Category: encouragement

Creating with a +6m Baby

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Before I had to return back to work I felt like I was making some head way on a few projects. But a few weeks later after my return I feel like nothing has gotten done. Trying to balance it, my art and my 6 month old baby, mostly on my own, is definitely overwhelming. I’m desperately trying to find some balance and a routine but honestly, I feel the need to work on my mind set. Which means…

1. BE MFN GRACIOUS and UNDERSTANDING to YOURSELF! I’m guilty of being a perfectionist. I put way too much pressure on myself. I have about 5 WIP’s at the moment and I feel like they equally need my attention. Along with keeping my baby a priority and my home clean (and going back to work). Its too much sometimes but it’s why I have to force myself to stop and take a breather and just enjoy whichever moment I’m in. If it’s the 5 minutes it takes to hold and comfort my baby or the 5 minutes I get to sew or string a bead I need to be mindful and present. Remember that you’re doing your best. Don’t get agitated, this is an adjustment. Which leads to #2.

#2 Don’t feel guilty! Idk about you but I’m definitely the artist that can zone out for hours. Prioritizing my art over basic needs like going to the toilet, sleeping and eating. I know. But seriously if I’m in the midst of a project it has my complete attention; I’m lasered focused and fully committed to it. So there is this twinge that comes over me when I’m working and he is having a fussier than usual day and he won’t let me put him down or his standing chair time will not suffice. I feel guilty that I become impatient at moments, wanting to devote time to my art. I have to remind myself it’s ok. Your project will be there. Love on your baby, enjoy these moments because we all know how fleeting they are.

#3 Enjoy it! Time is precious. When art has been and is your therapy or a form of meditation in your life and your way of loving on yourself; Don’t feel guilty for enjoying it. Soon enough you’ll be able to share it with you’re little one. And they already see what you’re doing. The five minutes I do get you better believe I’m more likely to use them then I was before I had a kid. My little one can sometimes be a 15 minute napper. On those days I must take advantage of that time; Whether its to quickly do the dishes or just take a shower. Time becomes extremely more valuable when you have a demanding Lil baby that needs your attention. So the few seconds you do get, enjoy them and make the best of them.

I think the point is to remember that yes your art is important and you will have to sacrifice some of the time you spend on it but it doesn’t mean that you aren’t an artist anymore. It’s honestly a beautiful journey melding the two. Be open to the process. You do not have to give up your art. I know the feeling. I wondered if I’d have to give it up. Struggling with your identity after having a child is no joke. Just remember it’s just going to take an adjustment, some patience and understanding. When you have a baby, everyday won’t be the same, so just do your best to show up for yourself daily and try and do the one thing you can or need to do today.

I’m the first one that gets annoyed when people suggest day care. I don’t have too many people to rely on or understand that my art is more than a damn hobby to me. If you can afford day care more power to you, take advantage of it or anyone who is willing to help. But if you’re on your own I know how overwhelming the pressure can be. Don’t underestimate the value of: some sleep, a hot shower, a clean space, a cup of coffee or enjoying some nature. Relax, you’re doing great! Your child sees all that you’re doing. Hang in there.

And o one more thing! Becoming a mother is not a choice that should be taken lightly, no woman should be forced to carry a pregnancy or become a mother before she is ready. I’m so glad I waited till now and even at 37, I can admit it’s a lot of responsibility. It’s a fulltime commitment that takes 127% of your time. So enjoy your life and don’t be in a rush and dont let anyone pressure you in having children before you’re ready. I stand by all my fellow pro-choice women and supporters. Reproductive rights are human rights. A women’s rights poster to come soon!

BEautifullyODD

Hope Before the New Year: 7 Ways to Start the NY’s off Right!

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I have seen this quote floating around recently, “If you haven’t started working on 2017 by now you’re already behind.”

I don’t know how everyone else is feeling, but man I feel it.

Up until a few months ago; I was feeling a bit stuck. To be honest I’m still trying to fully dislodge my self from the iky-ness I have experienced. Not only this year but the previous too. It seems like these past two years have weighed heavily on my heart. Despite my challenges, I have been able to grow in a sense; Mainly in part because I launched the blog.

And for all of it I am grateful because in spite of it, I keep trudging along. There is still so much I want to do with the blog and I am so excited about its potenital and the arrival of my sewing machine. It has re-sparked my flame. Trudging isn’t always feeling so depressive now; I’m actually starting to skip again. I still have my bad days. But boy it’s BeautifullyODD when I have my moments of peace and creativity.

All I want is more of those sweet moments in 2017.

I do feel like there is a shift happening in the world and that if you haven’t already jumped now is the time to do so. (Check out Steve Harvey’s Book: Jump)

Ways To Start The New Year Off Right!

  1. Clean! Remove anything of no use. Get Rid of it. No clutter. Amazing, clean, organized workspace. A clean environment leaves room for inspiration.
  2. REFLECT: I encourage anyone and everyone to sit down and seriously reflect over the past year. What did you accomplish, what did you struggle with. Take the time to be honest and ask your self some questions to help better guide you in the new year. Google: year-end reflection journal prompts to help get you started.
  3. Go WithIn: With all the reflection I feel the need to sorta meditate and even do some yoga this weekend to just focus on what I want to manifest for the new year. To open myself to the peace and harmony I want for the new year and making peace with the past!
  4. CELEBRATE! I love to crack open a bottle of champagne! I’m actually partying this year. But whatever you want to do… do it. Get a masage, burn some candles and sit in the tub. Go to dinner by yourself. Just find some way to celebrate the ringing in of a new year and all of its possibilities.
  5. Intentions: Goals are always important and after all the reflecting you did in#2, you should have a better idea, of some of the things you want to change, improve upon, try and or enjoy in the new year.
  6. Don’t Be Fooled. Yes, every day is a chance to start your life. Hence the reason people are like if you haven’t started then you are behind. But don’t let that discourage you, let it be the reason to proceed. With the power of the winter solstice upon us, we come full circle when the year ends and there is something magical in that moment. Something formidable. It may only last for a second. But it’s within that second you have communed with the universe. All your hopes and dreams are wrapped up in that very moment. Which leads to…
  7. Get to WORK! It’s up to you to make it happen. If you have to, take small steps by making a plan or schedule and then stick to it. Just do the work and before you know it… your garden will be in full bloom.

BEautifullyODD

Olisa Rachele

Finding Peace Through Nature

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People are hurting. I feel so much empathy for those experiencing such rude and awful discrimination. My heart breaks. The only hope I can give is to remind all of you that we have a right to achieve our “American” Dream. Do not waste it. Embrace it and be proud of your efforts. Do not run ashamed. Do not fear. You do not stand alone. And I will not stand idly by as bystander. And regardless of your country, continue to fight for your right to dream. I can’t imagine the hate people are experiencing but let that shit be your motivation to rise higher. I can’t let my anger and sadness get the best of me. So today as I was leaving the pharmacy at Kaiser I decided to purchase a bouquet of silver dollar eucalyptus. I say this to suggest a trip to the local park,  some time away from the news is what we need. We need to reconnect to hope, to nature. Tap into it.

To all races, men and woman, LGBT, and religions I stand by you.

Continue to BEautifullyODD

Olisa Rachele

I found the map!

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So… as you all know… My ship has sailed. Now the ship almost sank but I fixed the leak and then I had to have my doubt and fear walk the plank. But though the ship left the harbor… and I knew where it was going… I didn’t have the map to get there. I misplaced it when I came aboard.

But now that I have found the map… I’ve come to realize a few things…

1. A plan: I was listening to Joel Osteen the other day and he was saying you gotta to have a plan. Goals with out plans become ineffective. We have to make an effort in order to get to the finish line. “If you come up with a plan, God will direct your steps.” So, with that said I have been working on a schedule that will help me not only stay focused but meet my short term goals. And as Twyla Tharp says… us creative people have to form habitual habits in order to stay committed to the dream. (something like that)

2. Sometimes I feel like shit and I don’t want to do anything… but Joyce Myer said that if you start doing what you know is right then your feelings will catch up with it. I believe it. When we feel like we can’t, or that we don’t wish to continue pushing on… we tend to want to give up… but there is that little needle in the haystack that says… get up! We have to not ignore it and find the strength to persevere.

3. My determination: well… I knew I had to graduate with my AA in photography. I couldn’t walk away from it. But, now that I’m not going to school… what is going to motivate me? I don’t have a professor telling me what to do, I don’t have my conscious telling me that I have to pass this class so that I can achieve step 1, 2 & 3. I want to start a business. I am not committed to attend class, I am not obligated to write a research paper. But I am determined to achieve my goal. So… by implementing a plan I am now obligated… and though I have to be completely accountable for my actions… my dream is still there. It has not died because I’m not attending school.

4. Life… however hard is so very beautifullyODD. People are swarming around sayin the world is going to end this date and this date. But I believe that life is beautiful… I believe that the human race has hope… I believe that God… hears me… and because of that… I am going to give it my best till the end of time…
“you gotta dance like nobody’s watchin, dream like you will live forever, live like you’re going to die tomorrow and love like it’s never going to hurt.” ~Meme Grifsters

In the end… this is the beginning of my wildest dreams. There is much to do. More than I can even begin to comprehend. And I am more than willing to fight for it.

So whats first… (exhale) I have projects to finish… one day at a time.. things to learn… one day at a time… and hope that is never dying.

much love to you all… chase your dreams… AND NEVER, GIVE UP!

LOVE, ME
OLISA RACHELE
so beautifullyODD

Do you have a dream?

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For a second there, I was ready to give up on this damn blog! Why, I can’t really say. I guess it’s cause I’m always doubting my capabilities. See, the thing is, I decided to stop giving up on myself. Some of you may have your life totally together. And like I said in another post, then maybe this isn’t for you. But if your anything like myself, then you can admit that, ”LIFE GETS FUCKING DIFFICULT!!!” Yes, I cursed, but it’s the truth. Now I also better warn you that I believe in God. I know, the cuss words above say something else. But hey, ‘I ain’t perfect!’

Bottom line is that I have GOALS THAT REACH FAR BEYOND THE BIG DIPPER. What about you? I pray, that each of you follow your heart, and achieve your every dream. Something deep burns in me. “This little of mine, I’m gonna let shine”. Each and every single one of us, has a light burning deep within our soul.

Now, has your light ever been blown out!? Some of us (humans) have been at the bottom and seen some ugly things. And I have to admit, I have had it good. Unfortunately there are a few folks out there, that have gone through some serious shit! And it amazes me when I meet people who still, get the hell up, in the midst of it all.

I don’t know your situation!? Maybe your light is as bright as a forest fire a flame, or it flickers like a candle ready to go out. All I can say is that I believe there is a light in all of us. I choose to call him God, others: Spirit, Soul, Devine, Jesus, Lord and Savior, Buddha, I don’t know. But, it doesn’t change the truth.

What is the truth? I’m still on that Journey. I’ll keep you posted. But in short, it’s that I believe 127% that God is the love in my heart. And with that love, came a purpose. Maybe you haven’t found it, and if not, then ask yourself why. If you have, then by all means, don’t you ever give up.

In end, sometimes life can be hard and I’m just trying to relate to those who agree. Especially, if you’re trying to make something for yourself. Whether its to have a family, obtain higher education, a career, or etc.; we can achieve our dreams! Let your light shine bright. Let it be your fuel. And yes, it may flutter from time to time. But just throw some gasoline on that shit and it will burn bright!

Love you guys!!!
Thank you

Quotes:

“What does it mean to believe in God? It means learning to honor your own inherent Godliness.” Iyanla, Vanzant

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” Harold, Kieth D.

“Enthusiastically chasing dreams.” Harold, Kieth D.

“Remain open. There is something bigger than you know going on here.” Vanzant, Iyanla

“We are each a unique expression of the Divine Mind living to fulfill a divine mission and purpose.” Vanzant, Iyanla

“God believes I can do it.” Vanzant, Iyanla