New Year's Resolutions anyone? Some great advise I learned from self-help books!

The New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and with this, New Year’s resolutions are filling up my journal. I can’t believe some resolutions are still in my list (and in the same order!). My resolution for this year should be to get rid of all my past resolutions once and for all! Lately, I have been reading some great books and thought it will be nice to share some of the teachings with you.  To start, I absolutely love “Ask and it is Given” by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I have had this book for about 3 years, and I always come back to read it for advice and guidance. I picked two parts from the book to share:

“The basis of your world is one of well-being. You can allow it or not, but the basis is well-being. The law of attraction says that which is like unto itself, is drawn. And so, the essence of whatever you give attention to is unfolding in your experience, therefore, there is nothing that you cannot be, do or have. This is the Law”.

“Your awareness of the way you feel will give you the clarity you have been seeking and you will never be lost again. Once you have the knowledge that you are moving in the direction of your desires, you may begin to relax a little bit and enjoy the fantastic journey”.

The second book I read was “Take the leap” by Heather Mc Closkey Beck. I am copying an affirmation that is helping me and thought it could be useful.

Positive Affirmation: “Every day I feel productive, creative, peaceful and serene. I will laugh and love and allow myself to be loved. I will enjoy external success, knowing this is a reflection of my internal wellness, balance and joy from doing something I love to do, every single day. I will deeply value myself, taking care of my mind, body and spirit. I will believe in what I am called to do, and won’t give up searching how best to enjoy my Geniuos within”.

The third book is “The Shift” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Some affirmations: “Let go, and let God”, “Our mind doesn’t know the way, our heart has already been there, and our soul never left”.

The fourth book is “Great Quotes” from Zig Ziglar
Attitude: “If you learn from a defeat, you haven’t really lost”, “Many times the difference between your accomplishments and your failures is your attitude”.
Self-Image: “Positive thinking is the hope that you can move mountains. Positive believing is the same hope but with a reason for believing you can do it”, “What you get by reaching your destination isn’t nearly as important as what you become by reaching that destination”.
Motivation: “You are what you are and where you are because of what’s gone into your mind. You can change what you are and where you are but changing what goes into your mind”, “In your hands you hold the seeds of failure or potential for greatness”, “If it is to be, It is up to me”.
Success: “You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets”, “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but don’t quit”.

What a great way to start 2016! Hopefully in a year from now I could sit down and finally write off some of my past resolutions! I wish you a successful New Year 2016!

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"

with love, Jazmin

                                                                        My Website

How I fell in love with painting...and almost quit!

In my previous post, I shared how I discovered my call to painting and how important is as a way to express my true self. When my guiding angels dictated me to embrace this journey, they forgot to include a manual on “How to pursue a life as an artist and not die in the journey”! On 2013, I was working on my first art show at an Art Gallery. The inspiration I felt was unbelievable. The feeling was new and empowering. I managed to plan, execute and deliver a beautiful art show that honoured the women I knew in my community. I tailored a plan and carefully chose women who had an appealing and inspiring stories to share with the public. We met and talked. In my studio, the stories turned into works of art, each story flowing through my hand at ease. It was beautiful to witness. At that time, I felt I could touch the sky and happily embraced the journey. The art show turned out to be very successful and the public enjoyed and got inspired by the artworks and life stories, all depicted in a guide to the show. As time went by, the amazing feeling of “I can do this” went away and I was left alone planning my next move. As time went by, I longed to go back to the inspiration I felt then when I was not scared nor doubtful. Without that inspiration, I was navigating the Do’s & Don’ts of the art industry. Then, I found myself working on my second art show. I partnered with the YWCA Vancouver to bring to life “Home Is Love” an art show depicting the lives of the women the organization serves- single mothers. Again, the inspiration took over and I found myself at my studio witnessing how my skills were getting more confident and free. The art show was a beautiful display of positive and colourful home scenes painted on cradle panels built as houses. The show gained great exposure, featuring my vision as an artist in various media channels. During the time between the first and the second art show, I realized that the journey I took on as a full time artist could be a long, daunting and a very hard path. But then again, I found myself working on my third art show. Hawaiian Sisterhood, an art show in partnership with fashion designer, a women’s organization called Women Helping Women located in Maui and me. The art show celebrated the multicultural complexion of the women of Maui. I have to be honest and admit that even with all the amazing accomplishments I have been witnessing in my career; many times I consider quitting and finding a different livelihood. Now, as I wait for my next move, I can say that many times the anxiety, the fear, the doubts and the understanding of what it takes to pursue a life as a professional artist “take over” me and they leave me feeling paralyzed.  During these times, I reach out for the help of self-help books, meditation or long talks with friends to get me going. I am still learning and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t for me. This is a professional and very personal pursuit. I am proud to say that I fell in love with painting…and didn’t quit.

As the new year approaches, I have taken the commitment to reach out to more people, to connect and spread the word of what I love to do. My hope is to inspire you to find your own voice as well.

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"

with love, Jazmin

 

 

 Looking at "Picnic in our community garden"  and realizing the beauty of my work  

 

WEBSITE

How I fell in love with painting...

How I fell in love with painting? You might think it is weird to start blogging with actually this question...but the truth is that I DID fall in love with painting! As child, I was considered a very artistic kid so by this time I should certainly be painting! The truth is that I only discovered what painting makes me feel a few years ago. I was taking some coaching sessions with a business and personal coach and she asked me to write down my dream and share it with her in a week. I had no idea what my dream was, but when I sat down to write the homework, my dream unfolded in front of my eyes, and it was pretty awesome! My "guiding angels" as I call them, helped me shape this amazing dream/plan, that I have been living since I wrote it down 2 1/2 years ago. I tried countless ways of expressing myself, whether it was through sewing, ceramics, jewelry making or illustration. But painting to me is like dancing with a brush or singing the most beautiful romantic song. It is the way my soul comes out in its best. No other way of art making compares to painting for me. In every colourful artwork I see the reflection of my soul & feelings. When I discovered the way I feel while painting, I realized that this medium will be the chosen one for me. Painting is not only an occupation but a way of living. My work has taken me to meet people, travel to places and feel excitement and inspiration. The way I crafted my occupation gets me to interact with women, listen to their stories and be inspired later at my studio. I am thankful of every single interaction, as it takes me to places in my imagination that I have never been.
As the new year approaches, I have taken the commitment to reach out to more people, to connect and spread the word of what I love to do. My hope is to inspire you to find your own voice as well.

"The stories you believe to be true are the ones your life will become"

with love, Jazmin

At my studio, July 2014         My website