Quote of The Day

Friday, September 20, 2013

Wish I knew! Paint Party Friday

As a woman I tried to be everything 
to everyone for several years! 
Had I known then what I know now......
Color is not accurate on this card made for Nature Goddess.  Face#12

I'd have cut a lot more corners! I'd have done a lot less cooking and a lot more creating! I'd have simplified drastically. I'd have cut  stress by buying pre-made items for parties, transferring it to a pretty dish letting people assume what they will!! 

Face #13
Better boundaries, while  listening to  people problems, would have served me well back in the day!   Drama kings and queens tended to cling to me like white fuzz balls on a black sweater,  sucking me dry of empathy energy! I should have stopped wearing deodorant, or worn garlic clove necklaces to ward them off!  In  years past I've learned...certain people tend to repeat their drama over and over in different scenarios!! They're addicted.. if it continues, wean them off you ASAP!! 
Keep all  negative ones NEGATONIANS  at bay!

Face #14 #15
I'd have spent less time on the phone. In today's world that would be face crack, instagram and texting...all big addictions that I'm pretty sure will cause permanent eye  and neck damage. I should have used that time wiser. Scheduling "Me" time for daily creativity.... instead of staying up all night to complete redecorating and sewing projects. 
Face #16
I should have refused to be a part of any family drama, and tried harder to keep hurtful things they said out of my head!

I'd have told my younger self to NEVER  get involved in a three way.... fight!! Never let anyone drag you into their arguments as an arbitrator or otherwise...it's best to stay clear...nothing takes you down faster than being the go between....you will ALWAYS be used as their scapegoat. No doubt they'll misquote you too!!
Face #17
I'd tell younger women.....
Cleaning  floors BEFORE company arrives is fruitless....
 Most likely you'll  NEED to clean them shortly after anyway, 
especially when kids are involved!! 
 I've yet to come and visit my friends floors! 
Just ask yourself, 
"Could a baby crawl safely on these floors?"
If so, you're good!
Face #18 Dancer
Prioritize  only what is most important at the time! 
Don't feel guilty if you have a new baby and don't get dressed all day.... 
give yourself some slack....If you have been up all night with a teething child, 
cancel visits and appointments until you feel more rested  normal, 
if that's even possible.  Treat yourself kindly!
Face #19
Dust will always be there, don't waste too much time on it...If you need to leave it longer than normal to find time....DO IT!! Never allow uninvited guests "dropper inners"....nothing worse than spontaneous company to interrupt your plans, whether it be creativity, housework, or your "ME" time!! It's rude not to call first! Don't answer your door!!..unless your guest is accompanied by a maid! You might not want to miss out on a little house keeping help.....!!
Face #20
NEVER feel you have to answer a phone call, or a door....and NEVER explain yourself. You are entitled to your privacy...whether you want alone time with a family member,  to rock your baby, have a headache or play a game of scrabble...that is YOUR choice!! For heaven sakes don't feel guilty!!! It's completely wasted energy! Your home is your castle safe haven!
Face #21 Some may think you a witch! Oh well! Let them! 
Don't volunteer for EVERYTHING....you are only ONE person...helping is awesome but if it takes you constantly away from really important parts of your personal life and things you love  it's not worth it!! All the same people tend to repeatedly volunteer....sit on your hands once in a while!! Let others have a turn!

You do NOT have to accept every invitation.... only those invitations you know you'll enjoy and love!! The best response is " Sorry, that doesn't work for me." Most people won't ask why...but if they do, just repeat..."it just doesn't work for me" Always give yourself an out by saying, "let me get back to you." For years I accepted invites I lived to regret.. now I give myself time to process it properly before accepting!

How many times have you been at a function and thought, "why am I here, I'm not having a good time?"
Never let a friendship be too one sided. Being generous is an amazing quality, however if the relationship is totally one sided....consider moving on to something more balanced! Some people are in our lives for a season. I tended to take so many people under my wing to help them, without expectations. Now I realize I should have sought a better balance..for my own sake!

 Last of all, "Be The Queen of your life!" Treat yourself like you treat your best friend or your children.....and for petes sake, "shut  that darn sabotage Gremlin up",  he's a big fat liar, because you are perfect just the way you are!!!


What is your best advice for a woman trying to be everything to everyone?

My contribution for paint party friday and 29 faces of September!

52 comments:

Netty said...

wow you have been so busy, you put me to shame. All fabulous artwork and lots of great advice. Happy PPF, Annette x

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely faces, great post! Valerie

Ivy said...

Love your Nature Goddess on the bicycle...fabulous work!!

Lorraine said...

love these bright colour faces..I decided to play around with colour this week too

Carolyn Dube said...

You've got lots of advice here that I would tell my younger self too! The art you chose for this post is perfect for it! Strong, bright, and full of emotion Happy PPF!

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

Such insight and wise words. I hope all the young women are taking heed!

Tammy N said...

True words and good advice to follow. Dynamic colorful paintings.

Christine said...

good thoughts today, I like the part about leaving the dust! Nice colourful art to go with it.

Karla B said...

All of them are gorgeous and I love the words behind the creation!

Faye said...

Wonderful face images, Sherrie. You do a great job of illustrating the accompanying texted emotions. Also, you did a fine job of showing how not to experience burnout.

Faye said...

Wonderful face images, Sherrie. You do a great job of illustrating the accompanying texted emotions. Also, you did a fine job of showing how not to experience burnout.

Kate Robertson said...

Wow lots of faces to share. How wonderful. You've got lots of great advice.

Lynn Cohen said...

Awesome advice! Wonderful colorful art! Crazy fun cool wild colors make me scream for joy!

Thanks for your wonderful comment today too! SWEET!

Helen Campbell said...

Wonderful faces, and wonderfully wise words! Thanks for sharing!

Paper rainbow said...

You have rounded up my sentiments so well, as you say it is just unfortunate it takes so long to realise what really is important in life, as always Sherrie you have the ability to make me not only smile but think as well. Thank you.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks for all the good advice, I should have thought of these things years ago, lol. Love the faces :)

GlorV1 said...

Oh I love all your awesome faces Sherrie. Just wonderful and I guess I would do just about everything you've said.:)) Have a wonderful weekend. Take care and always love your cool work.

kat said...

What a wonderful collection and such good and true advice! Lots of "me" time is so important, women need to do and be around those they love and all will be well!

minnemie said...

Great advice. I especially appreciate (maybe because i have lately started to use it):" Sorry, that doesn't work for me."It doesn't work for me" and "let me get back to you." :-)

Abigail Davidson said...

Lovely whimsical style! Happy PPF!

J C said...

Yep, I went to a function last week and was so not wanting to be there, I left after about 30 minutes. I got email the next saying "where were you?" Sigh....emotional blackmail.

JKW said...

So much wonderful beautiful art. I want to be the gal in the hat or the one with the green & red hair. So much fun. . .Yeah, but. . . .we didn't have the experience to make those choices then. I deliberately didn't tell my children how bad the bros/sis-in-laws were and when hubby passed they descended on my children. But I didn't want to bad mouth their relatives, but then what do you do, I had no idea it would bite them. . .or that he would die so young. We just didn't know. . . .Blessings, Janet PPF

soulbrush said...

Such fantastic words with the art to go with it. How I wish I knew then what I know now. sigh.Happy PPF.

Debbie said...

I really love this post. It describes me pretty well, though I feel guilty sometimes, especially when people say "I just don't know how you do it." There are just a lot of things I don't do, at least very often!! Thanks for sharing your cheerful art and uplifting words.

Ayala Art said...

If I could, I would give you a big HUG.
The are is great, but the words are precious, so true! Thank you! ♥

Tameko said...

Wow, such wonderful faces. Great colors and expressions. Your advice was exactly what I needed to read. Thanks for sharing, and keepin it REAL!

Felicity said...

what I like in your portrets is that you use always positive colors :)

Felicity said...

what I like in your portrets is that you use positive colors :-)
happy PPF

lorik said...

Such wise (and funny!!) words..so many of us will relate to what you said. Love the pics...ALL of them:)

Victoria said...

Hugs kindred..what a fantastic post..beautiful art and lovely souls! I agree..wonderfully said...I smiled throughout your post...we think along the same lines! Often others cannot appreciate me for knowing my own boundaries and doing what is healthy for me..we need to honor ourselves..to others this is foreign! The best gift you give others..is to always be you....you will always come through authentically and what you give and share will be most divine and in balance.. only be You and that is most amazing contribution you make to everyone's lives..being fully you and expressing that is divine..no more no less..just perfectly as you are!

I loved what you shared..beautifully written!
HUgs kindred
V

Katie Jeanne Wood said...

Great advice! I think it's easy to be a pushover when you're really young. I know I used to be, but now, like you, I live for myself. No more saying yes to anything I don't want to do..no way!!

I'm happy to see you're still in the challenge, and painting those faces. :)))

Gillena Cox said...

happy to hear of your realization; have a nice Saturday

much love...

Marji said...

wonderful words and wonderful faces.

Carol said...

Great group of faces this week!!!! Love the words too...always a pleasure to come here and visit :)

Ilona Heimböckel said...

Wow, Sherrie! You made me smile, while a little tear is crawling around my eye :-)
Love your post again today, making me giggle, smile and nod at places. You are just so wise and great at putting things into words.
I'm a bad housekeeper, so it wouldn't be wise not to clean up a bit before visitors arrive ;-), so I'm cool about that in a way. Know lots of people apologizing for their dirty places, when I can't find a single crumb anywhere!
Yes let's treat each other properly and I want to be a queen for a day sometimes. But I also want my family to feel like they were my royal family.
Sending you big hugs, you're someone special!
Ilona

Ilona Heimböckel said...

I forgot to mention: I love your art! Especially the first and the last one! :-)

sharon said...

Wow there is a lot of awesome art and thoughts here! Love the gal on the bike. I still have to slap myself on the wrist sometimes, whenever I find myself volunteering because noone else will. I am learning. Got back yesterday and a lot better now!

Ariel said...

All that you have said is absolutely true Sherrie but to practice them in life, Ohhh! it is so hard.
Love your faces I especially like the masks they look awesome.
Have a great weekend
Susan

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I love all your colorful faces, but am especially attracted to your striking masks. I also agree with your point that our priorities change as we mature and our more comfortable with who we are. Blessings, my friend!

SAMARA said...

Oh Boundaries, Me Time and Saying No are very powerful eh! Your work today is intensely typifying of your works. quizzical and powerful! HPPF Gigs.

Janet said...

As usual, I'm late getting here. You've been really busy! Fantastic, colorful art...I love it! And I love your advice. I just wish someone had been around to tell me these things when I was younger, too. Oh, well, better late than never.

pauline said...

oh, my friend.. you are such a wise woman. :-) i'm sure MOST of us have a similar list of "wish i knew". But aren't we the lucky ones to now KNOW all these things about ourselves?! Your paintings crack me up. The first one especially...love how colorful you (and your paintings!) are. xox

pauline said...

oh, my friend.. you are such a wise woman. :-) i'm sure MOST of us have a similar list of "wish i knew". But aren't we the lucky ones to now KNOW all these things about ourselves?! Your paintings crack me up. The first one especially...love how colorful you (and your paintings!) are. xox

Wilme said...

ooh that dancer just tugged at my heart, and your words me laugh and nod my head in agreement! Life can be so beautiful if we keep our boundaries :)

janice smith said...

Yes, yes, and YES!!! Great insight here...hard-earned, I'd wager. Isn't it wonderful to be older and wiser? An amazing collection of artwork as well, my friend. I must say, that lady on the bicycle captured my heart right away! Have a lovely week! xo, janice

Unknown said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post + it is exactly how I feel....now! I only wish my 25 year old self could have read this, although I figured out this stuff just a few years later, my 25 year old self was so caught up in this! Awesome paintings this week too x

(p.s. I am not sure if I fixed the problem of my comments not showing up?)

Sinderella's Studio said...

true true true! love your bare raw truth!

Sinderella's Studio said...

true true true! love your bare raw truth!

Jez said...

Such wonderful words as always, and all so true. When I think of the hours I have spent listening on the telephone to someone's problems, so often caused by themselves, and the same phone calls with the same problems time after time. As you say, it sucks you dry.
These days I have a sure-fire way of ending a phone call. After listening for a polite amount of time to a non-stop monologue, I take advantage of a miniscule gap they've taken to breathe at last, and start telling them about what we've been doing, and how my grandchildren are doing. You know, somehow something vitally important comes up for them and they have to go!
Your faces are all so wonderful, and so varied. I miss your regular posts and am always delighted when I see your new post come up on my sidebar.
XXX

PiaRom said...

Oh my sooooo much fun and "Yes, Yes" by reading your post! I wonder when you will write your own book?! That would be on the top list I am sure!! Face 20 is my absolute favorite because of her smooth teint, her red nails and her very cool hairstyle...you rock girl! ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de

Linda Kunsman said...

what fantastic faces!!! Love the one on the bike! What a really beautiful post and reflection on the past and doing things differently. This could easily have been my story and experiences-except that I don't write near as eloquently as you.And I feel like those past behaviors/experiences have taught us and caused us to grow. Thankfully we have learned those lessons, right my friend?

lorik said...

Brilliant colour and so such expressive images! I always enjoy your words too:)

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