the quality or state of being positive

marked by optimism

For how great the idea, the thought, the feel of positivity is, these definitions fall rather flat. I think of positivity as a combination of a Pollyanna attitude, faith that good will conquer, and the ability to flex and change course when necessary. Some days positivity fits like the perfect pair of underwear - you completely forget about it because you're just grooving in the positive glow and nothing will bug you. Other days you know you'll be dealing with a perpetual wedgie - as soon as you think you've got your positive flow going, something gets out-a-wack and your positive energy vanishes immediately. 

The creative process tends to mirror the positivity factor. On the perfect undies day you can knock out project after project, while your energy stays high and happy. On a wedgie day you may slog through one project or simply have a melt down that you'll never be able to create. ever. again. Obviously that's not true and you will create beautiful, inspirational, functional, fun things again. But how do you get through the wedgie, down times faster?  

Quick, before we go on, let's talk about what "creating" means. It includes tasks that you generally associate with the word, like painting, drawing or sculpting. In fact, all crafty or artsy pursuits - knitting, sewing, jewelry making, etc., - are "creative." I like to go even farther, though, and include everyday activities like baking, cooking, decorating your space, writing a special note for your child's lunch, choosing just the right words to let someone know you care, or thoughtfully nurturing yourself into a kinder, more present person. This list is an extremely small example of the many ways you can create, but I hope it helps expand your vision of "creating." 

Okay so how do we get out of a funk and back into the positive/creative zone? 

I call the first technique, The Art of Low Hanging Fruit. It's a simple, fast technique meant to give you a bit of momentum. Think of all the "creations" you've been thinking about (remember cooking dinner, doing something special for your kiddo, rearranging your bedroom, etc., all count) and pick the one that is quickest and easiest to complete. Now start and finish that project right this very moment. This will give the necessary jolt of action to get the positive ball rolling. 

Next we're going to tackle a Karma Project. This is a project that will benefit someone else. Perhaps you've been meaning to sew a bag for your friend, mail a card to your grandma, or cook dinner for your partner, but just haven't had the time. Well to take on the Karma Project you're going to make time. The important thing here is that you create something - anything - that benefits someone else. This will give you a double dose of positivity - you'll feel great that you made something with your own two hands and you'll feel great about the happiness your gift brings to the receiver. 

Lastly, let's talk about your Space Vibe. I don't care if you're into modern, vintage, minimalist or whatever. I just want you to take a moment to consider the things sitting around you. I strongly believe that the inanimate objects that surround us have the ability to "off-gas" energy. Things that are made with pride, passion and love will send out positivity. That's why things made by small business, artisans bring so much joy (like the awesome things Jen makes!). Not only do you feel great knowing that you're supporting a real human, but the energy they release will help you create and stay positive. 

So take a look at your creative space and consider if it's designed to send you the maximum amount of positivity. Now you have three go to techniques for getting out of a funk and staying in the creative flow to maximize positivity. Remember that creating is a power - that will bring you joy, increase your self-esteem, give you a "tribe" of like-minded people, open your eyes to the beauty and inspiration that surrounds us each day, and spread positivity - you always have in your own hands, you just have to be willing to use them. 

-Mallory Paige

Mallory is on a mission. A mission to bring handmade back to life. A mission to increase self-confidence and bliss by spreading the magic of creativity.

To learn about Mallory and her Creative Self-Esteem Cycle visit her website at www.mallorypaige.com

I consider myself a pretty positive person. I choose to look for the good in every situation. Kindness and empathy are as much a part of my life as breathing. So you can imagine my surprise when recently reading Am I Being Kind? by Michael C. Chase, I found that the answer to the question he posed was actually “no”… at least as it related to how I treated MYSELF. In that instant, I experienced what Oprah would call an ‘aha moment’.

Here was my revelation: I am not being kind to myself when I choose to eat foods that make me feel badly, that steal my energy and my general wellness. I have struggled with my weight for most of my forty-four years on this planet. Ironically, I eat for comfort yet the end result is significant discomfort…both physically and emotionally.

Odds are, if you are reading this blog you are also a kind, positive person.  I challenge you today to take a few minutes to stop and think about the kindness – or lack thereof – that you extend to yourself.  What are the stories that you are telling yourself about what you do and who you are?  How do you treat yourself? Actions really do speak louder than words. 

Empowerment, rich self-esteem, and positive affirmations are not just for our daughters and our friends.  We deserve all of the good that we wish for those we care about.  

This year I am committed to being kind to myself.  Are you?

Lanette Pottle is the Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer  of Positivity Nation™, a non-profit organization with a mission to “create a world-wide epidemic of positivity…one small act at a time!”. 

To learn more, visit www.positivitynation.com or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/positivitynation

How can you be nicer to yourself? Leave me your thoughts below the article. 

Over the last few years, I have been exchanging emails with Tamiko. Tamiko is a lovely women who is encouraging and supportive of me and my Pincurl Girls. So when I went looking for a special girl to help, Tamiko posted on my facebook page that her 11 year old daughter Alissah is raising money and collecting soaps to take on a mission trip to Guatemala. The beauty of this story is Alissah's desire to keep moving ahead after a number of setbacks. Next month, 3 generations of women, Alissah, her mother and grandmother will all be making the trip to give support and supplies to the needy children of Guatemala. 

I love the determination of Alissah and her mother and want to celebrate them for continuing to believe in their ability to make a difference. On Sunday morning I Skyped Alissah to hear her story first hand. 

Watch our conversation here:

Alissah's zest for life and her excitement for helping people gave me the goosebumps. She is such an amazing girl that I created a custom Pincurl Girl print of Alissah with the positive message she tells herself: "Just take one more step and believe and find people who encourage you."

Wanting to encourage Alissah, I will be donating all the proceeds from the sale of this print to her and the organization she is working with Visions International Missions. 

If you are just interested in donating you can do so here:


Please share this story by posting a comment below, liking it on facebook or tweeting it. Thanks! xoxo, Jen

Download this FREE digital calendar for your computer here. Now, don't miss out on next's month. Sign up now on the homepage to get a new calendar emailed to you each month. Leave me a comment or like this if you LOVE it!

xoxo,
Jen

Every month I am going to be offering a print for that month with 15% of the proceeds donated to a charity.

January's Pincurl Girl portrait is of an awesome biker girl named Ryana. She has selected Lincoln's Bike Kitchen as her charity of choice. Take advantage of limited time offer and give a donation to Lincoln, Nebraska's Bike Kitchen. 

The Bike Kitchen provides refurbished bikes and parts to community members so anyone that wants to be biking can be, for free.  By combining free access to professional tools with a team of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers, they also aim to help others develop the basic maintenance skills that will keep their bikes rolling for a lifetime.

Click here to buy print. Print will be available until January 31st, 2012

When I was a child, I struggled with feeling bad about myself. I shied away from experiences in fear of messing up and embarrassing myself. As a grown woman, I still have plenty of insecurities. I strive to be perfect and I am far from it. I still need to remind myself it’s ok to mess up, to be real…and to at least try, even if I fail.

But, these struggles have lead to something worth sharing. I started drawing and writing messages that gave me courage, permission and the support I needed to be true to myself. Over the years these drawings have become to be known as Pincurl Girls.

Pincurl Girls are teachers, supporters and my version of a fairy god mother. They are here to remind girls they’re special. No matter what age, a girl benefits from hearing she is special and loved.

If you have ever needed some love and support or felt not worthy, I want to create something with my art that can help you. If you like this share this message with your friends by clicking on the icons below or leave me a comment.
Thanks!
 

xoxo,
Jen

Pincurl Girls wants to communicate to every girl who has ever felt unsure of herself and teach her she can change her self-perception by changing the way she thinks about herself. 

All my creations are filled with love to teach girls to believe in themselves. Join me in spreading this message to the all the magical girls across the world. -Jen Landis, Pincurl Girls creator

I have been working with Ginja, my agent to license my Pincurl Girls. This weekend I have been updating my licensing portfolio.