Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 8

Today, IllustrationFriday.com asks for submissions to the topic "memories". This led me to create this inspiration card.

Many psychologists, philosophers, buddhist leaders, and other successful people have written about "staying in the present". Lisa Smith-Batchen is a world class athlete and successful coach, whose athletic achievements have appeared on the covers of The NY Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post and Winning Magazine. She writes on her blog:

"You know what's interesting - I've been reading a lot of Buddist literature and books lately - it talks a lot about staying present, focused, here and now, positive etc. I notice when I run if I stay focused on the step I'm taking at the moment - not the last or the next one- and if I keep a positive attitude my energy level increases - now this isn't that surprising - but - I also notice - if I start to think about resentments I have or people I don't like in a negative way- I actually start to get weaker- and if I than re-focus on something positive- or reframe the resentment to understanding I immediately begin to feel stronger..."

Here's inspiration from the political arena: Today, Gov. Sarah Palin, who's serving her first term as Alaska's governor, made the nationwide news. Not only is she the first woman and the youngest person to hold the state's top political job, but now Sen. John McCain chose her as vice president! Go Gov. Palin!

Do you think she would be this successful if she often dwelled on her past? No way! So let's not dwell on the past, but focus on the now, and we'll have a future to look forward to.

This blog post is also dedicated to a friend of mine who still is being bothered by her past (and a very obnoxious, psycho boyfriend who can't let go and keeps bothering her). Girl, try to focus on the present. You left him, be glad! Try to ignore his efforts to still make you feel bad - focus on the now, on what you can and want to do for yourself, and work on your future.

9 comments:

Lauren said...

Good words of wisdom, and a lovely illo.

Anonymous said...

I was just talking about this subject the other day with someone, and was wondering if that's why time seems so much shorter when you get older...because you don't live in the moment as much as you did when you were little, you know? That's the best way I've found to make a fun experience last, is to stay present and live in the moment! Beautiful illo as always!

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

What a great read! This has inspired me. I'm going to really take some time for myself and just live in the moment. WOW!!! Great illo and great words of wisdom too. Thanks so much for sharing.

milo said...

oh your illustrations are lovely... truly whimsical and contemporary...

Anthony VanArsdale said...

This is great Astrid! the illo and the inspiration card idea... thanks for posting this! I need to try that from now on... live in the present

Juan said...

Great piece!

Solvere volo said...

A great card again! I'll show it to Jester ;)

Bella Sinclair said...

A terrific inspiration, and a beautiful card! I'm going to try that with motherhood. I always feel sad about how quickly time passes, but if I live in the here and now, I'll have more energy to enjoy the present. Thanks!

Michael Villegas said...

Fantastic work, Astrid...