Life is About Choices and the Decisions We Make
Life is like a road. There are long and short roads; smooth and rocky roads; crooked and straight paths. In our life many roads would come our way as we journey through life. There are roads that lead to a life of single blessedness, marriage, and religious vocation. There are also roads that lead to fame and fortune on one hand, or isolation and poverty on the other. There are roads to happiness as there are roads to sadness, roads towards victory and jubilation, and roads leading to defeat and disappointment.
Just like any road, there are corners, detours, and crossroads in life. Perhaps the most perplexing road that you would encounter is a crossroad. With four roads to choose from and with limited knowledge on where they would go, which road will you take? What is the guarantee that we would choose the right one along the way? Would you take any road, or just stay where you are: in front of a crossroad?
There are no guarantees.
You do not really know where a road will lead you until you take it. There are no guarantees. This is one of the most important things you need to realize about life. Nobody said that choosing to do the right thing all the time would always lead you to happiness. Loving someone with all your heart does not guarantee that it would be returned. Gaining fame and fortune does not guarantee happiness. Accepting a good word from an influential superior to cut your trip short up the career ladder is not always bad, especially if you are highly qualified and competent. There are too many possible outcomes, which your really cannot control. The only thing you have power over is the decisions that you will make, and how you would act and react to different situations.
Wrong decisions are always at hindsight.
Had you known that you were making a wrong decision, would you have gone along with it? Perhaps not, why would you choose a certain path when you know it would get you lost? Why make a certain decision if you knew from the very beginning that it is not the right one. It is only after you have made a decision and reflected on it that you realize its soundness. If the consequences or outcomes are good for you, then you have decided correctly. Otherwise, your decision was wrong.
Take the risk: decide.
Since life offers no guarantee and you would never know that your decision would be wrong until you have made it, then you might as well take the risk and decide. It is definitely better than keeping yourself in limbo. Although it is true that one wrong turn could get you lost, it could also be that such a turn could be an opportunity for an adventure, moreover open more roads. It is all a matter of perspective. You have the choice between being a lost traveller or an accidental tourist of life. But take caution that you do not make decisions haphazardly. Taking risks is not about being careless and stupid. Here are some pointers that could help you choose the best option in the face of life’s crossroads:
· Get as many information as you can about your situation.
You cannot find the confidence to decide when you know so little about what you are faced with. Just like any news reporter, ask the 5 W’s: what, who, when, where, and why. What is the situation? Who are the people involved? When did this happen? Where is this leading? Why are you in this situation? These are just some of the possible questions to ask to know more about your situation. This is important. Oftentimes, the reason for indecision is the lack of information about a situation.
· Identify and create options.
What options do the situation give you? Sometimes the options are few, but sometimes they are numerous. But what do you do when you think that the situation offers no options? This is the time that you create your own. Make your creative mind work. From the most simplistic to the most complicated, entertain all ideas. Do not shoot anything down when an idea comes to your head. Sometimes the most outrageous idea could prove to be the right one in the end. You can ask a friend to help you identify options and even make more options if you encounter some difficulty, but make sure that you make the decision yourself in the end.
· Weigh the pros and cons of every option.
Assess each option by looking at the advantages and disadvantages it offers you. In this way, you get more insights about the consequences of such an option.
· Trust yourself and make that decision.
Now that you have assessed your options, it is now time to trust yourself. Remember that there are no guarantees and wrong decisions are always at hindsight. So choose… decide… believe that you are choosing the best option at this point in time.
Now that you have made a decision, be ready to face its consequences: good and bad. It may take you to a place of promise or to a land of problems. But the important thing is that you have chosen to live your life instead of remaining a bystander or a passive audience to your own life. Whether it is the right decision or not, only time can tell. But do not regret it whatever the outcome. Instead, learn from it and remember that you always have the chance to make better decisions in the future.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Innovation in your Life
What Innovation can Do to Your Life
It's a talent that everyone has, yet they think they don't. The power of innovation. If you've ever marvelled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten were not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.
You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to never commit the same mistake again? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. This article will teach you a few tips on how to bring innovation into your life.
Don't listen to what other people say. Follow the beat of your own drum. Allowing for the input of other people will only bring cacophony to the music you are trying to make. If you have an original idea, don't waste your time and effort trying to make people understand. They most likely won't. And the help you will probably get comes in the form of negative feedback. If all those geniuses listened to their peers, we would probably still be living in the middle ages.
Spend time on it. I cannot stress that enough, although, please do not mistake this tip to be telling you to quit your day job. Do not. This involves some tricky time management but with a little discipline you'll be able to squeeze both in.
Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.
Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those notes. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.
Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours and that no one else would have thought of what you were thinking. That will let people see how valuable an asset you are.
Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same way with writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera if you're a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.
Nothing will work without passion. What wakes you up in the mornings? What keeps the flame burning? What is the one thing that you'll die if you don't do? Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really want to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so bad you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.
Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times.
I hope this article has helped you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough they will notice, and everything should snowball from there.
Go walkabout Art
Kerrie Thomsen
It's a talent that everyone has, yet they think they don't. The power of innovation. If you've ever marvelled at somebody's creative prowess, guess what, you can create and innovate too. It just takes time. Everyone is born creative. The box of crayons in kindergarten were not limited to those who possessed potential; because the truth is, everybody has potential.
You know how long it took to learn to ride a bike or drive or to never commit the same mistake again? It's the same with innovation. It takes a bit of practice and a lot of time before this mind function comes easily when called. This article will teach you a few tips on how to bring innovation into your life.
Don't listen to what other people say. Follow the beat of your own drum. Allowing for the input of other people will only bring cacophony to the music you are trying to make. If you have an original idea, don't waste your time and effort trying to make people understand. They most likely won't. And the help you will probably get comes in the form of negative feedback. If all those geniuses listened to their peers, we would probably still be living in the middle ages.
Spend time on it. I cannot stress that enough, although, please do not mistake this tip to be telling you to quit your day job. Do not. This involves some tricky time management but with a little discipline you'll be able to squeeze both in.
Exercise. Take a walk. Run a mile or two. Send all those endorphins coursing through your veins. Exercising certainly clears and relaxes your mind and allows for anything to pop up.
Record your dreams. Aren't some of them just the craziest things that your conscious mind would never have thought of? If you've had these dreams before, and I'm sure have, this only shows you the untapped innovative power you have lying within. So jot down those notes. Those dreams may just create an innovative spark in you.
Find your own style. You can always tell a Van Gogh from a Matisse. You'll know Hemingway wrote something by the choice of words on the paper. So it is the same with you. People will appreciate your innovation more because it is uniquely yours and that no one else would have thought of what you were thinking. That will let people see how valuable an asset you are.
Don't hide behind nifty gadgets or tools. You don't need the most expensive set of paints to produce a masterpiece. The same way with writing. You don't need some expensive fountain pen and really smooth paper for a bestseller. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote the first book of the Harry Potter Series on bits of tissue. So what if you've got an expensive SLR camera if you're a crappy photographer? Who cares if you've got a blinging laptop if you can't write at all? The artist actually reduces the number of tools he has as he gets better at his craft: he knows what works and what doesn't.
Nothing will work without passion. What wakes you up in the mornings? What keeps the flame burning? What is the one thing that you'll die if you don't do? Sometimes people with talent are overtaken by the people who want it more. Think the hare and the tortoise. Ellen Degeneres once said that if you're not doing something that you want to do, then you don't really want to do it. And that's true. Sometimes you just want something so bad you become a virtual unstoppable. And that is passion. Passion will keep you going.
Don't worry about inspiration. You can't force it; inspiration hits when you least expect it to, for those unpredictable yet inevitable moments you should prepare. An idea could strike you on the subway, yet alas, you poor unfortunate soul; you have no sheet of paper to scribble down a thought that could change the world. Avoid these disasters. Have a pen and paper within your arm's reach at all times.
I hope this article has helped you bring more innovation into your life. Keep in mind that you're doing these things for your own satisfaction and not anybody else's. But soon enough they will notice, and everything should snowball from there.
Go walkabout Art
Kerrie Thomsen
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Cute Black Striped Wallaby
Black Striped Wallaby
Acrylic on Canvas
by
kerrie thomsen
The black striped wallaby is found mostly in the coastal region of queensland and the top part of new south wales. This little fella has distinct black front paws and nose.
For Sale - limited edition prints. Price $77 AUD for USA, Canada, UK and Europe. Orders in Australia $57 AUD. Please use email address kerriethomsen23@gmail .com for payment.
Need for motivation
Need for motivation
Every
one of us needs motivation to continue with personal and work
life commitments. Motivation is something that creates the desire, provides
energy, activates behavior and provides directions to perform things.
Persistence of any behavior or work needs the right motivation. Many
researchers believe that one does not indulge in a behavior until and
unless he/she is energized to do it through motivation.1
Many
a times it has been noted that individuals generally respond to a
complex event in the environment persistently up to a particular
point and then tend to decrease the intensity of persistence. This
generally occurs due to the lack of motivation in them. Motivation is
like the accelerator in the car. When you feel the car has slowed
down, you need to push the pedal to gain speed. Motivation acts as an
accelerator in life.
Painting and in particular creating my mandala art series motivates me.
Reference:
Painting and in particular creating my mandala art series motivates me.
Reference:
- Halbesleben JR, Bowler WM. Emotional exhaustion and job performance: the mediating role of motivation. J Appl Psychol. 2007 Jan; 92(1):93-106.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
my new banner
I love my new banner
I Got this from http://fiverr.com
Look up the seller called nobis
Cheers
Kerrie
https://www.facebook.com/kerrie.thomsen
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Springtime - Mandala Painting
This Mandala is an original painting celebrating springtime. The colors and design symbolize the new beginnings and newness of Spring. Also how Spring cycles around each year is brought out in this depiction of nature and our cosmos. It is spring in the southern hemisphere right now.
This painting Brightens the room where it is displayed.
Framing is optional depending on the buyers taste. There is enough margin to allow a frame to fit your decor or the half inch box frame this canvas is already stretched on is fine for hanging or displaying on a shelf. Hooks and string included when shipped.
Materials:
Acrylic Painting on Canvas
JoSonyas paint.
This signed original painting is 45cm x 45cm (14"x14")
Buy Now - $147 AUD inclusive of shipping to US, Canada, UK or Europe
Please use the Payment email: kerriethomsen23@gmail.com
Buy Now - $147 AUD inclusive of shipping to US, Canada, UK or Europe
Please use the Payment email: kerriethomsen23@gmail.com
New Life - Mandala
New Life Mandala. This mandala is inspired by the birth of a child to a young couple. This baby is much loved and a source of great celebration. This original painting provides a link to my aboriginal Australian background. Women are shown here in celebration and connecting across four generations. This group of women are filled with joy for the new life and new beginnings.
This Mandala is an original painting celebrating extended family. The colors and design symbolize the new beginnings and newness of Life.
This painting Catches the eye in the room where it is displayed.
Framing is optional depending on the buyers taste. There is enough margin to allow a frame to be chosen to fit your decor or the half inch box frame this canvas is already stretched on is fine for hanging or displaying on a shelf. Hooks and string included when shipped.
Materials:
Acrylic Painting on Canvas
JoSonyas paint.
This signed original painting is 45cm x 45cm (14"x14")
Buy Now - $147 AUD inclusive of shipping to US, Canada, UK or Europe
Please use the Payment email: kerriethomsen23@gmail.com
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Corroboree Mandala Painting.
From Wikipedia:
Corroboree is a generic word to explain different genres of performance which in the northwest of Australia include balga, wangga, lirrga, junba, ilma and many more. Throughout Australia the word corroboree embraces songs, dances, rallies and meetings of various kinds. In the past a corroboree has been inclusive of sporting events and other forms of skill display. It is an appropriated English word that has been re-appropriated to explain a practice that is different to ceremony and more widely inclusive than theatre or opera.
Here in my original painting I have chosen colours that have an earthly connection but also I was aiming for a feel of celebration with the colours and design to symbolize the excitement and fun that a corroboree can engender. The men here are dancing and celebrating and are putting on a display for an appreciative audience.
Buy Now for $147 including shipping to US, Canada, UK, Europe.
Use payment email: kerriethomsen23@gmail.com
OR go to my Etsy shop http://etsy.com/shop/kerriethomsen
Corroboree is a generic word to explain different genres of performance which in the northwest of Australia include balga, wangga, lirrga, junba, ilma and many more. Throughout Australia the word corroboree embraces songs, dances, rallies and meetings of various kinds. In the past a corroboree has been inclusive of sporting events and other forms of skill display. It is an appropriated English word that has been re-appropriated to explain a practice that is different to ceremony and more widely inclusive than theatre or opera.
Here in my original painting I have chosen colours that have an earthly connection but also I was aiming for a feel of celebration with the colours and design to symbolize the excitement and fun that a corroboree can engender. The men here are dancing and celebrating and are putting on a display for an appreciative audience.
Buy Now for $147 including shipping to US, Canada, UK, Europe.
Use payment email: kerriethomsen23@gmail.com
OR go to my Etsy shop http://etsy.com/shop/kerriethomsen
Sunday, October 7, 2012
My prized possessions
Visit my mindfulness website here at
http://www.artformindfulness.com
My Shop
Visit our "Save Animals of Australia Shop" any time
http://animalsofaustralia.com/shop/
Thanks
kerrie and amanda
http://animalsofaustralia.com/shop/
Thanks
kerrie and amanda
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Fwd: Emailing: Turtles
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: kerrie thomsen <kerriethomsen23@gmail.com>
Date: 6 October 2012 2:32:17 PM AEST
To: kerrie.thomsen@monash.edu
Subject: Emailing: Turtles
Your message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
Turtles
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