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Success

The Brilliance of the Artist

Tuesday, March 27th, 2007

By: Liane Schmidt

The brilliance of the artist is that he or she must continually create something new everyday to stay fresh, to fine tune his or her skills. It is a practice of love; it is an exercise of passionate vision. It is brilliance; it is a human capacity that lives inside each and every one of us.

The artist, with brush to canvas, captures once in a lifetime moments, songs and stories that touch our hearts making our spirits soar long after the last bar has been played, after the last word has been read.

How does the artist continue to be inspired? How does he or she continue to find something new?

Every night, we experience sunsets, every morning waking sunrises. Each morning and each night these amazing landscapes paint the sky, hues of extraordinary beauty, grace and majesty.

But these visages are not limited unchanging murals; they are ever changing, every second a new landscape masterpiece transforms before our eyes as the sun languidly dips behind the rolling hills and raging seas. Every second a new mural is painted in the sky.

No two sunsets have ever been the same, nor will they ever be. No two, ever.

This is how the artist can forever continue to remain inspired.

Mother Nature

Monday, March 26th, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

Mother Nature’s doing her best these days to remind us that it IS winter! Spoken by a true Californian — I know, I know, to people all across the world this weather is probably considered warm, but to the native or almost native Californians: Grab your coats, your overcoats, gloves/mittens, anything to stay warm! It is important to make sure you take care of yourselves so that you stay as healthy as possible! You don’t want anything to get in the way of your dreams!

As the weather grows colder and people don’t want to go outside as much, this can often lead people to exercise less and fall into other bad habits! Don’t let this happen to you! For example, there are plenty of indoor exercises you can do! Lunges, jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, isometric strengthening (yes, flex those muscles!) and even jogging in place can keep you in tip top shape so that you feel at your best always! This is extremely important while working toward your dreams! Your health is of utmost importance! Everything else - your quality of life, etc is affected by it!!

So, zip up those jackets, turn on your heaters, put extra blankets on your beds and remember if you’re a winter person, live it up! If you’re not - well, keep in mind that winter only lasts a few months and in California, it’s often shorter than that!

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.

Goal Setting

Thursday, March 1st, 2007

by: Liane Schmidt

What are your goals? Have you really taken the time to sit down and decide what you want to do career wise? Have you written down what’s most important to you?

If not, there’s no better time to do it than today.

From all the books, successful people, and personal experiences I have learned from, I know that if you don’t know where to begin the best place to begin is with what you do know about yourself.

Take a moment now to list all the things that are important to you value wise, i.e., job benefits, short commute, etc. These elements all make up important pieces of the total effect the career you choose has over your everyday happiness, well-being and life. Every little element that is not how you want it will eventually cause you some discomfort down the line, unless you can learn to look at those elements differently (and you can! This option is possible too!).

In addition, as we all know, many times it is difficult to find that ideal position, so the next question to keep in mind is: just how much are you willing to sacrifice or put up with for the ideal job of your dreams? Can you give up a short commute for a salary increase of 25%?! Think of the accumulative time spent on the road, wear and tear on your car, less hours to yourself. But, maybe for you the payoff is worth it?

If the career of your dreams seems out of reach, next on your list of goals can be to start talking, researching, and finding out as much as you can about those who have the position you want. Learn from them. Most likely, at one point in time, they have felt like you do right now. And despite this, they still struggled, fought, and persevered for the position you want. You can achieve it too if you truly want it! You can do anything! Do no let anything keep you from reaching your goals!

This is just a beginning! Just one of the many avenues to take to start your ambitious dreams stirring!

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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