If I Could Tell You One Thing...

If I could tell you one thing, it would be that "Stuff" does not equate to happiness. I would tell you to spend your money on experiences...to travel, to enjoy a show, to go wandering, and to explore new places and ideas.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be that there is a lot of magic in this world: a baby's laughter, flowers picked by a child just for you, the sound of spring rain, a fresh summer peach...and so much more! Just open your eyes and your heart; I promise you that you'll find so much magic.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to make art as much as you can. I would tell you not to worry if that art was good or it was bad...just make it. Lose yourself in the process and just play!

If I could tell you one thing, it's that forgiveness does not mean saying that what happened was okay. Instead, I think that forgiveness means being able to move past what happened and being able to not let it consume you and eat away at your heart. I would tell you that forgiveness is a tough gig indeed, but that that it's worth being able to do.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to savor life. Use the good china and buy fresh flowers. Rather than saving things for a special "occasion," make every day special in some way...it could be ever so tiny, and that's okay.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to see the world through the eyes of a child and to enjoy all the gifts life has to offer. Life is so very beautiful!

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to travel - whether to some place far away or somewhere nearby. Drink in new sights and taste new foods. Journal it, sketch it, photograph it, or just etch it into your memories. Most of all, enjoy your explorations.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to surround yourself with people who add joy to your life, rather than detracting from it. Enjoy people who enjoy life and don't harbor grudges. Life hands us enough drama; we don't need to add more on our own.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be to get out into nature - to drink in the fresh air, to take long walks. I would tell you to listen to the rain and let it soothe your soul and clear your mind. I would tell you to take a deep breath and gulp in all the goodness!

Note: "If I could tell you one thing..." is a prompt from Jennifer Belthoff's Love Notes project. I've participated in this project about 10 times, and I enjoy sending snail mail so much that I send to my past partners as well as my current one. I've spent the last few days creating envelopes from various papers and making cards using my photos and some washi tape. It's been a roller coaster of a week with drama popping up everywhere, so this project was good for my soul!

 

Comments

[Marianne]

I have been reading your blog for years and years and years. I must tell you that this post is by far my most favorite of all. Your words reached out and hugged my heart. I have been saying all of these things to my son and daughter all of their lives, but unfortunately my daughter does not hear them. Or she refuses to hear them. Not to go into a long story.....I just feel so sad for her. Back to this post. Paula, I have known you for a very long time and you have grown to be one of the most respected and loved Art Journalists out there. This post is just the most beautiful, both in words and photos. Thank you for sharing your art, your photos, your words, and your wisdom with us for so many years.

[Lynne Sward]

Hi Paula, I subscribe to Seth Apter's page, and he listed you today and thus, I clicked on YOUR page. I love all of your comments. Is there a way that I can subscribe to something like a blog, or another way that I would get your posts on a regular or semi-regular basis? I am a textile/mixed media artist who works on one of a kind art using beads, papers, threads, fabrics, printing tools, etc. I love it all and I have no fears of trying new and unexplored means of creating. Thanks for letting me share. Oh, I'm on the east coast in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

[Pam Bryant]

Please add me to your mailing list. This is a wise and lovely post.

[Carol]

Thank you for these words of wisdom! I love the way you write and I've enjoyed reading your posts. I came here via Seth, that wonderful friend of artists.

[Kristi Shreenan]

Hello Paula,
I'm your latest Love Notes pen pal! I just clicked over to your site and love what you do and have to say. I'm grateful for your sharing such wonderful glimpses into your heart.