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Articles by Linda Dessau

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33 articles by Linda Dessau · showing 33

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By Linda DessauSep 3, 20061 topic

How My Many Hats Fuel My Creativity

Margaret Lobenstine would call me a Renaissance Soul . Chris King would refer to my " portfolio career ". nnI usually just use the expression that I wear many different hats â throughout each day and throughout my life.nnI love this life and wouldn't have it any other way and yet sometimes it wears me down just a little bit, usually when one of two possible things is occurring.nnThe first thing is that someone has asked me, "So what do you do?" and I'm having a hard time de

Primary topic: Creativity

1,295 views

By Linda DessauJul 25, 20061 topic

Going With the Ebb and Flow: The Creative Cycle

The Four Elements nnI've often noticed how water can inspire moments of creative problem solving and inspiration. nnSome people "plant" a problem to be solved under their pillow before sleep. Similarly, when I need inspiration about a project or situation Iâm facing, Iâll sometimes, "plant" it before I engage in a water activity such as taking a shower or doing the dishes.nnI simply minimize all other sounds by turning off the television or music, and then I gently let co

Primary topic: Creativity

2,345 views

By Linda DessauJul 7, 20061 topic

Attraction: What we attract with our creative choices

I used to be a jazz singer. I thought Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan were wonderful and I strived to sing like they did. But no one impressed me as much as Billie Holiday. The tragedy and the talent meshed together into a musical offering unlike any I'd heard. I was inexplicably drawn to the drama and the heartache.nnLouise Montello points out, in her book, Essential Musical Intelligence, that I was drawn to those songs for a reason. They corresponded with how I was feelin

Primary topic: Creativity

1,113 views

By Linda DessauJul 6, 20061 topic

What We Attract With Our Creative Choices

I used to be a jazz singer. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, they were wonderful and I strived to sing like they did. But no one impressed me as much as Billie Holiday. The tragedy and the talent meshed together into a musical offering unlike any I'd heard. I was inexplicably drawn to the drama and the heartache.nnLouise Montello points out, in her book, Essential Musical Intelligence, that I was drawn to those songs for a reason. They corresponded with how I was feeling about

Primary topic: Creativity

1,124 views

By Linda DessauMay 30, 20061 topic

Self-Care Rules of the Road

Taking your creative work out on the road can be exciting. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and sharing your music with new audiences are all enticing prospects. nnnnReady to go? Not so fastâ¦nnJumping into a touring experience without planning ahead can lead you down a destructive path of poor routines and lifestyle habits. This path can negatively impact your self-care, not only while you're away, but also when you get home and you're trying to settle back into every

Primary topic: Travel

1,397 views4/5 (2)

By Linda DessauApr 28, 20061 topic

Staying with It: Momentum Overcomes Procrastination

In a previous article I mentioned a new credo that I'm working to adopt into my life, and that's to "do one thing (at a time) and do it well".nnWhen I can focus my thoughts, efforts and energies on that ONE thing (at a time), I'm much more productive and I enjoy my work (or play, or learning) much more. - From "The Magic of Storytelling" by Linda Dessau.nnToday I'm going to discuss two phases of the creative process â inspiration and implementation â and how to maximize m

Primary topic: Creativity

1,133 views

By Linda DessauMar 28, 20061 topic

Awakening the Senses

The "Sensazione" chapter of the book, "How to think like Leonardo da Vinci", by Michael Gelb, is dedicated to re-awakening and sharpening each of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.nnAs artists, we get to play in the land of the senses as often as we allow ourselves to. And our gift to the world is that we help others to engage their senses through what we create.nnSo how is it that many of us, even artists, have ended up with our senses deadened? To fully

Primary topic: Creativity

1,319 views

By Linda DessauMar 27, 20061 topic

Preparing for Performance

Stage fright can be an incredibly debilitating condition that can keep artists locked away in their own homes, carefully guarding their creative gifts. Then those gifts never see the light of day, and they're never seen by the world.nnAnd stage fright doesn't only inhibit performing artists. If you're not a performer, you can substitute the word performance with any creative situation that really scares you, or puts you in a position of feeling like you have to measure up or

Primary topic: Anxiety

1,273 views

By Linda DessauMar 1, 20061 topic

Preparing For Performance

Stage fright can be an incredibly debilitating condition that can keep artists locked away in their own homes, carefully guarding their creative gifts. Then those gifts never see the light of day, and they're never seen by the world. And stage fright doesn't only inhibit performing artists. If you're not a performer, you can substitute the word performance with any creative situation that really scares you, or puts you in a position of feeling like you have to measure up or g

Primary topic: Creativity

1,205 views

By Linda DessauFeb 24, 20061 topic

Top 10 Signs That You Need An Artist Retreat Day

Chances are, if you're a creative artist, you're longing for more time to create. Even when we're lucky enough to be surrounded by our art on a regular basis, there's always more we feel we could be doing. And for many of us, the idea of freely expressing our creativity â whether it's for one day or ANY day, feels like a far-away dream.nnWhat would you love most about having an Artist Retreat Day? For most of us it's the thought of getting away from our "normal routine", ha

Primary topic: Success Coaching

Success Coaching

1,053 views

By Linda DessauFeb 24, 20061 topic

5 Steps to Accepting Compliments Graciously

Many creative artists are uncomfortable with praise and compliments. We can be so busy judging ourselves harshly that we don't quite know what to do with positive feedback.nnWe almost wish people would just "come out and say it," "it" being the negative thing that they're REALLY thinking, just to prove our negative self-perception.nnInstead, when we can learn how to embrace positive feedback and accept compliments graciously, we open up the door for more positive thoughts and

Primary topic: Self-Esteem and Self Confidence

Self-Esteem and Self Confidence

1,065 views

By Linda DessauJan 25, 20061 topic

5 Steps to Accepting Compliments Graciously

Many creative artists are uncomfortable with praise and compliments. We can be so busy judging ourselves harshly that we don't quite know what to do with positive feedback. nnWe almost wish people would just "come out and say it," "it" being the negative thing that they're REALLY thinking, just to prove our negative self-perception.nnInstead, when we can learn how to embrace positive feedback and accept compliments graciously, we open up the door for more positive thoughts an

Primary topic: Creativity

6,970 views

By Linda DessauJan 25, 20061 topic

Curiousity, da Vinci Style

"Clever people seem not to feel the natural pleasure of bewilderments, and are always answering questions when the chief relish of life is to go on asking them." - Frank Moore ColbynnCreativity asks of us a certain level of curiousity. Every new piece of art, music or writing is unknown when we sit down (or stand up) to create it. nnWhen we approach that blank canvas, empty stage or notebook paper in a state of curiousity, we're truly opening the door to the muse â to our "

Primary topic: Creativity

1,132 views

By Linda DessauJan 25, 20061 topic

Connect With Your Strengths

We can be just as afraid of our strengths as we are of our weaknesses, and just as afraid to succeed as we are to fail. In her book, A Return to Love, in a passage that was made famous by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inauguration Speech, Marianne Williamson writes:nn "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.nWe ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorge

Primary topic: Creativity

1,140 views

By Linda DessauNov 27, 20051 topic

What Does Creativity Bring To Your Life?

In my 2004 e-book, the Creativity Interviews , I asked 7 questions about the creative process to 19 creative artists from a variety of disciplines. nnOne of these questions was "what does creativity bring to your life?"nnAs I'm looking through the answers with new eyes, themes start to pop up in front of me. As you read through these broad themes, and the actual phrases spoken by the artists in the book, consider which ones you identify with most.nn Creativity brings adventur

Primary topic: Creativity

2,026 views4/5 (1)

By Linda DessauNov 27, 20051 topic

Connect With Other Artists

" So I am not the only one having these creativity blocks? This makes me feel less lonely. " - Martine, Painter nn Why IS it so vital to our creative fulfillment to connect with our fellow artists? nn Support â Asking for support is often the last thing we think of, even when things are at their toughest or we feel like giving up. We don't want to impose on someone else, we don't want to reveal anything that could be perceived as a "weakness", and we think we "should" be ab

Primary topic: Creativity

1,160 views

By Linda DessauOct 26, 20051 topic

Permission To Be An Artist - Granted!

Since I've been offering Artist Retreat Day programs, I've been hearing a lot about the concept of "permission". Some artists who said yes to a retreat day shared that this was a much-needed structure to enable and empower them to FINALLY give themselves permission to take time for their creative work.nnOthers just couldn't say yes, just couldn't give themselves permission. nnWhat does it mean to have permission to do something? My thesaurus tells me that other words related

Primary topic: Creativity

1,080 views

By Linda DessauSep 28, 20051 topic

Is There a Science of Creative Success?

I've been studying science lately, in the form of a book called "The Science of Getting Rich", written by Wallace Wattles in 1910. To download your free copy of this book, visit: http://www.scienceofgettingrich.net/gifts/everyday_artist.html nnThis book has created enormous shifts for me in how I think of wealth, creativity, work, other people and myself.nnI believe that most if not all of the concepts discussed in this book would benefit creative artists, and I highly recomm

Primary topic: Creativity

1,180 views

By Linda DessauAug 7, 20051 topic

Are You Taking a Holiday from Your Self-Care?

I hear a lot of people commenting that they wish they hadn't indulged so much on their holiday or that they need a vacation after their vacation.nnIt's essential to your self-care and wellness that you DO take holidays, have a break from your regular routine and recharge your batteries. But this kind of unstructured time â whether it's one Sunday or a three-week holiday - presents unique challenges to your self-care.nnHere are some clues that you might be taking a holiday f

Primary topic: General Self Help

General Self Help

1,226 views4/5 (2)

By Linda DessauJun 18, 20051 topic

Connect with Your Inner Artist

In the "Roadblocks to Creativity" e-course, we look at the 7 most common things that block our creative expression. So, if we're "blocked" when we're facing those things, what are we like when we're free of them?nnWell, certainly we're connected to our "Inner Artist". This is a part of each of us that is naturally:nn Joyful â our Inner Artist sees the world as a magical place, full of curious things and people. Each day is a series of fun surprises and the chance to learn,

Primary topic: Creativity

1,306 views

By Linda DessauApr 27, 20051 topic

Self-Care, the Luxury You Can Afford

Self-care is a choice. When you find yourself feeling sorry for yourself because you "have to" hit the gym, because you "can't" have that piece of birthday cake or because you "wish" you could be like your friend who stays out late doing exciting things, remember that you're free to flop on the couch, have TWO pieces of cake or not go to sleep at all.nnYou're choosing self-care.nnInstead of asking "Do I have to do this my whole life?" remind yourself, "I GET to do this my who

Primary topic: General Self Help

General Self Help

1,063 views

By Linda DessauApr 27, 20051 topic

Connect With Your Creative Dream

We get so busy in our day-to-day life, with all the doing and actions and daily chores, that we can quickly lose sight of the BIG PICTURE. What's it all for? What are you working towards? nnIf you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?nnTaking the time to connect with your creative dream allows you to visit (and then revisit) the big picture. For instance, if I know that these smaller articles are going to come together into a book, I'm going to

Primary topic: Creativity

1,157 views

By Linda DessauMar 24, 20051 topic

Guilt: Is it Getting in the Way of Your Self-Care?

When Do We Usually Feel Guilty? When: nnWe're not feeling ok about who we are.nWe're not feeling ok about the choices we're making.nWe haven't met our own expectations.nWe haven't met the expectations (real or imagined) of someone else or society at large.nn How Does Guilt Affect Your Self-Care? nnGuilt can come out in a number of ways, hurting yourself or others around you. Guilt can lead to low self-esteem or self-hatred, which can then lead to self-sabotage or even self-ab

Primary topic: General Self Help

General Self Help

1,168 views

By Linda DessauFeb 28, 20051 topic

7 things that could be sapping your creativity RIGHT NOW

This was a very easy article to right. I was late in getting started this month, and as my publication deadline got closer and I could no longer wait until I âfeltâ like writing an article, I was forced to sit down and do it. In doing it, I thought about the last month (when I meant to be getting started on this as well as other creative projects), and I identified seven things that have gotten in the way of my creativity. Maybe youâll see yourself in some of these.nn1.

Primary topic: Creativity

1,233 views3/5 (1)

By Linda DessauNov 20, 20041 topic

Plan your Holiday Self-Care

The holiday season is almost upon us. Have you thought ahead about how you're going to handle the tempting treats, dinner parties, extra goodies everywhere you look, pot luck dinners and late nights?nnIf you haven't, you're not alone. Planning is boring. It's much more glamorous, dramatic and spontaneous to fly by the seat of your pants. nnAnd what can happen when you don't plan your holiday self-care? Overindulgence and other unhealthy choices can have many negative effects,

Primary topic: General Self Help

General Self Help

1,250 views

By Linda DessauOct 30, 20041 topic

Five Steps to a New Routine

FIVE STEPS TO A NEW ROUTINEnnI've noticed that in the two years since the major de-cluttering of my apartment, clutter has been creeping back in.nnSo what DO you do after you've cleared the clutter? If your day-to-day routines are continuing to create clutter, then you'll always be one step behind it.nnFIVE STEPS TO A NEW ROUTINEnn1. Identify the problem. Think of things that tend to "sneak up" on you in your life - annual things like tax time, monthly things like invoicing c

Primary topic: General Self Help

General Self Help

1,318 views

By Linda DessauSep 3, 20041 topic

Build your social support network

A social support network is a group of people who you can count on to support you. They may be the first people you call when something upsetting has happened, when you have a difficult decision to make, or when you have fantastic news to share. Some of the people in your social support network might be professionals and support you in very specific ways (i.e. your family doctor or your life coach), and other people in your network you might live with or be in contact with ev

Primary topic: Friendship & Loneliness

Friendship & Loneliness

1,639 views4/5 (1)

By Linda DessauJul 19, 20041 topic

Protect your self-care when others tempt you to stray

So, you've set your self-care goals and you're all set. You've even considered the ways you'll sabotage yourself - but wait! What about those well-meaning friends and relatives who:nn~ With all good intention pass along clutter from their house to yours â "this would look great on you", or "I can't use this but maybe you can". (Surroundings & Structures)nn~ Seem to dwell on the negative or tell stories about how unfair life is. (Emotions & Thoughts)nn~ Invite you to have "j

Primary topic: Happiness

1,223 views3/5 (1)

By Linda DessauJul 19, 20041 topic

Self-care - the path to creative expression

By paying closer attention to your self-care, you can have easier access to your creativity, to your muse and to your inner strength and resilience. You'll also have more energy, more tolerance for others and yourself and more confidence in your work.nnFIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF-CARE TODAYnnStart. Have you been procrastinating about something? Do you need to update your resume so you're ready for that next audition or show? Edit the last chapter of your book? Call that ga

Primary topic: Creativity

1,398 views

By Linda DessauJul 19, 20041 topic

Creative artists, why think about self-care?

1. To be more comfortable in performance situations â performance anxiety usually stems from a variety of causes â physical, mental and emotional. Maintaining your overall health and wellness, including keeping your stress at a manageable level, managing your negative thinking tendencies and getting the emotional support you need, will diffuse some of this anxiety before you hit the stage.nn2. To connect more and isolate less â other creative artists can provide you wit

Primary topic: Creativity

1,329 views

By Linda DessauApr 15, 20041 topic

Top Ten Habits that Help You Manage Your Stress

Today we have more stress in our lives than ever before â good stress, bad stress, red stress, blue stress (my little ode to Dr. Seuss). No matter what kind of stress it is, a real crisis or an imagined one, stress is incredibly harmful to our body, mind and soul.nnHere are my favourite self-care habits for dealing with stress:nn1. Get in the habit of noticing.nnTake an inventory of all the things that just don't feel right in your life or that you know are causing you stre

Primary topic: Relaxation

1,533 views3/5 (1)

By Linda DessauFeb 23, 20041 topic

What's your clutter keeping you from?

So you might be asking â what is clutter and why should I care about it? Clutter is essentially anything you don't need, don't want and get no joy from seeing. There might be 100's of items in your home or office right now that could be cleared away.nnThe cost of having a lot of clutter around you is that it: nn~ Takes up physical space and energy (consider the energy itntakes to constantly walk around a pile of clutter or clean up a spill caused by balancing a glass on an

Primary topic: Feng Shui

1,355 views3/5 (1)

By Linda DessauFeb 22, 20041 topic

Telling the Hard Truth

Watching televisionâs âsitcomâsâ, I canât help but notice that most of the plots revolve around the same theme â someone being afraid to tell someone else the truth. We saw it in the years that Ross loved Rachel, that Niles loved Daphne, or that George hated Susan. We saw it in virtually every episode of Threeâs Company. nnWhy do we keep the truth from people? Usually itâs for one of the following reasons (or a combination): we donât want to hurt someoneâs

Primary topic: Happiness

4,730 views3/5 (1)

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