The real deal...a year in review

Well my friends, it’s been a year since I quit my job. Not only am I working to perfect my empty nest (whatever that is), I am also learning more about myself and what makes me tick.

I’ve come to the conclusion that being creative is part of who I am and spreading positivity, inspiration and encouragement is my mission…to help others in this cynical, crazy, world and to help myself with my own personal anxiety.

Do I wake up every morning feeling positive? HELL NO! I work at it. Truth be told, I work really hard at it.

So, Lisa, how exactly do you spread this so called positivity?

Well, funny you should ask.

I try to stay on top of the current self care influencers that appeal to millenials(my kids), gen-xers and the baby boomers (my gen). I read self help books, listen to audio books and podcasts and try to attend in person events (Wayne Dyer & Elizabeth Gilbert!). My other favorite influencers include Brené Brown, Marianne Williamson, Rumi and Buddha. I also count on Dr. Seuss, Winston Churchill and Ralph Waldo Emerson. I’ve only named a handful - there truly are so many amazing people out there that can motivate us! Have you read Jen Sincero’s books? So good.

Do I wake up every morning feeling fabulous about myself? HELL NO! I work at it. I have a mindful morning practice that I do every morning to start the day which really helps. (Check out my Freebie worksheet -> 5 Steps To Start Your Mindful Morning Practice.)

So, Lisa, you’ve gathered some quotes, now what?

Well, this is the fun part. I create and design graphic images for social media. I have learned so much about designing and I really enjoy it. Apps I use? Canva and Procreate (on my iPad Pro). So fricken’ fun. I will admit that the learning curve for AARP members is challenging but you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks. I watch lots of tutorials and have joined many online groups and classes. Too many to name and too embarrassing to admit how many I’ve joined

Do I wake up every morning feeling happy? OMG NO! I work at it. I try to start each day with a grateful heart. I’ve made it a habit to focus on gratitude not a bad attitude. Some days are better than others. Some days just suck (for lack of a better term.)

So you’ve created all these graphics, now what?

Soooo, I create graphics for Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and the Monday Smile (my weekly email to put a smile on your face every Monday morning.) I schedule my Pinterest posts using Tailwind (a scheduling app) because I post a bunch of pins each day. I absolutely love creating digitally! I’m on my new iPad Pro A LOT at home and in coffee shops. I love to travel so being virtual and mobile is so key for me at this stage of my life. Currently, I’m entering the world of downloadable, printable art and have brought my daughter, Kate, into the biz as my second tulip! She is going to help design graphics for our Etsy Printables shop (coming soon).

Kate designed this graphic and did the hand lettering!

Is there a point to this blog post?

Truthfully, I don’t like to blog and I have a lot of trouble writing which is a little weird because I have no trouble talking and posting on social media…as most of you know. My mind races and random thoughts sneak in at all times which makes it difficult to write anything longer that a quick snippet of who knows what. Anyhoo, I wanted to put down on paper what I’ve learned in the last year about myself and being an entrepreneur:

I am not too old and it is not too late.

Nourishing myself and learning new things allows me to continue to grow mentally and intellectually.

If I focus on the good stuff, and share it with the world, there’s a good chance I can make someone smile. What is better than that?

We can only have one thought at a time, I want to make it a positive one.

If you have any comments, tips or advice, please leave it in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

I leave you with my favorite Dr. Suess quote:

Feel free to spread the positivity and share my graphics and posts (without cropping my logo off and altering my artwork ~please and thank you!). And I’ll keep you updated on my new website & shopJ