?

Keep reminding yourself of Viktor Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning.

His strength lies inside every single one of us.

My best wishes to all.

Working Toward Your Dreams

Wednesday, March 7th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

The path toward making your dreams come true is up to you.

Everyday, you are presented with opportunities. Choices to make. People who you decide to associate with. Successful, wise people surround themselves with like minded people just as the opposite is true.

If you want a certain life, you must look toward those who have what you want already and find out how they were able to make their dreams come true.

Role models, positive uplifting stories, quotes, continually educating yourself is key to your success. It is just as important to fill your mind and spirits with all the positive thoughts, ideas, etc as it is important to eat healthy. Positive, supportive thoughts will ensure you a healthy mind, one that can function and work at higher levels of productivity. A healthy body will ensure you more energy, better day-to-day quality and longevity of life and so very much more.

Do not sell your talents and self short. Give yourself the best chance to succeed. Learn from others mistakes. Listen. Listen. Listen. This is one of the best ways to learn.

And, always believe in yourself. You are making your dreams come true.

Inspiration

Monday, March 5th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

When I am dealing with any struggle or just want to lift my spirits one of the many things I turn to are inspirational beautiful quotes. I wanted to share some with you all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The conclusion is always the same…love is the most powerful and still the most unknown energy in the world.
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

The ideals that have lighted my way and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been: Kindness, Beauty and Truth.
- Albert Einstein

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
- Helen Keller

I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful
- John Constable

I have deep faith that the principle of the universe will be beautiful and simple.
- Albert Einstein

Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift.
- Albert Einstein (03/14/1879-1955)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are all infinitely beautiful. Know this always no matter what challenges come your way.

My best wishes to all.

The Significance of Learning

Wednesday, February 28th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Everyday is a new opportunity; new doors can open, new treasures can be discovered, new things can be learned.

When we were children this is exactly how most of us saw life. We were young, we believed we could do anything. This kept every moment exciting, electrifying. We could do, be, hope, and make ourselves as happy as possible at any given moment with just our imaginations. If we wanted to be a princess or the President of the United States, wah lah - in the blink of an eye - we were. We changed how we were acting and became whatever character we wanted to be. Though we may not realistically hold these titles, we can still “be” these people, by living as they do; living by doing our very best to make this world a better place. Titles do not make people great, people make people great.

For many, however, this is not easily achieved for life, time, fears, traumatic experiences, etc. have often stripped away this idealistic mindset. If you touch fire, you learn to never do it again. But, because we have learned how to see fire for its strengths and weaknesses, we as society have been able to learn from it and allow it to enrich our lives and make our world a better place. If we had just discarded it after it first hurt us we all would have lost out on the limitless benefits it can provide.

This is not to down play the importance of the known, safety, and being cautious. Taking time to make wise decisions without jumping into any new situation too soon; habits, yearly customs, etc. all have intrinsic value. With such widely televised events like the Olympics countries have been known to put aside violent warring disputes in order to participate. This is an unbelievably powerful feat; this alone is a miracle.

The trouble comes to play when people continue to only cling to known or unfounded assumptions and discard all opportunities to learn and hence discard valuable opportunities to grow emotionally, spiritually, etc. This can lead to unfortunate self-sabatoging. For example, if one believes all parking meter officers are rude, most likely the next one they encounter will be. How we think of others is often a self-fulfilling prophesy. This idea can be applied to all things in life.

“The more you learn, the less you realize you know.” This quote is beyond significant.

When one learns something new their world is broadened, their heart often moved.

Remain open, surprised, alive to all the endless possibilites life will always have to offer. Leave your heart as unfettered, unbiased, and open as possible. It will keep you young and full of life. It will make your life even more beautiful than you ever imagined possible.

My best wishes to all.

Bottom Line

Tuesday, February 27th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

It’s all up to you. It always has been.

No more excuses, no more procrastination. Start your lists. Start prioritizing. Get it done. That’s how you make all your dreams come true, bottom line.

One of my closest girl friends told me that she has lists for everything she wants to do, detailing timelines, steps, and everything that needs to take place in order to ensure that her goals are met. She knows if something doesn’t get done it’s on her and nobody else; it has always been this way.

Of course, we must all also allot for the unexpected.

Life still happens. We cannot control certain circumstances no matter how much we plan ahead or take care, but we can control how we react and work through them. A few days or months and even years cannot stop the most determined of minds from finally reaching and achieving all their dreams. It cannot.

When you want something with all your heart, you will never let anything stand in the way of realizing it. You will never, let anything stand in the way of reaching it, ever. Your dreams are immeasurably important and invaluable.

Never stop believing in yourself.

Make your dreams a reality.

Best wishes to all.

About Artists Passion

Artist's Passion is an oasis for artists passionate about their craft. It is a site that explores art and the passion lying within. Filled with tips on sustaining passion in work, general advice on surviving in the art world, and profiles about emerging artists, Artist's Passion is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the world of aesthetics.

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