Leslie's projects - emerging creativity
This project page is designed to demonstrate how, one step at a time thru the creative process, from the twinkling of an idea emerging from the morning pages to a plan, can conclude with a tangible result. The point of this page is to offer encouragement that even if you are not a “traditional artist” in the “old-fashioned” definition of the word, you, too, do have original sparks of creativity to offer that are yours alone. Below are mine...variations on the theme of wanting to provide support.
More info about the series of enrichment products represented by these icons is now available at ChildVoice.com where you’ll find details as well as reminders why these make such thoughtful gifts––and all because I was following the thread of creativity while emerging from the status of ‘closet creative’ out into the open, wanting to make a difference for a child.
What is a well lived life? Answer: living your life by design.
WellLivedLife.com is a spot to visit for a F’R’E’E 5 part-eCourse created as a gift to support you past your perceived limitations to a well lived life. It is easy to have it delivered straight to your email by visiting WellLivedLife.com
Why would you want it? Only if you’re feeling
- Restless
- Discouraged
- A yearning
- Frustrated
- Resigned
- Like you never put yourself first
These are the signals that you’re ready to tap into your creativity and get moving in the direction of your goals and dreams. It feels good to give gifts of support. I hope you’ll enjoy the process and find it fruitful!
During the Artist’s Way Workshops, I have on–going opportunities to support sensitive, talented folks to be their best unique, creative self without apology. This is more easily done for some than for others. When I first learned that part of my “problem” was that I was in a minority and I’d been comparing myself with the majority, I felt such relief that I now want to provide that relief for others.
Formerly, as one of the creative partners called Lifestyle Catalysts, I worked with Kris Carey and together we created programs and articles to support our fellow sensitive colleagues (sometimes called highly sensitive people).
Turns out that I belong to a 20% minority group & there’s comfort and support in that! I’ve found that acknowledging and learning about this extra sensitivity amplifies my
- courage (choose entertainment options very carefully)
- resolve (just say, “No” to nightly news)
- motivation to both ask for what I need and to support others.
I continue to offer these programs because of the huge relief I felt when I first learned that there was nothing wrong with me as I’d believed for years. That’s relief I’m pleased to share!
Yes After Cancer is my first eBook written after I had the good fortune to pass my 10 year post-diagnosis mark. YAY; new freedom and the sweet realization that I had succeeded in shifting my focus from cancer to other possibilities.
Reading the hope–filled and positive suggestions offered in this uplifting eBook can transform your way of thinking. Yes, cancer can be devastating, and yes, there is re–building and re–organizing in ways that can enrich your life tremendously. I am thrilled to wake up and put a smile on my face every single morning feeling so, so grateful to be able to support others and do the work I love even after diagnosis and treatment. In the Artist‘s Way Workshops, we emphasize changing the focus of our attention. Preparing this eBook is an example of that.
After completing most medical treatment procedures, you then get to make the choice: take a step to learn how to stay active or risk falling into a place of discouragement and depression. About this eBook, Chicken Soup for the Soul co-author, Jack Canfield, says: “This is a collection of wonderful nuggets of wisdom that will help you in making the most of your journey after cancer.“
Regardless of your age, stage or prognosis you, too, can:- Find new clarity about exactly what you want
- Understand the specific words and phrases that have been keeping you from being successful
- See that where you put your focus creates your reality
- Increase your happiness and feelings of well-being...
You can read more about it here: Yes After Cancer
I just love this swirl and the anticipatory, wiggly line of heart–felt possibilities it represents! As with the morning pages, the Artist’s Way Workshops provide space for this type of creativity to emerge.
My greatest pleasure is being of service, support, inspiration and motivation to you when you are ready to step out of the old, dis–heartening space into the space of new possibilities. Hale Dwoskin (Sedona Method teacher) & Jack Canfield say this could be ‘the new ordinary’ if enough of us are doing it. That, and having fun.
What’s my idea of fun? Playing with the creative process and exploring creativity, ringing hand bells in a 12 member hand bell choir since 1978, messing with broken bits of glass or tile creating mosaics (love making something out of trash), hiking in the mountains, riding the boogie board in the Pacific Ocean, biking in Newport Beach, tai chi, rafting, hanging with pals and family & getting to eat outside with someone else cooking.
During our study of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, we share discussion of artistic blocks and creative U–turns that Cameron connects with past hurts. I designed a coaching group on the subject of forgiveness based upon a combination of Cameron’s suggestions and the process Maria Nemeth offers in her book, The Energy of Money in which she describes the system taught by Father Gerry O’Rourke. Encouraged by my students to prepare something they could use independently after our coaching group concluded, I spoke with Father O’Rourke who further encouraged me to spread the word and work of forgiveness saying that there is no shortage–only man creates the appearance of shortages and they are not real. “All the world can use more forgiveness.” he reminded me with his mellifluous, compassionate voice. When free of grudges and resentments, one is more receptive and more available for heart–felt connections as well as for new adventures. I’ve also noticed that my ability to see the myriad of possibilities is expanded after completing this process. I hope you’ll join me in saying, “Yes” to forgiveness. The forgiveness version on this CD is adapted from Maria Nemeth’s adaptation of Father O’Rourke‘s process. At the conclusion of the chapter Week 9 in The Artist’s Way, is a phrase by educator John Holt “We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.” (you get the idea). lg
You can purchase the CD by going to Life Coaching Services
Playing is one of the best ways people learn. During our Artist’s Way Workshops we play and while I was playing at a conference, I met a new friend from England who offered me shared use of his inspirational decks of cards. It is fun when playing turns into business collaboration and this is an inspirational way to play.
Yes, play!
Invite your creativity while sharing up–lifting ways to focus using 52 cards, 52 photos, and 52 inspiring quotes. This deck of cards makes a thoughtful gift which encourages play and the use of creativity while having fun with a card game.
You can purchase the Inspiration Cards by going to Life Coaching Services