The air is turning crisp, the leaves are starting to whisper of change… September is almost here, and with it comes a natural invitation to reflect.
I've been turning the pages of my own journal, pondering a few questions that I'd love to share with you.
These are my answers … you may have different ones … but I share here to encourage you to think about them, see what comes to the surface, delve deeper, be honest with yourself but, most of all, be kind to YOU!
This past month, I've been tackling something that's really hard for me: exercise.
I'm not naturally athletic, and the idea of lifting weights or feeling sore just doesn't appeal to me. But after a couple of rough years health-wise, I realized I can't keep ignoring my body.
I'm brimming with creative energy, but if I don't have the physical strength to back it up, it's all for nothing. So, I'm determined to get stronger.
It's been a struggle, but I'm proud to say I've gone from zero workouts to three times a week.
Seeing those small improvements has been incredibly motivating. I want to enter my 50s feeling strong and capable, both mentally and physically.
I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to put in the work.
Where have you been giving your energy?
Lately, I've been pouring my energy into finding the sweet spot where all my passions intersect:
I love to write, I love to create art, and I'm finally realizing that I don't have to choose between them.
It's about embracing the whole messy, beautiful process and letting my creativity flow freely, no matter what form it takes.
It's incredibly freeing to let go of labels and expectations.
I'm not just a writer or an artist – I'm a multi-passionate, nuanced human being with a whole range of diverse interests and skills. And when I can find ways to blend my passions together, it's pure magic.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of expressing myself fully, whether it's through words on a page or colors on a canvas.
It's like all the different parts of me are finally coming together in harmony.
Stepping outside the box has been like throwing open the windows and letting the sunshine flood in!
When I stopped worrying about what everyone else was doing, I rediscovered my own unique spark.
It's showing up in everything I do – from approaching my work with fresh eyes to feeling a newfound sense of playfulness and freedom in my art.
I'm no longer holding myself back, trying to fit into someone else's mold.
I'm tapping into that inner light, that wellspring of creativity that's always been there. And it feels amazing!
My upcoming book, "Little Tokens of Love, Big Ripples of Happiness", is a testament to this newfound freedom. It's a beautiful blend of my passions, a reminder that the most powerful creations come from a place of authenticity.
I can't wait to share this light with the world!
Contrastingly, where do you need to pull back and eliminate?
If I'm being completely honest, I struggle with self-doubt. A lot.
It's so easy to get caught in the comparison trap, especially when you're constantly bombarded with highlight reels on social media.
I'll be scrolling through Instagram, admiring the work of some incredible artist, or reading about a successful author's latest retreat in southern France, and suddenly I'm questioning everything I'm doing.
"Who am I to think I have anything valuable to offer?" "Hasn't it all been done before?"
These fleeting feelings of inadequacy have been paralyzing in the past, but I'm learning to sit with them, to dig deeper and understand where they're coming from.
When I can identify the root of that fear – that core need or wound that needs to be addressed – it loses some of its power.
I'm slowly starting to realize that my worth doesn't depend on external validation or comparison.
If my work resonates with even one person, if it brings them joy or comfort or a sense of connection, then it matters. It is worth doing.
And that's enough.
Little Token of Love made by my 10-year-old for an ice cream vendor
What intentions do you hold for this month?
This month, I'm setting an intention to be braver in my vulnerability. That looks like two things for me:
First, I want to share my work more freely, even when it feels raw or incomplete. It's terrifying to put yourself out there, to risk rejection or criticism. I know this firsthand — it's not easy to walk up to a stranger and hand them a piece of your heart. But I've also seen the joy it can bring, the unexpected connections it can spark. So, I'm going to keep pushing past that fear.
Second, I'm going to trust that my voice matters. Starting this book project has stirred up so many insecurities. Will I be able to live up to their expectations? Will I be able to do justice to this project? Am I a good enough photographer? A compelling writer? What if the book doesn’t do well? And what gives me the authority to even write a book on spreading kindness … I am not a certified expert or even a trained artist! What business do I have teaching people how to make art?
But the publishers believe in me, and so do you.
So, I'm choosing to breathe through the fear and keep going.
I'm reminding myself that creativity doesn't require perfection or expertise.
It's about showing up, sharing your truth, and connecting with others.
And even if it's scary, I know that the world needs more brave, vulnerable voices.
And maybe, just maybe, mine can be one of them.
How can your art practice support you in this?
My art practice has always been my refuge, a place where I can safely explore the full spectrum of my emotions and experiences.
It's where I give shape to my deepest feelings, transforming them into tangible expressions of love, appreciation, and gratitude that I can share with the world.
I'm creating from a place of vulnerability, and in doing so, I'm inviting others to do the same.
I hope my art can serve as a gentle reminder that even in this fast-paced, digital age, connection is important.
We all yearn to be seen, heard, and understood. And sometimes, the most powerful way to bridge that gap is through the simple act of sharing our authentic selves with the world.
As you can see, this past month has been a journey of pushing boundaries, embracing the messiness of creativity, and finding strength in vulnerability.
It's a constant balancing act, learning to nourish what fuels me and release what doesn't.
I hope these reflections inspire you to take a moment and check in with yourself.
This was so heartfelt. It really resonates with me.
Something I've always wanted to learn is to write poetry, so I could incorporate it into my artwork,art journal & tokens of love .Something I struggle with though is getting words out on the page, like what to write ect. It's Kind of like the fear of the blank page. Which by the way You have helped me overcome! I hope I'm making since.
Is it possible for you to do an Art/ poetry sessions in one of our zoom sessions, and share your process with us?
Oh Bonnie! What a wonderful idea! Yes, I'd love to do a journal session in our membership group that incorporates poetry as a hidden but also a visible form of self-expression interweaving with the symbols and colors on the page. I'm so glad you're overcoming the fear of a blank page -- there's nothing quite like closing one's eyes and throwing paint at it just so it's not pristine anymore :)
Mansi,
This was so heartfelt. It really resonates with me.
Something I've always wanted to learn is to write poetry, so I could incorporate it into my artwork,art journal & tokens of love .Something I struggle with though is getting words out on the page, like what to write ect. It's Kind of like the fear of the blank page. Which by the way You have helped me overcome! I hope I'm making since.
Is it possible for you to do an Art/ poetry sessions in one of our zoom sessions, and share your process with us?
As always thank you for the inspiration! 💖
You're amazing my friend!
Oh Bonnie! What a wonderful idea! Yes, I'd love to do a journal session in our membership group that incorporates poetry as a hidden but also a visible form of self-expression interweaving with the symbols and colors on the page. I'm so glad you're overcoming the fear of a blank page -- there's nothing quite like closing one's eyes and throwing paint at it just so it's not pristine anymore :)