Happy December!

I’m writing to you from my studio, where I’m finally painting again after being off track for a while. It feels amazing to be back in my center and my creativity. (See my new Rose Gold Aspen painting below).

Lately I’ve been feeling incredibly wiped out because I lost touch with my art. Every now and then we get off track, and it happens when we aren’t taking care of ourselves. In my case, my mom was in the hospital for three weeks, my dad went to the ER, and the whole family was here. (I loved that part). Everything shifted and I lost touch with my center.

After 3 weeks I started bottoming out and feeling like I wasn’t my normal grounded, upbeat self. I talked with my counselor and he very surprisingly suggested that I, instead of taking care of my parents more, leave town and take care of myself. It felt like a completely selfish decision but I did it. I packed the car and headed to Arizona to visit friends, walk in the pines, and drink fresh squeezed orange juice with pomegranate seeds, and laugh my ass off with my bestie. That one suggestion put me back on track.

As soon as I got home I watched a movie about the Dalai Lama and what stuck with me was the word “altruism”. He believes that altruism is the root of happiness and life satisfaction, and that it gives us deep inner peace and strength.

As soon as I felt good again, I began to focus on altruism. I made this a part of each day, giving something to others. I made a painting for my neighbors who are having a baby. I called friends to support them. I got the gift giving going – which feels so good when it’s meaningful.

I also listened to a podcast by Lewis Howe, and one of the people he interviewed said a phrase that stuck with me: “You have to act AS IF.” As if you were already there. I’ve been writing my first book and to be honest I’ve been completely terrified (on many levels). But the “as if” phrase snapped me out of my focus on not being and having enough – and back into my creative space.

Instead of being in fear and lack, I jumped tracks back to being the source of great creativity.

Suddenly everything felt right again. I went back to writing my book, which was a healing salve, and back to painting.

I started operating “as if” I already had a NYT Bestseller. I walked and thought as someone who had written a book that truly made an impact and lifted millions of people out of ordinary lives, and into their creativity. (Because we’re all creative, you know). And who knows, maybe it could even happen? I won’t know unless I try. The worst that can happen is I get my book out and it helps a few.

This holiday season, I give you my best recipe:

1. Take care of your sweet self
2. When you are feeling in your center and in a good place, give to others (but not before)
3. Jump to the “as if” track – whatever that is for you

With love, Kellie

PS. If this post inspired you in some way, hit reply and let me know. I love to hear from you.

Above, Rose Gold Aspens (with socks) – My new painting, 12″ x 36″. Made with textured papers, gold foil, and a Buddha face in the trees.