Karla’s Korner: Artful Living

Artful Living….

Academy award winning actress Helena Bonham Carter once said “I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.” Often we see art as inanimate objects, pictures, statues or sculptures that adorn our homes, offices or museums; objects that often hold a high price tag. But what if we viewed life as art? What if we looked at those things that can’t be seen or touched rather felt and lived in a way that our very existence became art; the shining beauty that I believe it’s meant to be.

In the midst of a tough life situation I find myself paying attention to the world around me in a different, more purposeful way. It seems that in the midst of struggle the need for calm, peace and stillness has become more necessary than ever. To be quiet within my own self rather than projecting noise and chaos into an already noisy time is often a difficult task, but one that I find to be necessary and worth doing. It has been in those quiet times that I have paid attention to my own actions and those of others around me. It is in my own difficult times that I notice those who live their lives in an artful way. The use of purposeful meaning words towards others is beautiful, an artful way of living. Being considerate, caring and kind in our use of words with others and even about ourselves promotes artful living in others by example. Our words, I think become part of our trademark.

Being mindful of words and actions, living our lives in an artful way will bring about a peaceful existence and co-existence within our world; our intimate circle if you will. As a young girl I remember my grandmother being so proud of her fine china that she never used it and while I do believe she enjoyed having it on display in her dining room I wonder if she would have enjoyed a more artful life had she used it on occasion. Taking time to enjoy that which we have in our lives, be it the good dishes, a cup of hot tea, writing a letter to a friend or the way you take care of yourself physically and spiritually will bring about an artful meaningful life; a life full of growth, opportunity and promise.
In a world filled with uncertainty, chaos and difficulties, it is important I believe to stay true to ourselves, our world and those in it. I believe that in order to live an artful life we must make the conscious decision to be the creator of our own art; be the artist of a life that suits our lifestyles, our families and our community.

This week as you travel through your life I encourage you to pay attention, to be artful and conscious of your surroundings, making sure you are doing your part to not only create art in your world but help create an artful peace in the lives of those around you. Paying attention to your entire presence, your demeanor, your attitude toward yourself and others and the way you live life in general is a necessary ingredient to the recipe of your unique life. It is that unique life that will shine on for others to see the artful life you are living.

Peace,
Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner, also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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