From Tine and Studio Friday,
They say don't ever look back nor dwell on things for too long, one is supposed to instead just move on, eyes straight ahead focused on one's goal.
BUT...here's the but... while it is certainly true to not look back and dwell on the negative events it is one of the best things one can do, to look back... but on the positive things and see how far you have come!!! On one of my Internet surfs I came across this simple truth on the Salad website written by Jamie Smart;
"The people who are happy and fulfilled measure their progress by comparing where they are against where they’ve come from. The people who are stressed and dissatisfied measure progress by comparing where they are against their ideals.
Just think about that for a moment.
The happy, fulfilled people look at how far they’ve come.
The unhappy, dissatisfied people look at how far they have to go to reach an ideal. "
So yes, big A-HA moment... let's do exactly this and take a look at what you started out with on your creative endeavor and all those magnificent things you have accomplished since then. I am sure you are in for a surprise and it will inspire you in a new way altogether. So let's celebrate our accomplishments this Friday!!!
For me this is a very cyclical affair. I seem to have come full circle with my creative endeavors, everything old is new again....so while I continue to grow creatively I pull from my past to get there and hopefully learn from the things that did not serve me well. I think it's still important to have goals, to have that long view to reach for.
What creative accomplishments are you celebrating?
Yes, it's a cycle and I love it!!! Full steam ahead! Beautiful flower and planter you have there.
Posted by: Tine | July 13, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Hmmm...this insight just made me smile. Yes, very cyclical. Maybe that's why I love vintage stuff so much. Specifically vintage sewing stuff. I was in awe of my mother's sewing abilities her sewing box was a treasure chest to me.
Posted by: m i c h e l l e | July 13, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Words to remember! Sometimes it is hard not to compare our work or think that it's not good enough - especially when we're experiencing a moment of frustration. You're absolutely right - we need to acknowledge our achievements. What creative accomplishments am I celebrating? Well, I spent years thinking that I couldn't paint so I didn't even try. Then I finally enrolled in an encaustics class with a friend and learned an entirely new art medium. Now I'm excited to pick up a brush and to paint. It's a learning lesson every time. And the real shocker: I'm actually displaying my paintings up on the wall and have even sold a few in exhibitions!
Posted by: susanna | July 13, 2007 at 03:20 PM
PS - Yes, I'd love to see your mermaid when it's finished. I'll show you mine when it's done, too. :)
Posted by: susanna | July 13, 2007 at 03:21 PM
love so how your bright gerbera daisy
and bean-pot flowers
complement your banner...
i just left your color-filled blog up
as a screen saver
while i made my morning tea,
so thanks much.
:-)
PS--i am celebrating
the discovery of YOUR creativeness
which i found here!
Posted by: somepinkflowers | July 14, 2007 at 05:54 AM
I'm celebrating having my husband around for the first full weekend in literally months! It's not so creative, I know... but hey it's worth stating. I hope you're enjoying your weekend in your beautiful surroundings!!
Posted by: Mizsmoochielips | July 14, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Wonderful insight!
Posted by: Stephanie G. | July 15, 2007 at 07:13 AM
Well, if I look at it this way, all I can say is, Thank you for sharing and then
TEQUILA!!!! TA-ta ta-ra ta-ra tatta!!!!
Okay, we can pretend drink Tequila. As, I am not into feeling woozy, sick or disoriented. But still, if we look at our achievments as such, then we would all be dancing around. Who knew???? Yippee! xoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | July 15, 2007 at 08:19 AM
seeing this on Monday after a week of camp with my fab 5 - and very little blog visiting time during that week -
this means a lot - we can so easily go into a spin and forget to assess where we've been and be grateful
and then move on with new insights - and an appreciative calm
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | July 16, 2007 at 08:27 AM
This REALLY hit home for me....instead of lamenting I am not fulfilling all I COULD be I should be celebrating how far I've come in getting back to the artist that was lost. I celebrate the fact I have the freedom to keep reaching higher!!
GREAT post and the quote is one I will have to copy and paste and reread!
XOXO
Posted by: LisaOceandreamer | July 19, 2007 at 01:49 PM