Friday, February 26, 2010

Daily Structure for the Unemployed: How To Have a Great Day!

 "Pink Dreams," by Nina Reeba; Mixed Media on canvas 8x8" $60

Since I lost my job on 01/03/10, I've been having a tough time creating a routine and sticking to it every day. I haven't been out of work since 1994 and that was for only two months. 

One thing I have learned about myself, is that I do a lot better with structure in my life. So now I have to make myself do it without the natural structure a job provides. I found this list and wanted to share it with you. I think it might also be helpful for those who work from home.
"Purple Dreams," by Nina Reeba; Mixed Media on canvas 8x8" $60

This comes from the Art Biz Blog - for the Business of Being an Artist. Please click here for a direct link!

"How to have a great day!"

by Alyson Stanfield on October 28, 2008

1. Decide that it will be a great day. This is the most important step.

2. Lie in bed thinking happy thoughts and envisioning your great day for an extra 15-20 minutes.

3. Get dressed and ready for the great day ahead. Put on something that makes you feel good.

4. Start the day with something inspirational: a podcast, a recording, a book, or a favorite (inspirational) blog. 

5. Say hello to the sun and, in my case, the mountains.

6. Chug a glass of water. 

7. Grab a cup of coffee or tea.

8. Eat breakfast and take your vitamins. 

9. Check your email to make sure there is nothing urgent there, but don’t spend too long in the inbox (5 minutes). Note that this is #9, not #1! 

10. Check your task list and prioritize what is most important. Repeat this step at least two more times throughout the day.
 Image ©Laura Tyler, Mint Tulip

Mint_tulip

11. Tackle the task list. Listen to soothing music or sounds. My favorite CD these days is the sounds of the ocean, seeing as we have very little water here in the high desert.

12. Say Yes to the really good stuff and Thanks, but No Thanks to what doesn’t serve you.

13. End the day in good time. Look at your task list for tomorrow and plan your day. Mentally leave your studio or office and spend time with yourself or with loved ones.

14. Before going to bed, write your gratitudes in your journal. What are you thankful for today? Also, write what you accomplished during your great day and pat yourself on the back. Just as you started your day with an inspiration, you will end it with another inspirational ritual.

15. If you have a significant other, kiss them goodnight. Before turning out the lights ask him or her: What made you happy today? Be prepared to share what made you happy. 

16. Say one last prayer of gratitude to the universe for giving you such an amazing day.

 17. Sleep soundly for 7 to 8 hours.

Thank you to Jackie Jacobson for alerting me to this post on Twitter where I found it on her blog. She's a wonderful artist, so please visit her blog during your internet travels. In case you missed it earlier, here's the link for the Art Business Blog. Thanks for stopping by!
 
 "Salmon Botanical," by Nina Reeba; Mixed Media on canvas 16x20" $150

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful thoughts! Thank you. I do work at home and have been self employed my entire adult life. I definitely need reminders once in a while to have a great day no matter what. Structure is pretty key, I think, though what counts as "structure" varies from person to person.

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  2. A little off this subject-Thanks for sharing your watercolor interest. Ruthie, I went to my first watercolor exhibit this weekend at the Fallbrook Art Center. I had no idea watercolor could look that good. It was very inspiring. Thanks for opening my eyes to it.

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  3. Great post! I am the same way... I need structure or I feel a little lost. Unfortunately I'm terrible at setting up my own schedule so I feel lost often :-) And being out of work for soo long doesn't help. I'll have to copy Alyson's list, what a great way to spend the day!

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  4. Thanks for that Nina! I have been an Alyson Stansfield fan for a year or so. She's very good at what she does! Your art is great... so different to where you were last year. I do hope you get work again soon, preferably in radio, if that's what makes your heart sing. =)

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