Creative Business Quick Tip - Build a Support System

We want to do it all, run our business, take care of our family, and hang out with friends. As we know it can be very challenging to do it all and do it all well.

Building a support system will help you to better meet your goals, and still have time for family and friends.

Here are a few ideas for building a support system.

Family - If you have family close by, tap into those sources to help with child care, run errands, pack orders, maybe just to bounce ideas off. My sister lives in another state but we talk about ideas, she helps me make plans, shares her ideas, I relay on her and her support daily.

Friends - Sometimes they are just as good as family. They will support you when you need it and give you a place to vent when needed. I have several friends in my support system and each one helps in different ways. A friend of mine who lives in New York is trying to start his own business and we have set up weekly phone meeting to help support each other in our business ventures.

Neighbors - They are close by and most of the time willing to help. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, but if your in a spot, they are there to help.

Don't forget to also include business contacts in you support system. Choose people that you can talk shop with and share business ideas.

It is important to remember to pay back the favor with your family, friends, and neighbors when ever possible. It can be difficult to ask for help, but if you build a support system you may find that you are able to get more things done and see your business grow.

When do you Feel Most Creative?

I am a morning person.

I like to get up in the morning exercise, spend some time outside, do my computer work and any paperwork I need to complete.

After most of my busy work is done, that is when I can be creative. I need to have projects and paperwork off my mind so I can spend my afternoon feeling my most creative.

Everyone has a different schedule and when they feel most productive. What is your best time of the day?

When do you feel most creative?

Journal Prompt

Inspiring Quote: When you are inspired by some great purpose, all your thoughts break their bonds: your mind transcends limitations, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.

Patanjali, Father of Yoga

When you have a few extra minutes, take out your journal/sketchbook and with pictures or words answer this question...

My great purpose is...

It's a big question and will require a little time to process your answer. Just remember to answer the question for yourself! No one has to ever see it but you, so be honest with yourself.

When you are having an off day, take out your book and reread your answer for a little boost.

When you are documenting your goals and dreams on paper, do you prefer to draw or write?

Whats your Favorite Magazine?

I love magazines!! I could sit and read magazines all day long. When I need a quick creative boost it's the perfect thing to get the creative juices flowing.

I like a wide range of magazines including fashion, art, decorating, craft, business, and travel. When I can't afford to buy them I go to the book store, grab a cold drink and spend a couple of hours going through magazines.

When I want to bring some home so I can lounge and read them I check out a whole stack from my library.

Leave me a comment of your favorite magazines, and I will create a list of must read magazines in a future post.

Whats your favorite magazine?

Take Care of Your Number One Tool

As online business owner/shoppers, we spend a lot of time on our computers. We don't think about it much, but all that time on your computer gives your hands a work out. Our hands and our wrists get tired and sore. It's important to take care of them daily.

I do hand massages often throughout the day. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my wrist several years ago and learned the importance of taking care of my hands.

As artists/crafters we use our hands all day long, so make sure you are taking care of your number 1 tool.

Easy self hand massage

Here is a like to simple steps for doing a hand massage - Self-Massage for your hands

This youtube video shows a great technique that you can do in less then a couple of minutes.

Try reflexology (also for overall health)

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

Here is a link to a chart for all the zones on your hands - A printable PDF chart

Hand care

Taking care of your hands and keeping them moisturized is important for their over all health.

Here are a few ideas for creating your own hand care products.

-Bee-Pollen Hand Cream- this can be made by using melted petroleum jelly, beeswax and glycerin. Using this cream on a daily basis makes your hand super soft.

-Cocoa-Butter Hand Cream- this is a wonder natural hand cream lotion having the goodness of cocoa and butter. Completely devoid of toxins and synthetic fragrance, including this cream in daily natural hand care regime is a good idea.

-Almond-Butter Hand Softener- this hand cream lotion has the goodness of almonds and butter. It leaves a beautiful fragrance on the hands and relaxes the tissues.

If you don't want to create your own products there are a variety of products available on Etsy.com.

Add some simple steps to your daily routine for taking care of your hands and they will stay strong and flexible.

What do you do to care for your hands?

Be Inspired - Fruit

Words to Inspire

“Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits, Take care of your garden And keep out the weeds, Fill it with sunshine Kind words and kind deeds”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Idea to Inspire

Boost your creativity and feel energized by enjoying at least 4 fruits everyday.

Photo's to Inspire

Fruit is not only good to eat it can be very inspiring to look at as well. These Flickr photographers have proved just how beautiful it can be, with these amazing photo's.

Kiwi Fruit by sypix

Dogwood Tree Fruit 10 by LongInt57

minimal fruit #5 by .:barbarina:.

Exotic fruit: Kino or Kiwano helenabraga

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Accessory Style - Red, White & Blue

This weekend in the United States we are celebrating The Forth of July. In honor of the 4Th I have selected a collection of accessories, by a variety of Etsy artists, you can enjoy all summer long.

Red Shaggy Chainmaille Bracelet by janabolic

BUZIOS White Specialty Leather Bracelet by vymana

Chic Navy Blue Organza Flower Headband by myflowershop

Vintage Style Feathered Half Hat in Red by janinebasil

White Nuno Felted Silk scarf by JVhomeworks

Lightweight vintage Woman's Hat in Navy by vintagejudy

Check out all the cool items in each shop, that will be perfect anytime of the year.

Have a great weekend, new post on Monday!

Discover Wellness

Since the beginning of the year I have been working to have a little less chaos in my life and working towards a life filled with creativity and balance.

So, this month the blog is going to be about wellness.

WELLNESS - Wellness is first and foremost a choice to assume responsibility for the quality of you life. It begins with a conscious decision to shape a healthy lifestyle. Wellness is a mind set, a predisposition to adopt a series of key principles in varied life area that lead to high levels of well-being and life satisfaction.

Each week their will be posts for practicing relaxation, simple easy exercising to get your creative juices flowing, healthy summer recipes, fun creative ideas, self discovery, and ideas for a creative quality of life, along with my regular features.

Join me on this journey to change my life into being more healthy, positive, and creative.

What have you done for yourself lately?