Thursday, June 30, 2011

WHAT MAKES ME THINK...

Personal contemplations:

What makes me think that I am so great? 
What makes my ego feel bruised whenever someone passes me over for a compliment.  (I'm talking about my artwork, here.) 
Do I feel that I work harder than others?  That I learn and utilize concepts better? 

I need to step back and think about myself - and adjust my attitude. 
I've become too negative and need to bring back the positive in my life. 
So what if someone hurts my feelings? 
So what if someone doesn't like my work but likes work that I don't like? 
So what?

I need to discover my WHAT - and make sure that it's a positive, caring, and compassionate place and not a negative, critical, and harsh place.

A little attitude adjustment is needed.  Like going to the chiropractor for an adjustment once in a while, time to crack those bones so I can walk straighter and think straighter, too. 

I want to be a kind, caring, compassionate person - not the kind of person one avoids because she is too full of negativity! 
That's my goal - oh, that, and conquering landscapes! ha ha

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and don't forget to smile when the sun comes up and the birds are singing outside your window!  Don't forget to put your little rubber boots on and splash in puddles if it's raining! 

Don't forget, we're all in this together so let's make it as pleasant a trip as we can!

10 comments:

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

ohwawawait! you ALREADY are a kind, caring and compassionate person, it's kind of painful seeing you in that spiral of negativity that don't let you see yourself the way we see you, I know you'll get out of it, jsut because you're that kind of person, the kind that never ever give up. I'll keep your advice today, but you too must smiiiiileeeee ^______^ [[[hugs]]]

RH Carpenter said...

Teresa, now I have to be honest - I've gotten into ruts of complaining about the same things and same people over and over and I'm trying to dig myself out of those ruts. Don't like how I sound or what others may think of me - negative nelly in real life!! So...a work in progress and I'll try to remember to be more compassionate towards all others (not just the ones I like! ha ha)

Cynthia Schelzig said...

WEll said........I couldn´t agree more. I am allll for doing the kind of art that pleases you first and foremost...if someone else happens to like it or admire...well all the better but if they don´t well....SO WHAT....I mean that is what is so great about art there is something out there for everyone to admire but that does not mean that we have to like ALL of EVERYTHING EVERYDAY...we all have tastes, likes, dislikes, I mean I could go on and on and on........but I won´t bore you:).....think positively and carry on my dear that is all anyone can do nowadays,,,,right?

RH Carpenter said...

Cynthia, we all have to realize everyone has their own personal tastes and it doesn't have to jive with anyone else's at all - that's what makes it great :) I'm trying to become more caring, compassionate, understanding and less critical and judgmental but still be me :)

debwardart said...

It's hard to let go of old (bad) habits - my hat's off to you. We can all be quick to find the negative but not always quick to look for the positive. All we can do is try to improve, but, like painting, it doesn't come quick!
ps - you are a really funny and fun person - we are all a combination of ALL of our traits (whether we like them or not!)

Unknown said...

i've always looked to you as a kind compassionate person! But the fact that you consciously strive for that quality assures me that you truly are that person! And nobody else's opinion of your art matters more than your own. But if you're ever in need of a boost, come to me, because I look to your artwork as a source of inspiration and something to aspire to!

RH Carpenter said...

Deb, you're right - we're a combination of the good and bad in us. But we need to keep striving to balance the bad with a lot of good :) Thanks!

Katherine, you are too kind! I do try but sometimes fall down and have to pick myself up and say, Well, that wasn't what I wanted to say (or do)! Thanks so much for your post on this - made me smile :)

Now off to watch Wimbledon!!! Even though Roger Federer lost to Tsonga, I'm now hoping Tsonga has another upset in him :)

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

I am often around a TRULY negative person who is a real buzz kill. If you admire a wildflower she will remind you that it will make you sneeze! I have used this person as a reminder of what I want to aspire to, a truly positive person. It is good practice for me to try to remain positive when I am around this person!

You are already a kind and caring person so I think if you are seeing negativity in yourself you will work it out. As we age, it is easy to fall into negative thoughts as we deal with health issues but we cannot let that rule our lives and entire attitudes. It ain't healthy!

Go forth Rhonda, you are already farther along in your attempt to become more positive than you realize.

Carol Flatt said...

Rhonda, we all expect so much of ourselves - good paintings, good behavior, good relationships - AND, we all have those moments when we feel negative and down. The fact that you're even recognizing a "down phase" is proof of what a caring, compassionate person you are. There are downs and there are ups, and thoughtful people like yourself make adjustments and move on. It's called "being human."

RH Carpenter said...

Susan, isn't it wonderful that she (the negative nelly) can be an inspiration for what NOT to do? ha ha I just don't want to be that person and am always checking myself. Thanks for your wonderful, positive comments. You're right - health issues, aging, even the nightly news can be sources of negativity if we don't watch out!

Carol, thanks so much. Sometimes I'm more human than others! ha ha