Finding Inspiration | Guest Post by Allison Waken
As you may already know, I had a baby boy on September 18th. For those who ordered a box, I had the labels printed but my plans on the 18th changed and some of the boxes are still sitting here. They will go out later this week when my assistant comes in, sorry and thank you for understanding. Also, grateful for a series of talented friends/guest posters who agreed to fill in for me throughout the rest of the month (and into October). I will try to pop in with random posts here and there, but we just brought our bundle of joy home yesterday. And under doctor's orders I need to take it easy for the next 6 weeks. You'll love these guest posts though, promise. Enjoy!
Finding Inspiration | Allison Waken
I didn't realize how much of my identity was wrapped up into being my boys' mom and my husband's wife. I absolutely LOVE those titles and they are by far my favorite however, I am also me. Allison - blonde, blue eyes, glass half full...artist. Yes, I am an artist and I can't believe how long it's taken me to say that. Not because I am a mom and a wife but because I didn't allow myself time to be me and realize who I am. My biggest advice to find your inner artist and live a creative life is give yourself time to be you.
Whether it's 30 minutes early with a cup of coffee and Pinterest or a favorite magazine or a whole day set aside to pamper yourself (those I rarely get so if you get a chance grab it!) take time for yourself. I find I spend a lot of my creative time scrapbooking but I've been trying to take time just to gain and gather inspiration.
I love getting inspiration from magazines (I love the typography, layouts and photos in Bon Apetit), nature, advertising, restaurants, catalogs - pretty much life in general! Sometimes tearing out or printing that inspiration helps to cement the idea in my brain.
Finding inspiration in everyday life takes an awareness and attention to detail that I sometimes deny myself because I'm so wrapped up in day to day activities. Making time for myself allows me to focus my attention on who I am, what I love and what inspires me. So I'm challenging you to find (or make) time for yourself even if it's 15 minutes before the kids wake up or before work or even after everyone has gone to bed and allow yourself to discover what inspires you.
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