Are You Holding Back on Your Creativity?

Creativity lives and breathes in each of us. Many of us express our creativity through art: painting, writing, drawing, etc. If you are feeling stuck in your creative journey, ask yourself if any of the following three things are what is keeping you stuck.. If you're flying high and creating like a superstar, go, go, go!

Comparison: this often shows up in the form of searching the internet. Looking at all that amazing talent out there, and then comparing yourself with that talent. This will stop your creative flow right in it's tracks. Stop looking at what others are doing and start listening to yourself. Trust your own creativity. And if you are telling yourself you are "getting inspired," ask yourself if this is really true. Use the time you spend surfing for inspiration to feed your own creativity with a nap, going to bed early, spending time with family, a walk outdoors, one of things on your "I wish I did" list.

Perfectionism: Do it and do it imperfectly. This is the best way to learn to do it better. Move forward and honor your creativity. If a Mother gave her child an ice cream cone and the child didn't want it because the cone was bent or the scoop not round enough, would that mother be excited to give the child another ice cream cone the next time they were at the ice cream shop? Probably not. Let's say the child got really excited about that ice cream cone, imperfections and all. The next time Mom and Child passed the ice cream shop I bet Mom would be thrilled to buy her child another cone. In other words, if you're always disappointed in our art, writing, in your creativity because it's not perfect, why would your creativity want to come out to play?

Doing what 'should' be done: There are SO many "shoulds". I have a friend who has a sign above her kitchen sink that says "though shall not should themselves". I have to agree. When you're growing up, you go to school, you get married. After you get married, you have children. Somewhere in there you buy a house. These are often categorized as 'normal'. To hell with normal. You are not normal and thank you for that. You are an amazing original. You are a creative being. When your creativity wants to play outside the box, do it. Engage in the power of play.

Speaking of Creativity and the Power of Play, how does your creativity live and breathe?
 Share in the comments below.

Sue Simpson is a Self Development  Coach who works with women to live their personal strengths and share their purpose. Through one-on-one coaching, group programs, and workshops, Sue teaches business and life balance as a way of life. 

Is This Keeping You Stuck and Spinning In Circles

All too often, we carry around with us indecision, and indecision causes suffering.

Should I or shouldn't I? Here's the deal - make a decision and move forward.

Indecision keeps us stuck. Keeps us spinning in circles. 

I"ll be honest here, making decisions when it comes to my online presence can drive me nuts. And truthfully, it drives my family nuts too.

It is the main reason I'm stuck in website development world. Truth is, if I'd just make a decision we'd move forward to success. My life doesn't count on this decision. I'll still be around kicking and screaming when it's time to tweak and grow. 

For some of us it's those small decisions that keep us stuck where we are instead of taking us to where we want to go. 

Today, I give you the permission (three fingers pointed back at myself) to make decisions. And to make them quickly and with confidence. 

And here's the big a-ha...When you don't make a decision. You are making a decision. The decision to stay exactly where you are.

So lets do this together. Lets start living and stop standing still.

There's plenty more decisions to be made in life and work ahead so we might as well engage and grow.

Funny thing is...it's usually those small little choices that keep us from living to our fullest. 

Speaking of decisions, website, and standing. What do you think of Stand In Your Power with Sue Simpson as a website name? I've given myself one week to make the decision. 

How about you? Is there a decision you need to make?

Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life

Create a Vision for Your Life 
and get off the -Go with the Flow 
Merry Go Round.

This week’s tip is to have a vision, 

and have that vision encompass not only your business

but your family and your “me time.” 

Too many times I see people set goals for their business 

and they don't include the rest of their life. 

It's really important to look at that as a whole package. 

Going with the flow instead of having a clear vision can take a lot out of a well minded Go-Getter. 

Have a Vision for your life and let your Vision be your guide to Eliminate Overwhelm and Stress.

Increase Your Creativity and Zest For Life

Begin by asking yourself  this one question. What is my Why? Why ask why, you ask. Your why is what  touches your heart and soul. When creating a vision for your life, you'll want to know your why. When making decisions about your next step, you'll want to know your why. When saying yes or no to something, you guessed it...you'll want to know your why. Your why feeds you in good times and in bad times. There's no stopping the bad days from showing up but knowing your why makes them not so bad. The potential for greatness lives in each one of us. Knowing your why will guide you to live your greatness. What is your why? Leave a comment or email me...I'd love to know your why.

Now Available... I have a few personal coaching spots available if you are ready to step up and step out. Whether you own your own business or are looking to live your best life. I've watched my clients become true to their selves.  Get clear on what is real for them. Create amazing relationships. Make more money in their business and find not only success but fulfillment while being authentic.  What's my why? To reach out and share the things I've learned ~TBF. To share what others have taught me. To support and empower women to get clear to take deliberate action for success and fulfillment. To schedule a Complimentary Call to see if Coaching is right for you.   Call  425-446-9861               Great Leaders Surround Themselves with Support and Accountability.

Being Successful begins with You

Be Joyfully You I clearly remember the day I heard, just be you. Thing is, I didn't know who that was. I didn't really know me. When you connect with your core and tap into the true you..You begin to Soar. Your true self emerges and so does your creativity.  The greatest most fulfilling part of Being Joyfully You is the people who surround you. The amount of value you give is sincere, centered, and real. Your relationships become healthy and the love you receive radiates out into the world. Who you were created to be becomes so evident you can't help but live it. The should's disappear. You live in the presence of today, looking forward towards tomorrow. Clarity in who you are and what moves you...is priceless. What talents and gifts are you hiding inside? What is bursting to emerge as YOU?  Share at...  sue@SueSimpsonCoach.com  or leave a comment below

Be Joyfully You ~Print 

Available Here

Seven Steps to More Productivity in Your Day

As a creative being, do you find yourself starting one thing, thinking about another, and then working on something that isn't even on your Daily Focus and Clarity Sheet?

My friend Melinda taught me that when this happens 1) go to your desk 2) sit down 3) focus 4) begin.

Seven Simple Steps to Create Focus and Clarity for Success.

1. -Clean off your desk. Put away all the piles and files. Don't be afraid to file stuff in the brown round file, better known as the garbage. Be ruthless here. We creative types like to 'keep it for some day'. If you won't use it in the next month why not share it with someone who will.  Have only a few pretty things to inspire you on your desk or around it. Too much stuff overwhelms more than inspires. Do this daily and quickly and soon you'll be so organized you won't spend extra time looking for that one thing that you can't find.

2. -Pick One Project to Work On. Pick one of your top three priorities from your Daily Focus and Clarity Sheet. Collect the items you'll need to complete your task. Oh and grab a glass of water too. You'll work better hydrated.

3. -Set An Intention.  Be specific on what you'd like to accomplish during this time. Write your intention down on a yellow post it note and post it on your nice clean desk. It will help you keep focused. Reading it out loud helps too.

4. -Close out the Windows on Your Computer. Your email, Facebook, Twitter, Paypal, etc. will be there when you're done. It's just too easy to 'quickly' check your Facebook page when you hit resistance in something you’re working on. I use to tell my kids; don't put yourself in a situation that may cause temptation. Be smarter than that. Shut down the computer if you can. 

5. -Shut off the Phone. Shut the sound off on your phone. It's okay, I give you permission. We are so use to the immediate contact world. If you are worried that your kids or hubby might call with an emergency, call them just before you begin my and check in. I'll let them know that you’re shutting the phone off for 50 minutes. This brings me to number six.

6. -Set A Timer. Set a timer for 50 minutes. I suggest you purchase a timer you can set on your desk or a shelf. The timer on your phone works too but...then you can't shut the sound off and oops, "what could I do, the phone rang so I just had to answer it!" How do I know this? Experience my friend, experience. My office is in our home so I use the stove timer. It works great because I have to get up and walk to the kitchen to shut it off.

7. -Begin. Work on the project you've set your intention for. More often than not, what may have taken you days or hours will be complete in 50 minutes. Done. Finished. 

When the timer goes off stop what you are doing. Go for a brisk five minute walk. Drink some water. Go potty and begin again or call it good and be done for the day. 

Putting these steps into action will save time, energy, and new gray hair. How about you? I'd love for you to share how this process works for you.

Here's to You, Your Productivity, and More Time for Play.

Sue

What Brings You Joy?

Maia Toll recently asked, "What brings you Joy?" 

The two amazing men in my life. My husband and best friend Bill, and my Dad. Our children. Our Grandchildren. My Sister and Brother-in-law, niece and her fiance'. Our dogs. Our home. 

Spending time with family and friends.

Walks on the beach that I played on as a kid. Listening to the wind blow. The waves hit the shore. The birds sing. Green grass and orange flowers. The glow of a warm fire. A smile from a stranger. Creating in the studio. Watching a child play and explore with a sense of wonder, and untouched by the world of coulda's and shoulda's. Reading. Being alone. A-ha moments. The work I'm doing and lives being touched. Knowing that God said, "Trust Me" and I do.  

It's the little things that the day brings.... 

A whisper. A moment of silence. A breath. A hug. A friend. 

The smell of rain. The warmth of the hot sun.

laughter and dancing.

What brings you Joy?

 

Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Sue

How to go From Fear to Understanding

Intuitive Painting Workshop ~ Follow Your Bliss

Studio 1010 

Recently a friend who I met when I was teaching Encaustic Workshops attended "Follow Your Bliss" an Intuitive Painting Workshop. I've mentioned the workshops before to Candice and she has replied with "thank you, I already paint intuitively." No argument from me. Candice is a successful Collage Artist who shows her work at Galleries in Alaska and here in Washington State. 

I mentioned the workshop at Studio 1010 and invited her to attend and to my delight she said yes. 

Here's the feedback I received from Candice ~

 The intuitive painting workshop I took from Sue Simpson was full of emotion for me. I went from fear to understanding. I felt so blessed to paint with no expectations of the outcome. To reach a place inside myself that I might not have otherwise known that I was carrying around all that emotion. Sue gives you the permission to reach those places and guidance when you need it. 

It has changed my attitude about my art. I look at things differently. I am a perfectionist. The workshop helped me break through the barrier of perfection and the fear of "it's not going to be right". I am freer in the way I am creating. It gives me goose bumps. I've gone to the studio everyday since the workshop and finished two pieces. I am no longer worried if someone else is going to like it. I just freely create it.

A wonderful experience!

Candice Christie

 Professional Collage, Mixed Media Artist and Instructor

Unleash Your Creativity

Set Yourself Free

Embrace Mystery

Discover 

Three Day Intuitive Painting Workshop

November 30, December 1, 2

Artist and Craftsman ~ Seattle

Click Here to Register 

Give Yourself the Gift of the Process

Life is Like Intuitive Painting continues...

Life is like Intuitive Painting

When you meet with resistance in life, do you assume it's going to be a mucky road?

Growth period, I'd say yes. Mucky, the good news is no, not always!

 Does resistance show up in the beginning of:
a new project,
a new habit we're adapting,
 an old habit we are breaking
 a new path along our journey?
Not always.

Resistance often shows her pretty face right about the time we are ready to move into the next chapter of our lives, our work, and/or our purpose. 

 As you are traveling along your journey, skipping down the road, when resistance pops in
with a happy, hello!

You may hear her whisper something in the likes of:
 "ah, and you thought you were going to breeze right through this".
"Oh no, this isn't the right way to go, this is just too hard."

She's a great camouflage artist and shows up in many different forms. 

When you meet her, resistance.
When resistance is at her finest.
Almost 100% of the time it's because you are right on the edge of something big,
a break through,
or a break out.

Engage with her.
 Lean in and ask her what she has to teach you today. 

Stand up tall and look that ole' gal right in the face and say... bring it on.


When was the last time you met with resistance?
Did you two dance?

Life is like Intuitive Painting.

.. a process of growth....

Process - a (1) : a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result <the process of growth>

                      -Merriam Webster online Dictionary

"Live life while you are here. Experience Everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! Your going to anyway so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.  ~ Anthony Robins

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.”  ~Julia Cameron

“Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fall is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. ”            ~Anais Nin

Image by Lynne Hoppe painted during "Journey to Bliss" Retreat

Life is like intuitive painting. There is no set direction. We all have our own personal path, our own journeys. We have the basic tools.  With intuitive painting it's the brush, the paper, paint. With life it’s our past, our beliefs, our surroundings.

Both challenge us to grow.

Both expect us to step up and embrace the unknown. 

Both can create fear and excitement. 

Both meet us with resistance. 

It's when we lean into that resistance. When we acknowledge our fears our 'painting' unfolds. The need for blocking or denying begins to wither away. We no longer run from but move towards.

The opposite of resistance is submission. Leaning into or submitting to the resistance can bring you great strength. It changes your story. It opens you up to somewhere you may have not traveled before.

Anthony Robbins encourages us to Experience Everything.  When looking back on life, have you experienced all that you have lived?

Julia Cameron tells us we must release control in order to create. I believe this is how the unknown becomes known.  With it comes growth which creates confidence.

Anais Nin says that when we choose a state and remain in it, it’s a kind of death. 

You can....

Choose life.

Choose to experience life.

Choose to take responsibility for creating your life.

Lean into that resistance and see where the 'brush' will take you.

Yes, I do believe life is like Intuitive Painting.

With Faith and Action ~ Your Masterpiece will continue to be Revealed.

I'd love to hear your thoughts......

Sue

Confidence ~ One Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Two Steps into Your Growth Zone.

Journey to Bliss ~ Retreat

Painters embraced the mystery of allowing brush and paint to speak on the paper. For some, this was a totally new concept. The challenge was to let go and see where the journey would take them. For others it was that first step of picking up a paint brush, dipping it in paint, and stepping up to the paper with the unknown in front of them. And for some the longing to see where this journey would take them was filled with excitement and courage. Toss in  a dash of resistance.

Each ones journey a process. 

Each one individual.

 Each one stepping into their own personal space. 

Knowing that the outcome of their time at the page was not a goal of painting their masterpiece. Although it may appear right in front of them. To most, I believe, they came to know that they are the masterpiece.

********************

What students are saying........

I came with no expectations. No skills in art and discovered I had creativity and imagination and feelings and hopes and dreams buried deep with in myself. I released a lot of garbage I was holding from my childhood. I was surprised that I can paint. I can create, dream, feel, and imagine. And that there is hope.    
-Franciska Horvath - Sivesind, Camano Island, Washington

This intuitive painting workshop was a joyful experience for me. I learned to paint from my heart, to paint big and to work standing up with the wall as my easel. Sue brought out the mystery in the process of painting Intuitively!
-Roxanne Evans Stout  Keno, Oregon

********************

Two more workshops this year!  

November 10, 2012

Anacortes, Washington

Click Here for more information

and

November 30, December 1, 2 

Seattle, Washington

Click Here for more information

Connect with your core. 

Open yourself to the true you. 

Discover your bliss. 

What is your purpose, strength, passion?

Empower your awesome self!

It's the best way you can give to others

Give yourself the gift of experiencing you!

With love,

Sue

Are you following your bliss?

What does Bliss mean to you?

 

While tittling the upcoming workshops, "Follow Your Bliss" and Retreats, "Journey to Bliss" the question of "Bliss" and what it means to people kept creeping it's way into my thoughts.
I'd love to hear what you think and feel when you hear the word, bliss.

As we begin the journey to the end of 2012, I invite you to join me in an adventure of
"Following Your Bliss" and/or "Journey to Bliss".
End the year on a great note of
Connection, Discovery, and Empowering your awesome self!!



"Journey to Bliss" Two Day Weekend Retreat
Earthtone Studios
Connect with Your Core ~ Discover Your Bliss ~ Empower Your Awesome Self
A two day journey through painting, writing, and connecting.
Saturday and Sunday, October 27th & 28th
Registration is currently full for this retreat. Email sue@earthtone-studios.com for future retreat and waiting list.




Follow Your Bliss ~ An Intuitive Painting Workshop
Anacortes Studio 1010
 Saturday, November 10, 2012
12:00pm to 5:00pm
Click Here to Register





Follow Your Bliss
Three Day Process Painting and Writing Workshop
Find Your Personal Expression, Explore and Connect with Your Core.
Artist And Craftsman, Seattle
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 30, December 1 - 2, 2012
10:00am to 5:00pm


Recently I shared how my husband Bill and I have followed our dream in opening up our home for retreats and workshops. I am so excited to share the beautiful beach, creativity, food, and connections that have already occurred since we've opened Earthtone Studios! I have some great workshops and retreats scheduled for future creativity and connections. Bill will soon be teaching Home Recording Workshops and We ARE both VERY excited to have TERRIFIC guest instructors on our calendar!!
Stay tuned for more winter activities to land in your mailbox soon~

Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for creativity, connecting,discovering, and empowering with you. Together we can make the world a better place for ourselves, our neighbors, and especially for our children. 

Sending love, laughter, and happiness your way!

Sue