taking flight into art, love, and life (the blog)

Monday, June 04, 2012

turning my comments back on and the importance of asking ourselves what makes us come alive

what makes you come alive  
 (print available here)

I've been doing some big thinking over here about where I want to focus my energy, my heart, my time when it comes to my business, my blog, my creative time.   I've been paying attention to the parts of my biz life that light me up, the parts that I want to give up, the parts I want to improve, the parts I dread. I've had a gut feeling that something was off.

Not too long ago, while thinking about all of this, I wrote a quick list of the things that make me come alive - it was so quick, I grabbed the closest piece of paper (a piece of mail) and went to it.


Can you read that? It says:
What makes me come alive (or "What I heart")
-Brave + honest stories (women + biz, mamahood + biz, what is possible)
-Art making
-Writing about what really matters
-Creative Decor + spaces
-DIY projects
-Art in process (the story behind the art)
-Friends, convos, COMMUNITY

It's not super detailed, but I knew writing the basics down would help me re-focus on what's calling my attention and help me figure out what's not working. Because here's the truth: if our lists of what makes us come alive are not aligned with what we're actually doing (in biz or in life), then something has to be adjusted and realigned. This little scribbled list is totally helping me get realigned, especially when it comes to my blog. I am working on completely overhauling my blog's content, structure, and offerings. My goal? To incorporate as much as I can from the list above into meaningful blog posts. I want to get back to basics and simply do what I love to do: make art, have fun with creative projects/spaces, and write honest stories about life, the lessons, the journey. I want all of that to show up here, in this space. I want to create content that is inspiring, tells the truth, shares the bravery of others, while building and supporting a sense of community.

Tiniest little heart found on sidewalk. I'll take it;) 
(Tiny heart leaf found on the sidewalk) 

And I want YOU to be a part of it. Which brings me to comments! At the end of writing this list, I paused for a moment and then wrote "* time to open comments" - total shock to me. It's as if my truest inner compass spoke up against all my excuses to keep them closed.  I've had my comments closed for many years, mainly because I was having a hard time keeping my writing personal and puposeful to my creative journey when I knew there was an audience - a little jedi mind trick I play on myself while still growing in my creative expression and into my new creative life. Now, years later, I feel way more grounded in who I am, my creative path, my business path, and I'm ready. Ready for this space to be a place of community, of fellow possibilitarians connecting with one another, finding one another in the comments, and on and on.


surrender your fear 72dpi up close 

So that's what I'm learning, friends. To go back. All the way back to what makes me come alive.

What makes you come alive? I'd love to know (comments are open :)
XO
Kelly Rae

PS: I had to share this photo of True because it's HILARIOUS:

 

43 comments :

Samantha Jenkins said...

What makes me come alive ...Self-discovery and soul-full living; honouring my truth and witnessing that of others; expressing my creativity; the wonder of infinite possibility; meaningful conversation; nature ....oh and good food and alcohol!
PS that photo is hilarious ...when do we all get so self-conscious??? Love it!!

christinelaennec said...

Laughing, creating, looking at things with a sense of excitement and wonder, connecting with people I feel comfortable with, singing, beauty of all kinds... and as Samantha J says, being as authentic as I can be. That's a wonderful photograph, thanks for sharing it with us! And thank you for "inviting us in".

Lise Meijer said...

Dear Kelly. Thrilled to read this post!
I have always been uplifted by the sense of honesty and passion for true storytelling that I found here, on your blog. So wonderful to read about your journey with the comments, I send a big salute to you for following your hear´s in´s and out´s in this.

What makes me come alive? When I witness people (we, you, me) in life manage to find the passage for truth and honesty, however blocked the way may seem at first.

And it brings a big smile on my face when that is partnered with the care to express it through art, dance, stories....life! A gift for other searchers to find on their way.

Rose D., NJ said...

Oh, Kelly...What makes me come alive? The beauty that surrounds us everyday inspires me but than my husband and I suffered the unbearable loss of a child and in the process of attempting to heal I lost myself. Reading your inspiring posts and seeing your art and the words that you put into them helps me get up and back into my studio again. The grief stings me like a swarm of bees on a daily basis but I know that my work has a purpose and may inspire others in the process...Thanks for turning the comments back on.

Patti Fortune said...

... being connected brings me alive ... to people my passion and the world arounsd me ... remembering that I am worthy and that I have a voice that can longer be put in its place by the opinion of another ... I am alive when I know I am connected and making a difference ... I am connected through kindness ... I like it here !

angie fraley said...

The moment inspiration hits and I am compelled to act, follow, or lead not because I want to but because I simply must. The other side of that is watching someone else when inspiration hits them...yah...that lights me up! Thank you for re-opening your comments.

Priscilla G. said...

Yeah Kelly Rae! I am over the moon that you opened up your comments section!
What makes me come alive? Delving in my art and creating with my hands, no matter how small or insignificant I sometimes feel with my art when I compare them to others such as yourself :( But...then I stop and think that this art is for me and is an expression of all the things I feel inside. What makes me come alive is connecting with so many others in the artist's community that have welcomed me and opened their heart up to me (such as you dear girl). It is also watching my two sons who are young men going out into the world to find their own gifts...and finally, spending time with my soul mate of almost four years.
Blessings to you as you begin again with opening up your own space and heart to these comments and the stories and joy that will come from them.
XO Priscilla

WingingIt said...

i love the concept of what makes come alive....wow...thought provoking! i have a mixed media class here in benicia, ca and we do a writing assignment each week....this is going to be their question this week....brilliant!

Barb Markway said...

Hi! I think I read once that you are an INFJ, which I am as well. Sometimes I get overwhelmed reading comments on my blogs, and I wonder if it's part of being an I? Anyway, I'm so glad to have this opportunity to say I love your work. My whole office room is now decorated with your artwork, calendar, globe, etc.! I love your openness and honesty. And if the comments get overwhelming again, we'll all still totally love you anyway!!!

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

First of all this is PERFECT timing for me! I just found you and your blog a couple of weeks ago and was sooooo inspired by your art and how you live with intention AND I absolutely loved the craft party you thru! I was so sad because I couldn't leave a comment to let you know how you made my day. I do realize that having comments open can take away from your life so I understand but was a wee bit sad. But on today! I come alive when I create, when I bring people together, when I spend some quite time just watching the sunset, with I'm with my hubby just chillin, so many many things! Thank you for this, it's gonna be fun!

Joy Hall said...

Lately what makes me come alive is discovering my authentic self and allowing it to expose itself in my art and my blog.

Rowena said...

So cool that you're opening your comments. I've been having some moments where I have to reevaluate what gives my life purpose and I think it's a lot of what you say. Art, creativity, the creative process, empowering people through the creative process, stories, the spiritual path of peace and enlightenment, writing, hope. joy.

Anonymous said...

What makes me come alive=Creating! Its that simple :) Jan

Angie Richmond said...

I'm just tickled pink that you opened the comments! I'll keep this nice and short.

I think you are a wonderful inspiration! My alignment between what I love and what I do as a career are so off kilter that it's sometimes hard to handle. But since discovering your art and blog, I've been encouraged to start making some changes and follow my passions to write, create art and to become a coach! You are a true inspiration and I always LOVE receiving your posts in my inbox. They always brighten the cloudiest of my days.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Veronica Funk said...

I'm so glad you've decided to continue with receiving comments - I find that feedback, whether it's comments or emails, are always so important to my growth as an artist. I've also made many changes in my life over the past five years and have been giving a lot of thought to what makes me come alive, and I'd have to say it is in this order...my family, art/literature, authenticity and inspiration. If I'm invited to take part in something I first decide whether it fits into any of these categories and am FINALLY (at 45 years of age) learning to say 'no' to those things that don't, no matter how wonderful they seem - I've learned that this allows for others to be blessed and be a blessing with those opportunities.

Siggadisart said...

Hello Kelly.
What makes me come alive these days is to finish a painting, look at it and be happy with what I see, get a little extra heartbeat, I dont need much.
Of cours there are other things that make me come alive like a kiss from my husband and a smile from my kids but to day Im so into my painting that I can forget about everything else.
Thank you for being you Kelly, you are my favorite artist.
With love from Iceland..

Unknown said...

thats a treasure of a True picture

Geralyn Gray said...

Finding your metal tray for sale at April Cornell and buying it!!!! I also was going to do a blog post about setting goals and writing them down........gives you such assurance when you go back and see how much you have accomplished......so agreed making lists make me come alive too!!!

nina said...

so good to see that you are opening the blog up to comments once again. i know i always appreciate being able to hear from my readers, and also deeply appreciate the chance to respond back to them. community = strong spirits lifting one another up.
xo

curlygirlpress said...

So glad you opened comments! Many times I've wanted to say "amen, sistah! You're so right! I've had that thought/experience/worry/fear/joy..." so thank you. What makes me come alive is being creative, currently being pregnant and looking forward to our first baby, and having a clean and organized home (which doesn't always mesh with being creative, but everything works as it's meant to in the end). Thanks for continuing to share your journey in motherhood, creativity and life.

Laly Blue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laly Blue said...

Hi from France Kelly Rae!

I just read a few of the comments above, wow! Looks like that whole community was right there the whole time waiting for you to open your arms...

What makes me come alive? Well, many things, change, hopes, new beginnings, sweet memories, home, family and love, beauty in the little things... And trying to translate all that into art.

Your blog and those of the many US mixed media artists I've discovered give me a sense of connection and community that I hope I will soon find on my own side of the ocean... Art in France is often taken a lot more "seriously" (=not fun!), but there are many amazing artful souls who are starting to change that. Which reminds me: will your book ever be adapted into French? The people I've shared it with loooove it, but can't read English...
Best of luck with your blog taking flight into higher skies!

SMM said...

I remember back when you removed comments. It actually hurt my feelings. Why? It certainly was because I commented on your posts regularly or irregularly for that matter. It was because I felt you were putting yourself out there on your blog and with your art but you were closing off an avenue for contact for folks who not in the position to know you personally, and people who would never travel to an art retreat you facilitated. It was the loss of the way for artists in the making to interact with you and find connections on the web with other artists in the making.

Welcome back to the conversation and for opening up the lines of communication for those folks who visit your blog to connect with each other.

Anonymous said...

terrific!

could i add a comment for someone who already commented above? i'd like to send a wish for rose d and her husband - may you both have strength, comfort and peace as you deal with such a horrible loss. i will put you in prayers and hope each day brings you many reasons to smile.

and, to answer your question, kelly rae: being with my family, being outdoors (especially whenever i can get to an ocean), spending time with animals, reading, writing, knitting (recognizing my own creativity and giving it time and space) and visiting with friends all help me feel more and more alive and happy.

thanks, kelly rae.

kathy
(anonymous because i don't yet have a blog)

Teresa said...

What makes me come alive is playing my drums, watching my son paint his models, witnessing his talent coming alive. Getting a new CD and hearing my favorite bands new music for the first time. Waking up at 2AM because I have "creative monkey brain" while I sleep and a brilliant idea that can't wait until the morning...because I know I will lose it!! Knowing I have a loving, supportive husband/partner who wants me to live my dream and is willing to make personal sacrifices. Calla Lillies, the smell of Indian Food, interacting with small children, creating art, writing and knowing I am touching others hearts. All those things make me come alive.
Thank you for offering this moment to share~

McNall Mason said...

On coming alive: I finally pulled up my "big girl panties" and started my own journey into my artistic abundance. Of course, I read your Flying Lessons which was delightful, insightful, well written and a good reminder of things I knew mixed with things I need to know more about ;) Amazing things are already happening to me since I started putting one foot in front of the other in such an intentional, courageous way... I'm coming alive right before my very eyes!!!

Thanks Kelly Rae!

McNall

Lynda M. Metcalf said...

I think it's wonderful that you've opened up your comments. You are such an inspiration and your book and online course last year have sent me on a wonderful journey. I've made friends with fantastic people and I'm making art I am so proud of. Creating is what makes me come alive along with my family. Thanks for helping reignite my passion for art!

awesome mama said...

<3

a sense of community and belonging has been the topic of my thoughts lately since i feel we're so limiting, despite an online sense which I LOVE and NEED!, i don't feel that within my own actual community and not even with my family, though the closest members are actually close by. it seems like too much sometimes and the anti-socialite in me has a hard time forcing the meetings and gatherings that are crucial to my sense of belonging. it's always about balance, isn't it? what makes me come alive is feeling that feeling of belonging to something bigger and getting out into my local community more (which means spending less time online which obviously only has it's benefits but has become a terrible habit). balance. breathe. and yay for opening up this space for us to commune with you once again.

www.myblessedlife-lulabelle.blogspot.com said...

Hey Kelly!
What makes me "come alive" has been recently discovering my "wings" and learning to fly solo. ( seeing I am just coming out of a divorce)
It is so freeing to finally be able to listen to the whispers of my heart, without judgement or criticism. To paint, to blog, to cook, to write, to craft, to create with enthusiasim; and most of all to connect with like minded women in a community that is constantly fueled by passions of the heart. :) Lolita

Louise said...

riding my bicycle! : )

Erin Richardson said...

Hello from Merry Old England

Yay! for the return of your comments and connecting with your audience again! You are a master of the blog post Kelly Rae, beautiful images, links and sharing your heart with us. Your posts are inspirational.

My art makes me come alive, of course. I've also discovered a big buzz from learning & achieving... even little baby steps in new areas (designing my website for example 100% all done by me! Yay!).

Diane Kappa said...

I was just focusing on the same thing last week. What I realized is that I love collaboration and mentoring. Brain storming with others makes a project come alive, and creating is much more rewarding for me when others are involved in the process.

Audrey said...

Kiddo is rockin' that diaper! lol

Gaëlle said...

Hello from France too ! I've been following you for 3 or 4 years now and you often remind me that there are so many reasons to feel happy and smile... What makes me come alive is gardening : watching flowers and trees bloom and grow day after day. And cooking meals for family and friends and then share and talk and laugh or cry sometimes. And creating with other women : assembling cardboard boxes and decorating them for example. And zumba !!! When I am feeling down it helps me jump on my feet again. And being conscious that I am rich of all the people I love surrounding me. I lost my grandfather last week : I am sad but so proud that I knew a man like him !!!
Thanks a lot for sharing your story and inspiring us, even across the ocean.
And a huge bunch of tenderness to you and your lovely family.
Gaëlle

Ingrid said...

To be succinct:

"You get what you give, so give good."

This single phrase/mantra/word-magic has been what makes me come alive lately. In order to receive, I must give. I want some pretty grand and sparkly things for myself… so I best get to givin’!

theyearofwhatif.com said...

What makes me come alive is writing, reading, and making my own dreams come true! So glad you're allowing a community to build around your blog!

Laly Blue said...

Hi there Gaëlle!
I live near Tours, what about you?
Sending you lots of courage for the loss of you grandpa.

Laly

Gaëlle said...

Hi Laly,
I live near Caen and work in Caen.
Thanks for your message. I like what you create. Quite amazing to write in English to someone living in France.
Gaëlle

blueskyartist said...

Hi, Kelly Rae,
I just wanted to say: I love your art! I love your blog! I love your book (Taking Flight)! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your inspiration! Wishing you all the best! :)
~ Kristi

Susan said...

I'm so glad you opened the comments Kelly Rae. I'm taking Flying Lessons this fall and I can't wait!

What makes me come alive? Connecting and creating.

Sirita said...

Thank you for this beautiful post. It was so honest and inspiring. True, lol LOVE his glasses!

sun light said...



Let me say this right up front - the drums, and any other
musical instrument, should be "fun" above all else. If you
are not having fun while playing an instrument, then being
a musician probably isn't for you. Sure there will be
challenging times where you really need to focus on developing
a few difficult techniques, but at the end of the day - it
needs to be fulfilling to you. If you aren't having fun,
it's only a matter of time before practices become a chore,
and gigs become a hassle.

somerset drum lessons
wells drum lessons
street drum lessons

cloud9design said...

Welcome back sweet Kelly Rae! :)





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