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(issue 23)

Another week of growth. This week’s reflection comes direct. “It’s essential to CONNECT.”

Yesterday an ah ha moment . . . I make SO many choices based on fear! Oh my gosh, I hadn’t realized!! But looking at history, I can now clearly see. I have done it all my life.

To avoid pain.

Again I want to run. So what if there are possibilities. Good possibilities. Maybe even the fulfillment of a “deepest desire”. It would risk so much!

An awakening.

With avoidance, I lose part of myself. (painful)
Dreams are lost in the name of protection. (painful)
Something has to be shut down for the sake of survival. (super painful)

When fear wins, I lose.

On the other hand, I can choose to say “yes!”
To connect with myself and follow that desire. To dare.

I feel joy, excitement, hope… fully alive.
I learn more about myself.
I am living the truth of who I am, who I want to become, guided by my deepest desires.

And I’m willing to feel if that’s what it costs.
Because I will survive.
Because there’s always more choices.
If something doesn’t work out, I can “try different”.
Each day is a gift in which I get to.

And in which you get to.
To live purpose and meaning.
To be happy.
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STUDIO NEWS

Tuesday I leave for my annual family trip to Texas. First week at USA Jump Rope’s National Competition with my daughter in Galveston. Then a week with family. Back July 7. I’ll be writing UPWoRD but will not be shipping product until I return. Just wanted you to know.

Happy summer!

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(word 22)

To AWAKEN is to wake up. As from a dead sleep.

On the outside, things look the same as yesterday. But on the inside, a revelation has arrived. A decision. A truth is now clear. Surprise!

“I will move back, near my parents. This relationship must end. I won’t do this job another day. I do want children. I must create. I will risk for love.”

There seems to be an order, an unfolding of things, in life. But why now? I guess it’s time.

Will we deal or will we distract? The choice is ours. Do we have the courage to respond? To enter the unknown?? Fear fills the door! And the road is hardly visible.

So, why?

Why do you want to live fully awake?

Or don’t you?

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STUDIO NEWS

Christine Kane was part of my awakening with her UPLEVEL YOUR BUSINESS class. She’s a great alarm clock! Here’s a video that introduces her a bit and what she does.
(Click here)

ps. She’s why I write UPWoRD.

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(word 21)

In normal, everyday life, we walk in one big circle. Like an Andy Goldsworthy piece, the stepping stones peak from the water just enough to step. Round and round we go, each day with little change.

Unless we step out. Onto a rock we do not know. Beyond the circle.

Risk begins with desire.
Risk requires effort.
Risk is about hope, trust, belief.

Remember when you were a kid exploring, and you came upon a discovery. Maybe it was a honeysuckle bush, the remains of an old house, or fresh animal tracks. There was such fun in exploring the unknown.

As adults, our time is limited. Resources know a bottom. And actions come with a cost. Fear wants to keep us walking that round, tame predictable circle.

I’m sure you’ve heard “leap and the net will follow.” Or “build the plane while you’re flying it.” These require BIG risks and HUGE braveries.

Maybe you don’t possess that radical muscle yet, but you want out of the circle, to try possibility. Do baby steps. Take baby risks. Not huge, life threatening chances. But consistent, determined smaller ones that move you clearly in the right direction. Revisit the fun of exploration. Build that muscle. In time, you’ll be ready to jump.

Our word for this week, RISK.

Risk forming an ellipse. Or better yet, create your own organic, original shape.

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STUDIO NEWS

A candle pot giveaway by Monster Bites. These guys did a FABULOUS job! Such UPward thinking. If you want a chance to win “sing”, click here.

We sing when we live authentically.

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(word 20)

Our word this week . . . sense.

Does it make sense? Do you really need all that fabric? Those “fat” clothes? The incomplete projects in the closet?

It’s spring. Time to consider the non-sense cluttering your space. Piles talk, you know. And they don’t say nice things.

When you remove the old conversations, you make room for the new. That’s what California brush fires do naturally. Remove the underbrush to expose the tender shoots to light and possibility.

Move the leaves so the earth shows. A little at a time is ok. Start by making a plan. Look at the pile. What are the steps needed to remove? Write them down in 30 min action steps. Action is easier when no thinking is required. Just a bit of time. And the hope of new things.

Decide on a deadline. This pile/project must be done by ________, 2010. After that, will it be donated or trashed? Ask a friend/family member to do this part. Put it in writing. Have them sign. The plan stays with the pile. This is a non-negotiable commitment, to you.

Show up. (remember the hope)

Do the work. (remember the hope)

Then enjoy what springs forth!

(This system will work to clear out mental projects too.)

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STUDIO NEWS

Custom work has always been in the back of my mind. You have a special word, special name, special date you want pressed into clay. I’m almost ready for them.

(Imagine how much easier Christmas could be.)

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(word 19)

This week it’s time to FOCUS.

It’s not the easiest thing for creatives, but it is possible. The key is to have “a system”. A system is a set of automatic procedures to accomplish a task. You know, when you find the keys on the hook! It’s evidence of a system that’s working.

The to-do list is a system. It’s purpose is to remind us of things we have to do. And it works most of the time, up until overwhelm.

Feelings of overwhelm happen when there’s too many things on our list. AND when the most important, life giving actions are not taken. Ever said “I got nothing done today!” after a full day of running around. Feels crummy

Crummy is a red flag.
Time to look for the culprit.
Time to tweak (or create) the system!
Time to focus on life giving actions!

Because when you get these things done, you will feel accomplished and energized. Guaranteed!

How? Choose one action each day that would move you forward in your dream, your job or your business. Write it at the TOP of your list or highlight it in yellow. Underline it. Or put a shiny blue star beside it. However you’d like, set it apart. Make it look most important. When it is priority, it will get done.

KOOP RULE: it has to be doable in that day.
For example, if you want to “write an article for Bliss” and your day is super tight with must dos, there’s no way. But, you could say “write the article outline” and be totally successful. Because as you drive, you can think and create it in your head. We’re looking for success here. For completion. For the wind is in your face!

Energy comes with the forward motion. You’re happier, healthier and nicer. It’s the little things that add up to a world of change.

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STUDIO NEWS

Studio systems coming into focus.

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(word 18)

“I do not pray for success.
I ask for faithfulness.” Mother Teresa

Our word? ASK

I’m sure you’ve experienced the refining nature of life? We all have our unique stories. And the truth is we are always dealing with something. As sandpaper beautifies the surface of wood, circumstances rub to refine us.

Circumstances beyond our control many times. Personal life. Business life. What circumstances are facing you? My friend Stacey Curnow, a great life coach, suggested we ask every circumstance “what are you here to teach me?”

More than the destination, it is about the character we choose to develop in the process. The compassion, the forgiveness, the unconditional love . . . oh, the list goes on.

In every struggle, there is a lesson, a golden thread being given. You may not see it “in the midst”, but it’s there. Walk through and eventually, it will appear. If you take it, it will be added to your tapestry.

The golden threads woven in. Gaze upon it sometimes. Drape it over your shoulders. Look in the mirror.

Look how beautiful you are.
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( word 17)

The UPWoRD for this week . . . RECYCLE

We are told to recycle. To keep the earth beautiful and functioning properly. As nature reveals signs of wear, we realize it’s a desperate plea.

I want to recycle, but breaking up boxes and maintaining compost takes precious time and effort. When I am less than motivated, I envision the California coast or even the backyard flowers. My efforts are for this beauty to continue.

That’s the power of visualization.
We “see” the benefits. Then we are motivated “to do”.

Do your thoughts recycle?

Is there a dream that you see over and over again? Is there something you continue to wish for? Something you would do/pursue with enough time, money and courage?

Close your eyes. Imagine you are actually doing it. What does it look like? Who is smiling? It’s been so persistent, is it your soul’s desperate plea?

See the smiles.

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STUDIO : HOW-TO

Make a plaquette with your own special word. Invite the family. It requires Sculpey, an oven and wire.

Roll the Sculpey clay flat with a rolling pin about 1/4″ thick. This is your canvas. Organic shapes are imperfectly perfect. A wheel pizza cutter works great for cutting clay.

What word recycles for you? That’s your word. If you have letter stamps, use them. Or use a pencil to write it in. Press in about halfway thru the thickness. Add designs and textures by pressing things into the surface. Interesting objects are all around. Experiment. Have fun! Then, put two holes at the top for the wire later. And sign and date the back.

Cook the Sculpey clay as the box says and when cool, add color. I painted black acrylic paint on, then immediately wiped it off with a non textured rag, like an old bed sheet. Paint should remain in the crevices. Use whatever colors, wherever you want. For a weathered look, try applying layers of color and sanding it back when dry. PLAY!!

When your masterpiece is complete, dry overnight. Put wire, string or even tulle thru the holes to hang your piece. Wallah! A plaquette to inspire. Imperfectly perfect? Beautiful!

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(word 16)

UPWoRD of the week . . . DIFFERENCE

When it comes to age, we want the camera to reveal little difference. Also when seeking a destination. But when it comes to “making a difference” and internal growth, we want a lot!

Christine Kane’s Uplevel Your Business program and my mastermind groups have pushed me out of the hamster wheel and into upward. If you’re stuck, get help!

There are many classes, workshops and books on every “sticky” subject out there. Spend the afternoon in the bookstore.

Maybe it’s time to hire a coach for one-on-one attention. Find the right expert, and there’s no stopping you. A teacher, a therapist and a cheerleader all in one. There are life coaches and business coaches, even weight loss coaches. (See, others struggle too.) You name it, I bet there’s someone with valuable insight to help. Ask around, look online.

Masterminds groups are amazing, too! They work, because the group brain is smarter than the lone brain. Organize to discuss and support common interests such as tweens, dreams or self employment. I’m in one that connects only across phone lines. Using this method, you can gather just the right people without physical restriction. It’s even free with this telephone conference service, click here.

My other mastermind group is local. Worksheet, questions and problems in hand, we gather each month to encourage, brainstorm and grow. Each member gets direct and equal attention from the group (use a timer). Click here for our worksheet (.doc). Google “mastermind” for more info.

Reach out. I tell you, it will make a difference! A difference in your life and in the lives you will touch.

ps. To experience the other “difference”, the one the camera records, see this beautiful  family portrait series done over a span of 30 years.

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STUDIO NEWS

Seth Godin is one of the most influential business bloggers in the world. He’s an author, speaker and entrepreneur. He is calling his latest book, Linchpin : Are you indispensable?, his life’s work. It’s about doing your genius work, asking “what if?s”, and making a difference. Wow, I’m there!

We have connected, and I’m now designing a series of ceramics inspired by his words. Excitement is through the roof as I’m believing words “make a difference!” And so does he. Stay tuned!  xo

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(word 15)

HEAVEN can wait.  I LOVED that movie. The mystery, secret identities, angels. Or maybe it was Warren Beatty In any case, it was my “favorite movie” for years!

It expressed a definite idea of heaven. As every religion does. So, what do we think? We ask, we read, we imagine. Our head has ideas. Our heart has opinions. Finally, we are called in to decide. Our gut knows.

This happens without seeing. It involves faith.

What about the future?
How do you know which choice is right?

You ask, you read, you imagine. Your head has ideas. Your heart has opinions. Finally you are called in to decide.
Your gut knows.

This happens without seeing. It involves faith.

Learn to let your intuition – gut instinct – tell you when the food, the relationship, the job isn’t good for you (and conversely, when what you’re doing is just right).” Oprah Winfrey

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(word 14)

Grab a friend. It’s time to go somewhere you’ve never been before. Physically. Near or far, it doesn’t matter. It’s time to have FUN!

It’s not always easy to have this kind of fun. At least not for me. It feels like “there’s just no time!” “It’s frivolous and unproductive.” “I can’t get my work done as it is!”

But my counterpart, the smarter me inside, knows better. She says it’s good, even imperative, to take off. A getaway refreshes the body, mind + soul. Why?

:>) It drains the to-do thoughts, making room for great ideas to appear. They’re there. They just need space to land.
:^) Laughter and just plain relaxing relieves stress. And also makes us nicer.
:^D It keeps the “risk muscle” in shape. Who knows what will happen? Excitement has center stage, not fear.
;^D Spending quality time with others builds a life supported by love. We need it by design!
$;^D The new scenery will open your eyes to the earth, its wonders, and the Spirit. Gratitude transforms.

I used to work out, because I liked to. Now I work out, because I have to, to stay healthy. Same with fun. It’s got to be there. Put it on the calendar. Make it happen. Just see.

Invite a friend to explore a new trail or to accompany you to an art opening. Drive 30 minutes in any direction and see where you end up. Bring the camera. What a great blog post to share. Oh no, if it begins to feel like work, trash it. Here, there is no pressure. Be free! Try spontaneous!!

Only one KooP rule… you MUST sit down somewhere along the way, perhaps with a beverage, and take a long, deep breath. Remember, this is why you work so hard. Reap the benefits!

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STUDIO HAPPENINGS

I would love to add your blog, shop or website link to the UPWoRD site. If you’d like to be included, please forward the URL link with a brief description so I can organize.
Sound like fun?