I spend a lot of time online – way more than I actually would like. Between writing, sharing, managing my facebook page, connecting with friends and family and many other little things I feel I am forever with a device of some sort.
As much as I would like to keep cutting back more and more I am grateful this week for all I do find online.
In this day and age of so much overpriced junk I love how I can always find inspiration, information, support, ideas, creativity all over the internet for free. 24 hours a day I can reach out and connect, be inspired or encouraged and I am so grateful to have that available to me.
Whether it is a website like “Brave Girls Club” that I feel lifted up by every day (their emails always seem to contain the exact message I need to hear) or pinterest so full of colour, ideas and vibrancy (just don’t get consumed by it). A comment is left on the blog at the perfect time for me with the message I need to hear. A new post appears in my reader and has me sighing or feeling understood or less alone.
I have recently been pushing myself out of my comfort zone and tapping into my creativity. I am trying to let go of the perfectionism and create more and think about it less, finding the beauty in mistakes. I am taking one paid online class and have plans for another soon, but in the meantime I have the world’s largest curated art gallery right at the end of my fingertips – the whole of the internet. Beautiful images shared freely, new techniques demonstrated on you tube, free classes and printables for my art journal, pin boards to follow and share, quotes to inspire me daily. So much out there for the taking and I don’t even have to open my wallet or get in my car. If I want to learn a new embroidery stitch at midnight someone is there to teach me. If I want to play with gesso someone has thought to record themselves for this visual learner.
No excuses of limitation of cost or time or access from me. The only thing holding me back is myself and that damn perfectionism – so afraid to mess things up. I listen to my daughter who gave me great advice recently when we were creating together. She is one wise 9 year old. She said “just do whatever feels right to you.” So even at home I am grateful for the words so freely given to inspire and push me farther than I think I can go.
What are you grateful for this week?
Find your simple,
Deb
Image credit: From the Brave Girls Club – they also have a daily email for young girls called “A little butterfly told me”. Sign up here for your own daily wisdom, truth and support or here for the butterfly version for young girls.
Linking up with Bron and Kidspot for 52 weeks of grateful.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
A couple of weeks ago, I took part in a free online course for mind-mapping – something I used to utilise effectively all the time, but just let slip to the wayside. It has been fabulous for getting me back to colored pens and paper, a different way of idea gathering and also helpful when working with clients.
“Just do whatever feels right to you”. That’s one incredibly insightful 9yo you have there. She’s a keeper!
kirri recently posted..Rockin Mamma interview with Martine Oglethorpe
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 20, 2012 at 7:15 pm
love that you got the coloured pens out! i just downloaded a mind mapping book today… xxx
Debra Dane recently posted..Grateful for “beauty in the world”
I feel the same, Deb. I love all that the internet gives me – especially the inspiration and ideas. But because I’m on it, I don’t get time to put anything into practice! Madness! x
Maxabella recently posted..Pin of the Day: Decorating
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm
madness for sure. that is why i have been cutting back more and more of my time – i want to DO more before the year is gone and it was all just a hopeful dream.
Debra Dane recently posted..Return to work series {CV and resume tips}
Twitter: Bluebirdshells
July 20, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Oh what a fabulous post to come back and read after my break Deb! So good to hear of such positives for you! I have spent three months learning to let go of the perfectionism, and live in the moment. That helps a lot to stop from overthinking or overplanning or overdoing. There’s a lot of noise out there, but also a lot of quality when you tap into it, especially online. xx
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 23, 2012 at 8:37 pm
So nice to see you hon – I have wondered what you were up to. Off to check out your new blog – your avatar here confused me for a second – you look so different. I hope you are doing well…
Debra Dane recently posted..Moving from paper to digital
Hello Deb, I do practise being slack and NOT doing things well… it now comes quite naturally and is such a lifesaver. Having been online a lot yesterday I do know what you mean… and yet… I really love my IRL friends and get most support from them. But then I am free now the kids are at school to sit around gabbing, which wasn’t the case before.
Seana Smith recently posted..Grateful for Vomit – No Really!
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 23, 2012 at 8:38 pm
it really is such a fine balance between online and IRL… so easy to get lost online and forget to get out the door, reconnect, chat and catch up with people…
Debra Dane recently posted..Grateful for “beauty in the world”
Twitter: muminsearch
July 21, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Couldn’t agree more, I find so much online every day!
Tat recently posted..Grateful that I joined the Invincible Summer writing course
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 23, 2012 at 8:44 pm
it is vast and could keep us occupied forever one course at a time right?
Debra Dane recently posted..Simplify your life {Week 30: habits and motivation}
yes, the internet is a treasure and a hinderance! so much to learn, so little time! your daughters words were very wise indeed! xx
I often find myself wondering how we survived without the internet. It’s lovely to switch off every now and then, but great to know that the endless resources are always available. Cheers.
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..Me and my Levi denim, we’re going snowboarding!
Its amazing to think that when I was studying Fine Arts back in ’89 (I’m sounding old) I used to go to the Library to research information on artists and movements, nowadays its at our fingertips.
There is so much free information online, some of it junk and a time waster, but also a lot of clever ideas of connecting…look at Pinterest. I am loving Pinterest at the moment, it has some great ideas and inspiration for creative types like myself.
Julie recently posted..Week 29: Grateful for Craft
This is so true Deb, so much at our fingertips. I am not very creative and struggle to find that gene in me or spend time trying to find it. So I love your plan.
Nat – Muddy Farmwife recently posted..Chicken Infused Pork
Twitter: findyoursimple
July 23, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I always say that too – i am planning a post on reconnecting with creativity (when i get my act together LOL) as I have found great resources and pushing myself has become my mission for the 2nd half of the year. we are all creative in our own ways and sometimes old creativity is dormant and sometimes new creativity can be birthed.
Debra Dane recently posted..Moving from paper to digital
Twitter: Withgraceandeve
July 25, 2012 at 10:16 pm
This is beautiful! I agree! And find the same thing – the right message coming at me at the right time. Love this post Deb! And what a wise little one you have! x
Elisa {With Grace & Eve} recently posted..Happy?