Ok Mindful Shoppers, we are going to get a little deep here, and if that is not your thing, no worries, just jump past the post introduction and go straight to the cool items featured below. I won’t be offended. If you don’t mind getting deep, then hang out with me for awhile as I introduce the purpose behind my post today on the Mindful Shopper.
Ahhh, the human “race”, we seem to always be striving to find ways to be better, a better version of ourselves. And though I am all for purposeful living, I think somehow in this process we can get lost in negative self talk and society’s ideals of what constitutes the best version of ourselves.
We sometimes find ourselves working to be better in “superficial” areas of life such as trying to be richer, smarter, better looking, more successful, etc. Though these things have a place in our world, they likely ultimately won’t matter in The End.
With our best intentions we focus on meaningful things that we strive to be, such as a better spouse, friend, parent, sibling, employee, child, employer, neighbor, etc. Though these roles have purpose and meaning, the list can be never-ending and fulfilling them can seem overwhelming.
I recently decided to cut through the clutter and discovered that ultimately the meaningful ways of becoming a better version of yourself can be broken down into six attributes or mottoes: Be Kind, Be Authentic, Be Courageous, Be Joyful, Be Hopeful, and Be Thankful.
I believe if we could focus daily on these mottoes, we would ultimately become a better version of ourselves– a better spouse, friend, sibling, etc. Further, we may even find that we become smarter, more successful, etc. as an indirect benefit of the positive changes that we have made in our lives.
So, try a little exercise with me for the next three weeks. I want you to pick one, two, or three of these six mottoes and make them your own. (I have picked these three mottoes for myself; Be Courageous, Be Authentic, and Be Thankful.) Every morning when you wake up, ask yourself, “What can I do today to fulfill these mottoes?” And when you go to bed, ask yourself “What did I do today to fulfill those mottoes?” Research shows that it takes approximately three weeks to make a habit, so lets start working on some habits that could change our lives!
Here are a few special items that I have chosen that speak to me and remind me of these six mottoes. Take a peak and see if any of them ring true for you.
(1) This picture is my inspiration for today’s post. There is something so comforting and inspiring about this beautiful picture. Hello Courage is by Artist Kelly Rae Roberts and is from her collection of Decorative Laptop Skins ($21). I plan on buying this lovely item to remind me that courage is a choice that we all have.
Please note The Mindful Shopper does not directly sell the items featured on this blog. Click on the product link to buy, check availability, or learn more about an item of interest.
(2) This lovingly-created original mixed media artwork Be Nice by Artist Lucy Ingels is a delightful reminder of the importance of showing kindness in your words and actions. This one-of-a-kind piece of art is created with hand-painted papers, buttons, embroidery floss, knitted pieces, and a metal adornment.
(3) Wear this chic sterling silver Authenticity Necklace as a reminder of the importance of living each day in truth and transparency. This necklace by Artist Lisa Hopkins features the word “authenticity” that is hand written in calligraphy and etched along the edge of an open circle pendant. Display the words or let them be your secret, held close to your heart.
(4) How can you not be hopeful, authentic, and courageous when you believe the positive affirmation on this beautiful Abundant Universe Print by Artist Liv Lane? Liv Lane is known for her thoughtful artwork full of carefully chosen objects and words symbolizing the beauty that can be found around all of us.
(5) This “She Lives and Loves with Her WholeHeart” Print is a 8 x 10 reproduction of Artist Allison Strine’s delightful original mixed-media work. This print makes me smile as it serves as a great representation of the affirmations for my post today. (I love that she is wearing two different colored boots- living authentically, unafraid to be or look silly in this sometimes too serious world!).
(6) This Thankful Heart Tree Print by artists at 3 Wishes Creations is is a grand and colorful creation to remind you of the importance of being thankful. It is printed on premium acid-free matte 8 x 10 inch photo paper.
Love it!! You are an inspiration. <3
Hi Sarah!!! Thank you so much for stopping by the site. I am soooooo glad that you liked it!!! Makes me smile!!! -Amy Kathleen
Love, love, love this post! Especially the “universe conspiring in your favor” piece 🙂
Hi Jess!!!! So cool that you liked the post!!! I do believe that the universe is conspiring in our favor! 🙂 -Amy Kathleen
Best post yet!!! Really brightened my day.
Hi Anthony!!! Awesome! Glad the post was helpful! Thank you! -Amy Kathleen
thank you kindly for featuring my work…:) lovely and joyfilled post!
Hello Jan! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to write a comment! Much appreciated! I am so glad you enjoyed the post! So much fun coming across your work! -Amy Kathleen
I could hear you just then. Your voice which I’ve known so long. Thanks for sharing your words and perspective and this part of you. You’re an amazing person.
Ahhhh CDB3! You Rock! So cool to see your comment on the blog today! Made my day! -Amy Kathleen
Simple is so satisfying, isn’t it.
beautiful heartsongs, these:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer: Thank you so much for stopping by and for the lovely comment! Your blog is an inspiration! -Amy Kathleen
You spoke to my heart in so many ways here. Numbers 11 and 12 stand out. I am privileged to be the mother of the bravest girl who ever lived. She taught me so much about human spirit, attitude and bravery. She endured three brain surgeries, meningitis, daily injections, radiation therapy, seizures, steroids and ultimately death.
She didn’t endure these things with a fight. She looked them square in the eye and said “Bring it”. When I told her the cancer had returned, I was crying and I asked if she still wanted to go to the party we’d planned on going to that night or if she’d rather just stay home. She said if we stayed home, we’d just cry and feel badly so we should go out and have fun. Her attitude of bravery is one of the things I envy about her.
As she was dying, she wrap her arms around me as I cried telling me “don’t worry mommy, it’ll be okay. Just breathe in the light and blow out the darkness”.
Number 12 stands out to me because I used to have a sign about hope in our house. I always said we could keep on keeping on as long as we had hope. When Olivia died, I threw the sign away. I was angry at hope. It’d left me.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence (as I’m writing I’m seeing this) that it’s numbers 11 and 12 that stand out. Olivia was eleven when she passed – 21 days shy of 12. She passed in the 11th month. She was born in the 12th month. 11 & 12 always bring Olivia to mind.
What a special girl….
Olivia Grace
12/9/92 – 11/18/04
Also, I pinned number eleven.
Dear Wendy:
I am greatly touched by your story. I can’t imagine all of the pain you have gone through. But so thankful that you were able to share it with me and others on my site. Olivia sounds like a wonderful person, a strong and brave girl. I bet she touched more people in the almost 12 years she was alive than most do in a lifetime. Sending you and your family hugs, love, and peace.
-Amy Kathleen
Thee are such beautiful pieces of art, and the sentiments behind them are even better. I think the Joy earrings are my favorite. I’m all about cutting through the clutter 🙂 and getting to what matters! (stopping in from LOBS)
Hello Seana:
Thank you so much for stopping by from LOBS! I just stopped by your website and loved it- shared your post on Twitter. I am glad you enjoyed my post!
Best Wishes,
-Amy Kathleen
I absolutely love these 6 mottos and I picked the same three as you. I strive to Be Courageous for my boys in my daily battle with chronic illness. I strive to Be Authentic in my personal and blogging life. What you see is what you get. I am me and it is good enough. I strive to Be Thankful, God has blessed us abundantly despite the trials and tribulations we face. There are so many suffering worse fates.
I am so glad you shared this with my Small Victories sunday linky. I am pinning and sharing. BTW, i absolutely love #13 and #14, they are my favorites!
Hi Tanya:
So glad you stopped by! How fun to know that you and I picked the same mottos! Looking forward to seeing what you do next on your website!
-Amy Kathleen
I’ve been working on having a motto each morning. More often than not my motto seems to be, “Keep on Truckin’.”
Maybe two more will make me feel better! <3
Hello Farah:
Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment! I like your motto! My theme song this past year was Carry On by FUN. Sounds like we are on the same page.
Best Wishes,
-Amy Kathleen
This is my first time visit at here and i am really happy to read all at
single place.
Hello,
Welcome to The Mindful Shopper! Hope to see you again soon!
– Amy Kathleen