Showing all posts in Mindful Living

In Creativity, General, Mindful Living, Mindfulness

Patreon Patron: My Way of Supporting Creativity

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

Patreon Patron

As you may know, the last six months or so I decided to slow down, to take stock and to do things a little differently. I’m being more mindful, I’m doing new things and I’m appreciating things more. It’s this focus on new things and helping others that’s led me to be a Patreon Patron to the lovely Daisy from My Green Cow.

I’ve “known” Daisy a while, having watched her creativity and planning videos for ages, and we’ve been members of the same planning groups etc. This video today introduced me to Patreon and I loved the idea, and have decided to become one of Daisy’s patrons.

Basically, I pledge a certain amount of money a month (there are different tiers) which supports Daisy and I get some treats too. I won’t go into the ins and outs of Patreon myself, however, there’s a great explanation right here. 

I really do think that this is a great way to support creative types, to help them get their businesses going and so on. Daisy’s link is here and tells you more about what she offers and you can easily search to find other artists and creatives you might like the idea of being a Patron to. 

Don’t get me wrong, my deciding to become a Patron isn’t entirely selfless. As well as giving me the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you do something for someone else, I get something back. I’ve been a fan of Daisy’s doodles and her journalling skills for some time and so by pledging a relatively small amount each month I get exclusive pieces just for me (and the warm and fuzzies). 

Who knows, I might up my pledge or decide to add another creator to my pledge page in time. Is Patreon something that you’ve heard of? What do you think? I think you might be surprised by how many creators are on the site and how fabulous some of their work is!

 

 

In Mindful Living, Mindfulness, Women's Interest

I am Good Enough

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

Good Enough

At this time of year, people start to think about New Year resolutions, personal goals and such-like. We’ve all done it, even if we’ve called it something else. We’ll be thinner, smarter, more sociable, we’ll work harder and generally be better versions of ourselves. This year I’m taking a step back from all of this. This year I am saying that I am good enough.

I am good enough! I’m not at my ideal weight. I’ve not reached ultimate productivity status. My hair will never be tamed. I won’t walk 10,000 steps every day. I don’t need to be better. I just need to be me.

Accepting who I am has made me happier. I’m not so bad you know. I’m a great Mum, a darn good wife and I try to be a good friend. I can be funny and cheeky. I run a successful business and I’ve set up monthly sessions to help other freelancers who suffer from isolation. I do what I can to support local businesses and community causes. I am proud of our little town. I am more mindful. I concentrate on the important stuff. I make a mean slow cooked lasagne. I can make people smile. People feel they can come to me for advice or just a hug. I give good hugs. I am kind. 

I am not simply good enough. I’m bloody marvellous! I’m fabulous and this year I’m not piling impossible expectations onto myself. This year I am saying….

Nicki… You are good enough. You do not need improvement. Have a spectacular 2018.

Try saying the same to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with striving for success, trying something new or self-improvement, not at all. Starting any of these processes with a healthy dollop of self-awareness though is important. This New Year, before you think about writing down your goals and promises to yourself and to others just at least take a minute or two to think about everything you are, can do, are all about. It can be quite the eye-opener and once you embrace all of that, you will feel blooming fabulous.

I AM ENOUGH!

 

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