Keeping My Inner Dialogue Positive

I've been having a week of fits and starts. I'm currently waffling between angry and hyper-motivated, and discouraged and ready to crawl into bed. Everyone goes through this, both personally and in our jobs, whether we're scientists, artists, or full-time parents.

In the midst of this self-doubt, I am trying to keep several positive thoughts in mind:

1. I have a great life and a fun job. I even have my design work published on a regular basis.

A small ad I designed for one of my clients, Frames By U, as seen in the September 2013 issue of Nashville Arts Magazine.

2. Nashville has a wonderful network of people. I sat for portraits by Deone Jahnke a few days ago. She works with countless local artists, and is making a good name for herself in Nashville. She also happens to be a total sweetheart and one of my neighbors. Occasionally, she needs someone to feed and smoosh her kitties when she's out of town, so we have a trade of photos for pet care going on. Here's one of the photos from the first session:

I am totally willing to believe I really look like this.

3. A week from today, I'll be packing to go on the road for a small tour with The One and Only Bill Davis. We'll be playing in Brookfield, IL, Manitowoc, WI, and Milwaukee, WI. My brother's band will be backing us, and we're going to (hopefully) get paid to play music! While we travel! It's another important step in both Bill's and my music career, and it's really exciting!

4. I actually have everything I need. I am fed, clothed, and have a cozy house to call my own. My husband is talented, smart, loving, and supportive. My family, though they aren't very close geographically, is totally awesome, as are my in-laws. I am healthy and continue to make improvements in my life that keep me that way. All-natural soaps, anyone?

Made On Acorn Hill soaps

The little things often make the biggest differences, and I have to keep that in mind when I feel the weight of the responsibility of making the "right" choices. In the end, even "wrong" choices teach us something.

Now, on to conquering the world, one happy client at a time!!!

Tell me, what do you do turn things around when you start to feel low?

Some Photos of Cleveland, OH

I took my first trip to Cleveland at the end of July and got some shots of the city and the coast of Lake Erie. It's been a while since I've seen a body of water that large, and it did my soul good to stretch my eyes to the horizon.

I love this view. The bridge, the hills of gravel, the buildings, and the clouds make for a dynamic view of the city.

On the pier overlooking Lake Erie.

Looking back onto the city from the coast. The asymmetrical white building is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Watching the clouds move over the lake is awesome.

A beautiful day to sail.