Artists Passion

by: Liane Schmidt

In life we are all doing the very best we can given where we are from, everywhere we’ve been, from all the experiences we have gone through. At this very moment, we are the very best we can be; and everday we are learning how to become even better, how to believe in ourselves more, how to love ourselves more, how to get to a better place in our lives. This is a life long journey.

The following is a collection of many articles that I have written that cover everything from dreams and success to health and alternative ways of thinking. Enjoy!

Perfect Health

Therapeutic Visualization Healing

“If You Can Dream It You Can Do It!”

More great reading:

Health/Energy/Alternative
1. B12 Shots: The Newest Energy Booster
2. Improve Your Energy Levels
3. Hemi Synchronization
(The Incredible Power of Sound)
4. Visualization & Euphoria
5. Healthy Lifestlye
6. Mind Over Matter

Inspirational/Dreams
1. Live Life to the Fullest!
2. It’s Never Too Late
3. Life Without a Car
4. Infinite Beauty
5. Manifest Your Dreams
6. Dreams are Everything
7. Inspiration in Every Moment
8. Create the Life of Your Dreams
9. The Power of the Mind
10. All Things in Life Happen for a Reason
11. The Value of True Friendship
12. Your Dreams - The Law of Attraction

Success
1. Tips to Keep You Motivated
2. Brian Tracy’s Million Dollar Habits
3. Thinking Defines Who You Are
4. The Key to Success
5. The Value of Keeping a Diary
6. Staying Focused
7. Success is a Matter of Choice
8. Mission Statement: Your Life
9. Honesty: Is it the Best Policy?
10. Discipline

Please feel free to add: ArtistsPassion.com

By: Liane Schmidt

It is not always easy to stay positive in a world that throws more challenges at one sometimes in a given hour than one can keep track of. “When it rains, it pours” definitely has a resounding quality that I am certain we can all relate to and have had impact our lives on more than one occassion. The light at the end of the tunnel is there, it has always been there, but sometimes depending on circumstances one can sometimes forget that it is there.

Currently, I am in a situation that consists of high risk, high potential gain, great trust, perseverence and belief. It is something that I will not see the actual fruits of until a good four to six months potentially. It is something that is an amazing opportunity; it is something I do believe in. However, for the time being, I am left to a situation that is much less favorable to my everyday well-being. It is a situation that in some ways makes my life easier and in many ways challenges me to my very core.

Of course my ultimate plan is to finish my novel and continue forth with the writing career of my dreams, but that takes time to establish, to bring to a solid tangible reality. I know it will happen, but it is not something that will happen overnight. I am still in the 10th re-writing/editing phase. It means everything to me and I will not say it is completed until it is exactly how I want it to be, a masterpiece.

But, in the meantime, having to work through my current situation challenges my ability to stay positive on a daily basis. It takes everything inside of me. I have to turn to the beautiful angels in my life. Those who I am blessed beyond words to say are my friends. I must reach out and find inspirational motivating books, quotes, and other such invaluable tools. I must keep my health at the forefront of my mind. Health will grant me longevity of life and an optimal quality of life on a day-to-day basis. All these elements will help keep me as happy as possible right now, while I am in a less than ideal situation.

I have to keep reminding myself that everyone had to go through a sort of “internship period” to reach their ultimate career goals. Whether a person worked independently and had to do months or years of research living hand to mouth on three square cup o’ noodles a day, or one struggled through exam after exam only to apply to dozens of internships thankfully landing one that they then were accepted at and had to work for little to no pay to gain the necessary skills, experience and credits to move on to the next level of their field.

Reaching ones dreams is not necessarily an easy path for anyone, but it is a path that is worth working for. The life of your dreams is worth everything. You can make it through any challenge and come out better, stronger, wiser than ever before. Keep believing in yourself and doing what is the absolute very best for you.

Best wishes to all.

by: Liane Schmidt

I think one of the hardest things to do in life, is to keep believing, is to keep being your greatest support and best friend when times are toughest, when giving up seems like the easier option.

Again and again, I have to remind myself at these times that: Life is not black and white. The variables stretch far into the grays and off whites of alarm clocks not working, too many appointments in the day, and the need to just be alone sometimes.

But, when you are on the receiving end. When someone tells you they will do something, and they don’t, all you have to go by is their word. All you know is what you were told and what actually happened.

I have tried most of my life to be as understanding as possible to these infinite possibilities. I have done so because my life has been anything but “cookie cutter” (as I am certain many of you have found for yourselves as well) since the starry-eyed upbringing I began with.

After the 6th grade, my vision of the “cookie cutter” life started to fall away, yet part of me has always held tightly to it, knowing that fairytales are possible, if I just believe, if I just believe.

But sometimes, when you believe too much, give too much, trust, your heart is broken, your heart can be betrayed; you risk everything and are not sure if you will ever enjoy the slightest glimpse of any gain. You work for next to nothing knowing that things of value take incredible amounts of time, patience, perseverence, great risk, etc and no guarantees.

But you will continue to do it because you love with everything in your heart. You look in another’s eyes and you believe their words. You believe that they are infinitely beautiful and would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. You know the complex variables will always be there and all you can do is be you and trust and trust and trust.

You continue to do it, because you will not let the world change you.

You do it because you will always believe the best in people.

Take of yourself and eachother.

Best wishes, always.

by: Liane Schmidt

There is nothing in the world that seems to feed the soul more, than a friend that has lasted year after year. Sometimes months upon months can pass by without ever seeing that friend - let’s face it our lives go in different directions - different job locations, family priorities, and all the other activities that draw us seemingly farther apart. But what I have found throughout the years is that true friendship, no matter how many days fall in between seeing or hearing from the other, can never be broken. True friendship is a gift that transcends all else. It is something that has fed my heart and spirit through some of the toughest moments of my life.

I must admit, it seems no matter how many people I meet, I enjoy my alone time so much that I tend to only have a few friends that I truly ever spend any of my time with. When I get home from work, it takes a huge effort to get me out of the comfort of my small studio apartment. As soon as I get home, I am able to take off whatever stiff work outfit I had to wear and slip into comfy pj’s and curl up in a blanket while I read and continue steadily editing and reworking my almost 400 page novel. It is almost finished. It is a miracle to me. I still have to stop myself sometimes and remember to breathe; remember to breathe because I am truly making my dreams come true.

And, when I am alone I am my most comfortable. I don’t have to worry about anything. In any given moment, I can do whatever I want.

I say all this because this is what makes me limitlessly appreciative of true friendship.

The amazing friends that I have been lucky enough to make throughout the years and keep are a blessing. They are people I know will always be a part of my life and yet most of them I do not see hardly at all. Thank God for email and the telephone or I might have to go back to pen and paper to keep in touch. I thank God that they understand and I thank God that they have loving people who surround their lives with beauty and joy.

But, such is the life of a writer, I guess. We can spend many hours alone, in our thoughts, in our imaginations. For me one visit with a close friend can last me the whole year. I’ve always wondered where people find the energy and drive to go out with several different people in one day! Just thinking about it tires me out! I used to fight the whole introvert vs. extrovert theories and now, I believe maybe there is more to those theories than I had originally given credit to.

I suppose this article today is being written more to take a moment to thank all those beautiful friends who have loved me all these years for who I am. Who still love me when days, months, and even years have passed without seeing the other. I want these people to know that I will always love them. Love them beyond words for they have touched and forever changed my heart. I know that I am a better person for knowing each and every one of them; I thank them with everything in my heart for knowing me and still wanting to be a part of my life.

My best wishes to all.

by: Liane Schmidt

Sayings and quotes that have lasted for generation after generation have staying power for a reason. “Less is more”, “all things in moderation”, and many others ring true year after year because with time, with age, with wisdom one learns more and more, just how very true these simple, yet profound statements are.

When our days are filled with too much - between multiple appointments, locations to stop at, problems to deal with, etc. one can feel as though a whole day has passed them by in “the blink of an eye”. Why does this happen when the same 24 hours prior one might’ve been painfully counting the hours until 12 noon rolled around and a grumbling tummy could be filled with one’s favorite luncheon meal?

It is no wonder that “East meets West” is becoming a popular trend. With ying yang philosophies, meditation, and other such balancing, spiritually healing practices we are being reminded how very important simplicity and quality spent quiet moments are to one’s overall mental and physical nourishment. Yes, nourishment. Our bodies need more than just food nourishment. We need all aspects of ourselves, “body, mind and spirit” to be in peaceful equilibrium in order to be able to function at our very best, peak levels.

If our prized shiny red convertibles (or ‘97 Toyota Tercels - reality check - LOL) have great tires, but haven’t had an oil change in a year, one will for sure begin to notice performance problems and or find that down the line the damaging effects of not maintaining a vehicle properly; it breaks down on the I-5 right before a crucial sales meeting with the top executives of NBC.

Don’t let such avoidable obstacles enter into your life. And obstacles such as these are avoidable. Take the time to do whatever pre-mediatitve steps necessary to eliminate these potential obstacles. Do it now. There is no need to wait. The quality of your life is dependent on it.

Slow down when your body wants you to. Speed up when you know it’s best. Eliminate excess factors that can slow you down, make you feel bad, etc. With simplicity you have more time to focus, to know what’s best for you completely. You also have more time to become an expert in any one given field.

With simplicity you have less places to be and more time to appreciate where you are currently at.

“Less is more.”

My best wishes to all.

Note: Incidentally, author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowlings, was on welfare, with two children while writing the incomparable series and remained focused on her dream. Her friends were telling her to get a “real job”. She wouldn’t listen. She is now the richest author in history: www.thebookstacks.com/trivia-wealthiest-author/. She had “less”, believed in her dreams and now, ironically, she has “more” (to put it lightly).

by: Liane Schmidt

One of my closest girl friends inspires me in how she lives her life. She is so full of life, passion, joy, exceptional values…shall I go on? To describe her would fill volumes. Though I generally like all people that I meet, it is the exceptional people who instantly become a part of my heart and inspire me to reach my greatest potential.

My friend is constantly thinking ahead. Planning for tomorrow, but wholeheartedly living for today. She has long-term career goals and not only talks about them, but takes the necessary steps to achieve her dreams every single day.

Last week she and I went to lunch together and I discovered that not only does she hold a full time job, Monday thru Friday, but she is also working on several independent business endeavors that have her up at 5am in the morning and finally drifting off to sleep at 12 midnight! In addition to this she is able to make time for her closest friends and family as well as other extracurricular activities, maintaining her health through regular exercise and eating well! No wonder she inspires me - whew!

She also told me during our lunch that part of how she is able to stay so organized is by creating many to do lists, keeping detailed records of her finances and other such important things. I have always tried my best to be as organized as possible, but I know I have great room for improvement - great room.

Talking with my friend is like spending time with the walking talking version of the next success story. I know that she is making great things happen for her life. Just knowing she considers me one of her closest friends is something I can’t help but feel proud of. A lady who is that put together, who is that amazing; there is not one thing negative anyone who knows her can say about her; a lady like this thinks that I am amazing. I know, I am blessed beyond words. If I never had another friend in the world, I know I am beyond blessed to have her as a true one.

One of my favorite quotes: “It is not quantity, it is quality.”

Now, I just need to get started on my lists…5am in the morning…that might be another story…LOL.

Best wishes to all!!

by: Liane Schmidt

Every day, every morning is a new beginning; a new chance to start again. People often look at the beginning of a new year in such light, but why not every morning? Doesn’t that seem ever more freeing? Or why stop there? Why not “a new beginning” as many times throughout the day as you want?

Life, society and other such factors often dictate to us what life should be, how we should be living it and reminders when we are not “on track” with everyone else. These can be helpful motivating tools, but they can also be restricting, limiting crutches. And, at the end of the day, who really wants to be like everyone else anyhow? Commonality can be comforting, but it can also make one feel like a nameless face in the crowd. No, we are infinitely unique. Each and every one of us. This is why every single moment we live and breathe is precious.

I am a firm believer that when we were children we had “new beginnings” more times in a day than some people end up having from adulthood until the end of their lives. Children get in fights, get hurt and then apologize right away and get on with playing and enjoying their day. They don’t waste time, they know how much they love whatever they are doing and they don’t want to be held down with needless grudges or other such limiting actions. They are genuine in their apologies, in their feelings and their hearts remain unfettered. Their heroes are still fireman, police officers, presidents, etc. Their hopes are idealistic and they still believe in the unending good of mankind.

While some people have been able to retain this hopeful idealism into adulthood, many have lost faith and hope along the way - and with good reason. If you had more than one person lie, cheat, or steal from you - the wise person learns to not trust as quickly, not allow themselves to be so openly vulnerable to the random passerby who could turn out to be their best friend or worst enemy. If you have touched fire once and it burned you, you will no longer touch it. You learn to steer clear of it.

While this seems to be the smartest choice, fire also has its infinite benefits. We need it for cooking, it can keep us warm at night, and so many other life enhancing uses. Though it can hurt us, it can also make our lives better, we just had to learn how it could hurt us and figure out how to prevent that from happening again. We just needed to be careful, keep our eyes open, learn from it and then we could successfully enjoy it as a part our lives again.

In this same vein, there will always be moments in life that will hurt. People do things all the time that they don’t mean to do. A busy day, feeling stressed by a recent break up, a family illness and suddenly you find that they are “stepping on your toes”. They become shorter in conversations, they seem to withdraw and you assume they are angry with you or whatever the case is. These things can feel hurtful, they can feel undeservered, but they do happen; even by our best of friends and family members. But these same people can be there when no one else is, when we need someone there by our side more than anything in the world. These people can become the most important parts of our lives.

I will never stop believing that people do not mean to hurt others intentionally, but there must always be a line that we draw for ourselves. Of course in life, there will always be the risk of getting hurt. Accidents do happen, people do have bad moments, but in the overall picture you know when something just becomes too much. You know when you deserve better. You know when someone just can’t seem to treat you right because they can’t seem to treat themselves good enough. It is not your fault. It is not their fault. People are at different stages in their lives for a reason. All you can do is give everything; give your whole heart and soul and then see what happens. And, when you give all of yourself, you will be surprised to find that you will end up with everything you’ve ever needed and wanted.

Like energy attracts like energy. It’s that simple.

So, allow yourself to learn more everyday. Allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. Let them come to you naturally. But also know that you must participate in life to get what you want. The career of your dreams is great to think about, but if you don’t take the necessary steps to make it happen, it will always just be a dream.

“The only limitations in life are those we place on ourselves.”

Right now - this moment is your “new beginning” - take it. You can have everything your heart has ever dreamed of.

by: Liane Schmidt

Though we might not realize it, life leads us in the direction of what we need, what our heart aches for the most. Ironically, this might not necessarily be what we think it is we want.

Many times the things we think we want are quick fixes; instant gratification pleasures. Everything from that small can of soda, to that drink after work to just relieve the tension. Though in small doses these things are not too harmful, all the same they are unhealthy habits that can over time work to take away from other, more positive forms of healing and well-being.

Everything we do is important. Everything we say, think and feel. It is all important.

It surprises me everyday how much I have learned. How many new things I realize throughout the day. Though some may not think it, 24 hours is an incredible amount of time. Just think of those moments when you were bored out of your mind or in a situation that you did not want to be in and remember how slowly the seconds ticked by.

Before electricity, before technology, before the influx of information that fills our minds and leaves us sometimes wondering how the day flew by so quickly, time seemed slower because there was more time for reflection. More time to sit back and enjoy and yes, even watch those tumble weeds drift by and wonder where they are going?

So, do take the time to slow down in your day and “smell the flowers”. Take the time to reflect. If you want “more time” you can make it possible. Your days do not have to fly by with you wondering, where did it all go.

Every moment of your life is important. Do not let anyone ever tell you differently.

by: Liane Schmidt

I once read that: “Listening is the greatest form of love” and it definitely took me by surprise; it made me really take time to stop and think. And, I realized, at least in my experience, how very true this statement is.

How many times have you been in a friendship, relationship or situation where, when you really felt understood and heard did you feel better? And how many times did you feel terrible when you felt misunderstood, misinterpreted or even worse, not heard at all? The latter can be sometimes a truer picture of a person’s daily reality, making those who truly listen and care an even more rare gift.

Our best friends become our best friends because they truly know us. They get to know us so well that sometimes they know what we are thinking or what we are going to say even before we say it. This comes from truly caring about what another person says, what is important to another person.

Though it is not always easy to give another, even your most beloved relationships your full attention (a busy schedule, a bad day, etc.) it makes all the difference. Studies have been conducted that even just one hour of attentive time spent with a friend does wonders for your health. We are, after all, social beings and we need one another to survive and thrive. In addition, we all know the studies that have shown that babies who are not held or touched can eventually pass away. Though we grow up, become adults, we all still need true caring and validation of who we are.

Take care of one another and yourself. Best wishes.

by: Liane Schmidt

When a relationship ends, should two people go their separate ways; be respectful that the timing isn’t right, is it not the best thing to do?

When I care about someone, I find it very difficult to let go of a relationship. I always have hope in the back of my mind, hope that everything will get worked out the way I want it to in the end. This hope can be inspiring, but it can also be very, very painful. Not knowing what the future holds, we all feel this, but when something feels so out of our reach…should we still dream for it?

The content of my articles lately have been mostly about challenging moments due to a recent break up.

I have always believed that if two people are truly meant to be nothing will keep them apart…nothing. Not the most challenging impossible obstacles to overcome because love conquers all.

Romantic? Yes. Possible.

I do believe, yes.

So I continue forward with my life. “Go with the flow.” See where my life leads me. While everyday he remains in my life, I still love him, love him the same…yet everytime, my heart aches knowing…the timing isn’t right. Yet, I can’t let go.

I leave you with this: “It’s not if you can live with someone. It’s if you can’t live without them.”

I believe in the beauty of my dreams and always will.

Some beautiful quotes I wanted to share with all of you:

“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” - Vincent van Gogh

“If you want something very, very badly, let it go free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever. If it doesn’t, it was never yours to begin with.” - Anonymous

“Hold fast to whatever fragments of love are left, for sometimes a mosaic is more beautiful than an unbroken pattern.” - Dawn Powell

“True love comes quietly…”

by: Liane Schmidt

My dreams. I hold them close to my heart. Maybe even closer these days, when it feels like everything I ever knew is changing, when what I thought I could trust in my heart, I find am now uncertain of.

Love. We all want it. Though some may deny it. Some may throw themselves into their work, deeper, and deeper - it is all what we ultimately want more than anything in this world. And sometimes, it feels ever ellusive.

I want more than anything in this world, not to care sometimes, not to let my heart be taken by others - friends and a significant other - but sometimes, no matter what we do, it happens all the same.

Everybody tells me - it’s work. Everybody tells me, nobody’s perfect.

I believe in the dreams in my heart. No matter what anybody tells me, I do believe in fairytales. I believe they were written for a reason. I do believe in my prince charming. I will until the day I die.

People often give up on their dreams along the way. They listen to what other people tell them because they are too afraid to trust in their dreams. I am not. In my heart, I believe everything I dream of for myself will and is coming true. Maybe at times it feels painful, harder than anything I’ve ever endured before…but I know in my heart it is ALL worth it, because I AM worth it. I am worth the beauty of my dreams. I am worth the beauty in my heart. You are all worth this. I believe in the beauty of all your dreams.

Never give up hope. Never give up your dreams.

“Hope to the end.” (New Testament)

by: Liane Schmidt

…that relationships were easy. This is not to say that they must be difficult and filled with tough moments, but it is to say that life challenges us…constantly. Do we believe in ourselves? Do we trust our hearts to be the good kind loving people we say and hope we are?

Entering into any new relationship can be a scary endeavor. We are allowing ourselves to be open, to be vulnerable again. To venture into a whole new part of ourselves. Some things a new friend or significant other may do, might remind you of a past hurt and it may be difficult at times to not react to this. This is human, this is to keep us safe and ensure that we don’t repeat past hurts. Just like we learned that fire hurts when we touch it…we flinch everytime we are near something that has hurt us before. It does not mean we are weak or dealing with emotional baggage, it means that we are human!! It is a strength, not a weakness.

So go out, make new friends, and trust your heart! Your experiences have made you stronger, made you wiser, and have allowed you to be able to live your life more freely!! Do not listen to those you want to drag you down, they are down for a reason. Their journey, their path is not yours! Find others who lift you up! There is too much beauty in this world!!

If you’d love to read more about great thoughts on relationships, please feel free to visit Christina Paulsen’s site: Relationships. She is a talented and wise new friend.

by: Liane Schmidt

…are they worth the sacrifice? What is it that makes them strong enough to withstand hardships, time, and the inherent change in life?

Some people say that its love. Some people say that love is not enough. Shared values, goals, and dreams: these have been a resounding factor in what I have heard time and time again, regarding this issue.

But some people have managed to make their relationship work when they have far different backgrounds and beliefs. The atheist marries the devote Christian; the vegetarian marries the die hard meat lover. How do such opposite connections come about? And, how do they last? This is where both theories seem to lose water.

So, I guess as I’m pondering today, the only key is that each situation is unique. It is a blending of love, shared respect; understanding and desire to make something last that two people will remain together, with both parties working 100% to make it work. If one is working harder than the other, he or she will always feel underappreciated or that something is lacking and vice versa. It is a balance, it is a dance, it takes trusting your heart.

Love is good, love is kind. If you want the very best for another person, then the love that comes from an enduring relationship will develop and grow naturally. It will not feel forced, it will feel right. Do not worry; it will come when it’s right.

(Though, some people say you must work really hard to maintain a relationship, I do not believe this to be true. Maybe there is still much I need to learn.)

If you’d love to read more about great thoughts on relationships, please feel free to visit Christina Paulsen’s site: Relationships. She is a talented and wise new friend.