Ladybug Messages in Your Messes by Cat Wilson
Look around. Listen, and notice. How do you feel? What are the messages in your view? You may discover that you can feel better by simply changing the view and creating a new message.
Once upon a time, I worked in graphic design. It was a big part of my life, and still is a part of me, so I pay close attention to color, texture, and symbols. Often, I stop to pause and wonder about the messages in the environment. Wall hangings with supportive sayings smile at me. Paintings and photographs on the wall inspire awe and gratitude in my heart.M
Messages are everywhere. Advertisers work diligently to arrange their messages, so you will buy their products. Malcolm Gladwell talked about “priming” in messages in his book “Blink,” and how studies at universities showed how words placed in front of our view can prime us to think that we are older, younger, smarter, or set us up for action.
According to Wikipedia, “Priming is an implicit memory effect in which exposure to one stimulus influences a response to another stimulus.” You are affected by pictures, words, nature, color, texture, and much more. If someone or a company can stimulate you by a big bold word or a scene, you can do it for yourself.
Messages in Your Messes
Cat in Messages in Messes by Cat Wilson
Explore your environment. Stop, turn around, and notice what is in front of you. Notice how you feel emotionally and physically in your surroundings.
Right now I am looking at a table full of green plants, purple orchids blooming, and beyond is a window opening to a view of autumn colored trees. A cat sits on the windowsill looking beyond. This view feels open and helps me focus.
On the windowsill in my kitchen is a red, ceramic ladybug, containing two frogs and a round pin that says, “I am loved.” I see this as I am preparing food. I wonder if “love” goes into the food.
Photograph scenes around your home and work area. Look at what is there. What are the messages in your messes? Do the things you see make you feel low or bring you up?
Color can inspire. Purple and green can bring new and fresh feelings. Blue can relax you. Red can excite! Change it to bring you want you are needing and wanting.
Want More Happiness?
Turkey Table – Messages in Messes by Cat Wilson
Look at your desk area or where you work. What sort of objects make you feel like working? If you are bored and want more satisfaction and happiness, put inspiring objects and words around you. Words like “joy, peace, enjoyment, life.” Select photographs of people who make you feel good (i.e. Einstein, Jesus, Buddha, Saints, Oprah.)
If philosophy inspires you, try putting up a wall hanging with a phrase that suits you on your closet door, like,” Live with Intention,” and try it on for a week. Holidays are a wonderful time to place fun and joyful objects along with cards that lift your spirit.
Happiness and motivation are yours when you give yourself a boost by the messages in your environment. You also get more control over your thoughts when you choose the words, objects, and inspiration and the messages in your messes.
In the coaching sessions we have with our people, we go over “Values,” “Meanings,” and “Motivational Profiles.” There is something about having someone listen to you and ask you deep questions to help you get clarity. When you have clarity you can transform your life into one with value and meaning.
In the Portland Mindmap class (another one coming in December 12th, 2014), participants discover all kinds of messages that they didn’t even realize. Isn’t it time that you creating the right kind of messages to inspire and enliven you.
Enjoy your messages in your messes. Remember that we are here at Apositiva for you. Call us for personal development workshops, creativity inspiration, and coaching at 503-525-0595.