Welcome back to Going Gentle! In today's post, I'm sharing an In The Studio video where I feature the many tools of my art trade as I work through subsequent layers of the making of an art journal spread with collage, gesso, and mark making. 

I love the whole intuitive process of creating an art journal spread, and this particular spread has been many months in the making. With a combination of collage elements (paper and fabric), plus stamping, and mark making with various tools, it continues to give me a satisfying place to express my emotions and build a history of how I'm feeling each time I come to it. 

I'm never in a hurry or wonder why it's taking me so long to complete. It's not about the final "product", so to speak; it's all about listening. To my heart, to my soul, to those intuitive nudges, to the colors and textures I'm drawn to use and make. 

In the video, I share specific tools from my art studio stash that come in handy with the visual interest I am building with my current spread. As you watch, it is my delight for you to be inspired to follow your own heart with your creative expression no matter what media you choose! Enjoy and you're welcome to share below in the comments about what tool you liked the most and how I used it in my art journal spread. 

My goal and aim with art journaling is not to be rushed but to Go Gently and intuitively, honoring my heart's message and what it has to say. I want to be always listening. 

I wish you the same. 
​And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle, where we share every day strategies to decrease our stress and increase our peace! And this week, we're talking about COMPARISON and how it can create unnecessary stress in your life and what you can do instead! 

In the video I share about how falling into comparison that undermine your confidence, leaving you feeling inadequate. That is not a fun place to be, is it? 

It is easy to look around at what others are doing, perceiving that they have it all together, while you feel like you're just not measuring up. 

Well, I propose a radical idea of Just Being Yourself, no holds bar! Unapologetic. Being YOU means all the parts of you, even your quirks! Or maybe especially your quirks? (I'm all for quirks; that is part of what makes us unique!) 

So, when was the last time you took a good look within at Who You Are, what your skill sets are, what your POV is? Your thoughts, ideas, strategies, problem solving skills, what you know that no one else knows? 

If it's been a while, perhaps it's time! Celebrate Yourself with no apology. 

Wear those crazy clothes if that makes you happy. Dance like no one is watching. Make that art you're been itching to make. Write that song and sing! Go for your dreams. 

But Do not fall for comparison. It will only steal your joy. So. Not. Worth. It. 
Just BE YOU. You're the only one who can be YOU. And if you don't, we'll be missing out! 
And we don't want that to happen, do we? 

Journaling Prompt: 
When was the last time you compared yourself to someone else? What was it about that person that got your attention? Detail that in your entry. 
Now look within at your skill set, what sets you apart. What are you naturally good at? Detail that in your entry. 

Is there any overlap? Is there something about your own POV that feels familiar to what you're seeing in that other person. What we see in others is often a reflection of our own hearts. Celebate who you are today! 
​And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Welcome back to Going Gentle where we talk about daily strategies to decrease our stress and increase our Peace! This week, we're talking about what makes us feel most at home and when to determine it is time for a Homecoming of sorts! 

(I'm not referring here to a family reunion or school reunion but those are fun too!)

We often put off the things that bring us the most joy in the busyness of life, but what happens when we put it off for too long? Do we forget the benefits of engaging in things that speak to and feed our souls? What about the satisfaction we can experience after doing something that feels most like home to us? 

These things are vitally important for our well being. As we choose to Go Gentle with ourselves, that includes not only reducing what stresses us (or eliminating it all together), but also Enhancing our Lives with what brings us the most JOY and ENERGY! 

So, let's not put off what we love; let's make it a priority! 

I give some ideas on what brings me great satisfaction in the recesses of my own soul and why you would benefit doing the same. Of course, this is never to guilt you but to inspire you toward what makes you feel the most At Home. Because Home is Where the Heart Is, and how you feel in your heart matters! 

So let's have a Homecoming together! Share in the comments what feels most like HOME to you. I want to cheer you on! 

Journaling Prompt: 
Make a list of the places or activities that give you that feeling of HOME. What is it about that place or activity that lifts your spirit and gives you energy? 

Put one of those things on your daily calendar and start today with a Homecoming of your own. 

And remember that Gentle is Magic!

Hello friends! Welcome back to my new Surprise Series here at tbe Going Gentle blog, where I feature what brings me comfort, inspiration or laughter, mostly in my personal space. This week I'm excited to share a MAGICAL Surprise! 

Do you believe in Magic? I feel magic in the sense of the divine but it doesn't hurt to have a fun inspiring visual to remind me of the Magic that is deep inside my soul in the form of the Spark of Divinity and how it plays into the life I create for myself. 

So, may I introduce you to my little Magician! 

I found this magical treasure of a figure at a yard sale. I remember distinctly going into the back yard and seeing this magician sitting on one of the tables just waiting to meet me and as soon as I saw him, I couldn't believe he hadn't been grabbed already! So I made him mine. He's been in a variety of places and spaces of the past 7 or 8 ish years (I seriously lose track of when I find such treasures...that's why I keep a journal! Ha! My age is showing...) but right now, I recently gave him a prominent place on my journaling/study desk in my bedroom. 

I missed him before I placed him there so I knew it was time for him to be where he is now: front and center! 
He reminds me of Dumbledore of Harry Potter, especially when he was in the war with Lord Voldemort. I remember the water and the fire. It was an incredible scene. Incredible magic taking place. 

It reminds me of the power of the Divine that is within each human being, giving us the power to create, to live, to love, to have an impact on others around us, whether family, friends or neighbors (or the wide world with the internet at our fingertips!)

It's also an incredible reminder of the importance of our intention when we use that power within us. It is meant to be used for the benefit and not the detriment of ourselves and others. So be careful how you use it! 

Do you believe in Magic? Do you have a reminder in your space of the magic that lies within you and the power you hold to create every day? You're welcome to share below what your magical muse is! I'd love to hear about it! 

And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello friends and welcome back to my new Going Gentle Series, the Surprise Series! where I share something that comforts, inspires or makes me laugh, whether it's in my personal space or something I ran into that I just HAVE to share with you! 

So, this week's Surprise is all about Sparkle! And about purposefully enjoying something outside the original context it is specifically meant for. Why not, right? 

So, I love holiday decor; I don't have much of it in my house, but what I do have, I love to keep around for the long haul. 

When I came across this sparkly gold/silver star, I just had to have it for my Christmas decor! But guess where I put it? Not on a Christmas tree. Nope. Although it would look awfully perty there, wouldn't it? 

I decided to hang it in a space where I would see it all the time. It hangs on one of my vision boards above the illustration area in my art studio space! Yes! I wanted it to be front and center along with several other items of joy. 

This sparkly star just gives this space some holiday punch, so basically it's a visual holiday year 'round! Yay! 

So, do you have an ornament or some other item of decor variety that you have/keep in a special spot so you can see it all the time? One that you never put away? You're welcome to comment below and share! 

Remember that making a simple choice to make yourself happy is all about Going Gentle...because Gentle is Magic! 

Ode to the Star: 
I love how you
sparkle
No matter
if someone is
looking
or not. 

You just hang in your
space happy to 
grace 
my visual desire
for joy. 

Happy star, silver 
and gold, 
a place to hold
that sparkle that
                                                                                                           never dies. 

Hello and Welcome Back to my new Surprise Series! Are you ready to be inspired? I'm excited to be sharing a moment of colorful appreciation with you for this second surprise! (You can check out the first one here!)

Everyone loves a fun surprise, and I wanted to share my color joy with you. 
Here's the back story: 
I love color in my spaces for sure. Years ago, I went to my local Target and found this set of office supplies in orange and yellows, those vibrant hues being at the top of my color list at the time. 
I've used them on repeat and still keep them in my art studio space because just having that vibrant visual makes my eyes happy! 

I recently added some olive green accessories from a recent estate sale find for 50 cents! 
There's nothing like color joy to liven things up; and when I feel that sensation of appreciation for those colors and when they can be put to practical use to hold my stacks of collage papers, mag clippings and photos together, that just spices up my space! 

So, do you have a favorite color that you feature in your environment? Perhaps on a desk, in your kitchen or some other nook where you spend time? Why not include what makes your sense of sight light up! How fun is that? 

Why not make life a little more colorful? Let's celebrate color together! Leave a comment and share what your favorite color is and how you have incorporated it in your surroundings! I'd love to hear about it. 

Here's to more Sensational Surprises! 

Welcome back to Going Gentle, where we talk about strategies to decrease our stress and increase our Peace! 

For today's post, I'm sharing the first of a brand new video series I'm calling, Going Gentle, in association with this new blog. Thank you so much for your interest in this new dynamic of gentle energy in building a lifestyle where we can up-level our creativity in ways that match our aesthetic and bring a deeper sense of satisfaction in the every day! 

Today's topic is MAKING SPACE. 
Whether it's taking care of ourselves after a busy, challenging day or making space in our environment for things that really fill our creative well and inspire us in our connection with spirit, there is a way to make space for what matters the most. 

Whether we choose to take a breather from tasks during the day or choose to decompress with something creative, it's so important to make our well being priority. 

We can find a balance between the challenges of the day and what we find meaningful to our heart and soul. 
So how will you make space for yourself today? 
Let me know in the comments so I can cheer you on! (You can see the things I've been doing in the video!)

Journaling Prompt: 
What gentle approach can you take with Making Space for your well being? Will it be sitting quietly, playing an instrument, getting out art supplies, or prayer? 
Make a list of ways you feel the most drawn to and curious about that are strong contenders for self care. 
Then choose one or two that feel the most Do-able and easy; we want the possibility to become a probability! And the more enjoyable, the better! 

I wish you great success in Making Space for yourself because you deserve it! 
Remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Welcome back to Going Gentle where we focus on slowing down to decrease our stress and increase our peace! 
For this week's Walk and Chat with Dawn video, I share a word about the Power of Synchronicity and how our mindset can impact what we receive in the right place at the right time! 

Is there something you keep thinking of that would be of great help to you? Have you considered the kind of energy that is being released from your mindset about that thing? It can really make all the difference in receiving what it is you need/want/desire. 
I wish you great success in attracting the things that will have the most positive creative impact in your life! 
Let's celebrate your success together! Share below how you have experienced a synchronicity with something meaningful to you and how you received it! 

Journaling Prompt: 
Do you believe in synchronicity? 
When was the last time you experienced being in the right place at the right time and received what you were desiring? How long did it take to receive this item? How is it benefiting you now? 

Always remember to celebrate when synchronicities happen! It might be beneficial to keep track of when you receive through a synchronicity and how it happened. 

​And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Well, here is a Big Unexpected Surprise! Welcome to my new blog, Going Gentle! It's been something on my heart for about 18 months and I decided to follow through with where my heart was leading me. So here we are! 

What is Going Gentle about? Essentially, really recognizing what your own aesthetic is and gently implementing the smallest of steps to uplevel your creativity in every area of your life and do so with confidence! 

I will continue to share the content you have come to expect: journaling, creative tips for your Gentle Journey and some fashion inspiration to Gently break out of the box to inspire Freedom in the way you dress. 

I love feeling confident with every decision I make and every step I take, and I want you to feel the same way. 
And Going Gentle means slowing down enough to know what decision is right for you in any situation. When you Go Gentle, it's Magical. 

So, without further ado, Here we go with our Walk & Chat with Dawn video, where I share a word about The Unexpected and what that Gentle approach could look like for you going forward. 

Sometimes the Unexpected is a Delight and sometimes, not so much. We may find ourselves getting derailed. So, watch the video for my take on self care during difficult times that we didn't see coming. 

​(and thank you for subscribing, liking and commenting on my videos; it means a lot to me to have your support!) 

     
Journaling Prompt:
How can you Go Gentle with yourself when met with an unexpected life event? Detail ways that you can uplevel your self care and how you can Get Creative with Taking Care of Yourself when you need it most. Make a list of those activities that nourish your soul and support you when you're stressed. And remember to breathe! Nice deep breathes, inhale, exhale. Inhale Gentleness, Exhale stress. 

Wishing you well with whatever is unexpected in your life right now.
And always remember that Gentle is Magic!