Thoughts On Being Brave

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.  ~Aesop

Lately, I’ve carried the word “brave” as my talisman to feel strong and, well, brave. It’s my affirmation to remind me that, “I can do this!” when I feel like hiding under the covers. I’m so grateful for this much needed boost of confidence because I had been in a phase of self-doubt with a side of “I’m not good enough.” blues. 

I’ve taken a step back, taken time to evaluate where I’m going and what is in store for me. I’ve been creating art just for myself that I don’t have the need to share with the world. Reestablishing my truths and searching deep in my soul for a safe place to hide my heart. I’ve needed this time with just myself to reflect and look within. 

I recently began Soul Restoration 1 with The Brave Girls Club and thought it was best for my own personal restoration journey to take a step back and uncover these truths that I’ve hidden within. This class has been one of the best things to happen to me in a while. I need this right now. I need to find the real me.

I don’t want to allow the lies I tell myself, “I’m not good enough.” or “That will never happen for me.” to control my life any longer. I know I have so much more to learn as I find my own artistic style but I also know that I’m on my own journey and cannot compare my journey with anyone else’s. We are each at our own place on our own journey and we are incomparable. Isn’t it a beautiful thing to know you are unlike any other and cannot be equally compared? Soak in that for a while. :-)

brave  [breyv]  

adjective

1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

noun

4. a brave person

So here I am, stripped down bare, and ready to wrap myself in this exquisite cape called Brave. 

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, 

but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not 

feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.  ~Nelson Mandela

I am afraid but I also know that I am much stronger than I give myself credit for. I’m so thankful for all the encouraging support and beautiful messages on yesterday’s Wishcasting Wednesday post. It’s such a blessing to be a part of such a supportive community. Thank you.

Will you be brave with me? 

He who is brave is free.  ~Seneca

Source:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/brave

Quote - Live in my heart

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Come live in my heart, and pay no rent.  ~Samuel Lover

Wishcasting Wednesday: What door do you wish to open?

Thank you for joining me for this week's Wishcasting Wednesday. If you'd like to join this magical circle of dreamers and doers, please visit Jamie Ridler Studios.

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 Today's prompt:

What door do you wish to open?


I will get right to the point with this one; the door I wish to open is the one that I've been too afraid to walk through.

I wish to open the door that leads to the life I've been waiting for. The dreams I've been too afraid to make a reality. The door I've been too afraid to open because I didn't believe in myself enough to open it. Courage, don't fail me now!

My Favorite Things

1) Sweet bouquet necklace from Tamara Love.

 2) I love, love, love this vintage collage ring from Alona Freeman.

3) Gorgeous fused glass pendant from Into the Light Creations. 

4) Another bouquet beauty, from Beads Craftz. 

5) Gorgeous! From Haynes Her Way.

Join me each Tuesday for My Favorite Things, beautiful and unique finds from Etsy and other favorite retail therapy sources.

Quote - Add more color to your sunset

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Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.   ~Rabindranath Tagore

Quote - How do you plan your day?

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I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.   

~E.B. White

Quote - Dreams are nourishment

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 People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food.  ~Dorothy Gilman

On the Web

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I hope you have a wonderful weekend of rest and relaxation!

Here's this weeks sweet finds from around the 'net:

~ Loving Jen Lemen's post on How to Be Happy.
~ Sweet DIY Dreamcatchers at Embers.
~ These Cherry Almond Pancakes from The Edible Perspective look yummy.
~ This is the cutest Girls Spa Party on Hostess with the Mostess. Everything is soap or bath related!
~ Choosing Beauty shared this lovely Rock this Day printable.
~ Helpful information on product licensing from Violette.
~ 101 *free* Pretty Printables on Everything Etsy.

Hugs,

Quote - You have a place to fill.

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"There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle."  ~Deepak Chopra

Bedroom Makeover

So I haven't updated you on my bedroom makeover in a month now (here) so I thought I'd share a few pics. I've been collecting a few pieces of art from some of my fave's that I finally framed and hung up. I thought they'd be great in my bedroom so that I can have instant inspiration when I wake up. :-)

The shelf was previously located on the opposite wall. The quote was already on the wall but I separated them to allow space for the shelf.

I love nesting dolls and each one of these was given to me by my Dad.

Some favorite pieces from Kelly Rae Roberts and Lisa Ferrante.

You'll recognize the lampshades from my lampshade makeover on this post.

My window treatments consist of vintage handkerchiefs and a vintage apron. :-D

More KRR artwork, a print from Christy Tomlinson, and a print from Kiki Comin.

One of KRR's newest items, magnetic boards and a couple cute finds from a local shop.

I hope you liked the tour of my (almost) finished bedroom!

P.S.
I mentioned a monkey I was working on for a girlfriend's daughter in my previous makeover update, I finished it plus a girlie art for her eldest daughter. Here are the finished pieces:

Have a wonderful evening!