Life Lessons from Sourdough Pond: Universal Wisdom Encourages Confident Action

With today's political and financial uncertainty, people are concerned about their dough. This shift invites the all-too-familiar beast - low self-confidence (Will I be enough?). The doubts whisper, the progress feels slow, and sometimes, the urge to just... throw it all away... is incredibly strong.

Recently, I decided to go back to making fresh bread. Cooking or any art-based skill thrives on confidence. I find bread to be intrinsically sensitive to this energetic connection. 

The truth is in the dough.

Rise and Grind: You Can't Fake The Yeast

Acting as an emotional barometer, your dough has a way of communicating where you need work. My recent sourdough is no exception. The flavor was GREAT, but it didn't rise properly, so the loaf felt heavy. 

The Weight of Expectation. 

Don't Waste Your Dough; Diversify Your Investments.

Incredibly lucky, I have a cherished friend I call my soul cousin who just happens to be a master sourdough baker. She reminded me of the importance of diversifying my starter. I had forgotten. Previously, when I was baking regularly, my success came when I started using more than 1 type of flour.

If you rely on 1 skill, 1 client, 1 career you may not rise to your full potential. The right combination results in growth. Using 2 ingredients is great, but for real results try 3. Adding a few caraway seeds can make all the difference. 

We enjoyed the first loaf despite the density. With one loaf left, I started to toss it, but then I thought about who it might be able to feed. I could throw it in the dumpster knowing scavengers would probably find it in the bag, or I could feed a multitude with ease.

Fish or little souls?

Make a Splash: Take a Leap of Faith. 

On a whim, I decided to feed the fish. (Note: please notice the word whim. One should not feed wildlife, even fish. This was, in fact, my first thought immediately upon tossing the bread in the water. Sometimes the nostalgic kid activities we grew up with were well-intentioned, but not the best ideas.)

I planned to cast it far, but the throw was far from the majestic Frisbee toss I imagined and more like a lopsided flail. Instead of sailing, it hugged the bank, before floating unceremoniously into a drainpipe, disappearing completely.

Standing on the shore, I shook my head. It was the perfect illustration of my current feelings. A week and a half of effort, plus the cost of goods, didn't make the splash I had intended, and now it seemed to have completely disappeared. 

As I started to walk dejectedly up the hill, my thought pattern shifted with my first step. 

Growing up, the schools I attended included theology as a core subject. Suddenly, it felt profound. Wasn't there a ceremony or a story about throwing bread on water as an offering or a prayer? Trying to remember the details, my mind began circulating the prospective belief systems that might hold the clue as I walked back to the house to grab my phone.

Even the sky over the pond tells a whale of a tale.

Ancient Wisdom from Google: the Modern Library of Alexandra

Into the search bar of the current Library of Alexandria, ie. Google, I typed bread water offering. My instinct was confirmed. The Jewish Tashlich ceremony involves throwing bread into a flowing body of water to symbolize letting the past year's mistakes go and embracing a positive new beginning. This tradition is based on the Biblical verse Ecclesiastes 11:1 “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” 

Kneading Meaning: When the Dough Speaks Listen.

I was struck by awe. Let me explain, the symbolism goes beyond the verse. 

The word Ecclesiastes roughly translates to Kohelet, or teacher of an assembly.
In numerology, 111 is the number of manifestation or prayer. 

Ecclesiastes chapter 11 can be best described by the Turtle’s 1965 hit song “Turn, Turn, Turn”.  Everything has a cycle, there is a season or a timing to all things. Life is uncertain. Be generous. Invest wisely in multiple ways. Be consistent. Enjoy life, but don't be greedy.

Verse 1 of chapter 11 advises taking calculated risks by encouraging wise investment through diverse means. Don't expect immediate results, instead rely on consistent effort. Trust the process. Eventually you will yield results. 

Encouraged, I shared my story with my husband. As artists, these types of philosophical conversations are commonplace. Together we marveled at the magic of life's latest little lesson on the way to the barber. 

A Cut Above the Rest: Barbershop Prophets

We love our barber. As another husband and wife artistic duo, our chats are often electric and inspiring. It had been a few weeks since our last visit, but we quickly saw similarities in our lives and business updates. Our engaging conversations have never included religion.  I think even he was surprised when he shared that he's been meditating on a Bible verse about how consistent efforts deliver long-term results. 

My husband and I exchanged a nonverbal conversation in an instant. Our friend had no idea that earlier I had started my morning meditation, asking for a sign, and he most certainly didn't know the story about the bread. 

I am much more philosophical than religious. Quoting a Bible verse is not my typical M.O., and yet I had done so on the way to the salon. Not only that, but the message behind both verses matched. 

Little fish; Big Faith.

Little Fish, Big Faith: Trust the Process.

Walking the dog upon our return home, I was surprised to learn our bread wasn't loafing around; it had more to share. Broken into 2 small chunks on 2 separate areas of the bank were 2 schools of little fish feasting on the dough we provided.  

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”. 

As an extra fun sprinkle of magical parable energy, 222 in numerology is a reminder to have faith. 

The Universe Talks; Are you Listening?

The message here goes beyond  “consistent effort pays off; trust the process”. The overall story arc is this: The Universe listens. The secret is knowing she also answers. You just have to listen and watch for her reply. Are you holding up your end of the conversation? Or are you doing all the talking?

Maybe Mary Poppins Left Because She Knew You Wouldn't Appreciate Her if She Stayed

There’s just something about Mary, isn’t there? She’s the quintessential savior—practically perfect in every way. What if the reality of her departure had less to do with the changing winds, but was more of a gut-wrenching epiphany: the realization that her presence wouldn't be appreciated if she stayed? It's a bitter medicine, realizing your continued presence might drain your magic and effectiveness. It's a notion that many of us can relate to, whether in our personal or professional lives. Should I stay or should I go?

Gratitude: More than a Spoonful of Sugar

Gratitude is profound magic, not just a whimsical, spoonful of sugar endeavor —it is a transformative force. As noted by experts (Sansone & Sansone, 2010), gratitude can alleviate symptoms of melancholy and unease, uplift spirits, and bolster cognitive faculties. Sincere appreciation can diminish stress and elevate mental well-being (sources: LifeHack, Power of Positivity).

Gratitude cultivates resilience by nurturing a positive perspective, even amidst the storms of adversity. It anchors us in the present moment, enriching mindfulness and overall contentment. Embracing gratitude promotes improved sleep and fortifies the immune system (sources: LifeHack, Power of Positivity).

Mary Escaped the Crushing Weight of Criticism

Constantly being on the receiving end of criticism or a lack of appreciation is a soul-sucking experience. It’s not just about hearing negative feedback; it's about the mental and emotional toll it takes. Increased depression, anxiety, and stress are just the tip of the iceberg​ (Power of Positivity)​​ (Thought Catalog)​.

When you're not appreciated, it erodes your self-esteem and motivation. You start to feel isolated and disconnected. This is why you see higher levels of turnover in workplaces where employees don't feel valued. It’s a vicious cycle: the more unappreciated you feel, the less engaged you become, which leads to poorer performance and, you guessed it, even more criticism​ (Power of Positivity)​​ (Thought Catalog)​.

Practically Perfect Boundaries: the Art of Self-Respect

So What about Mary? As if sent from Heaven, she arrived just as the storm blew into the Bank's lives. A guiding force, she arrived with a high standard for herself and the family. Boundaries were the critical source of her magic. Mary knew her value, it was this fact that allowed her to see the value in others. Her innate sense of self-respect created an atmosphere that demanded the energy of anyone in her presence. Mary understood the assignment and had the confidence to know when her mission was complete. She was to demonstrate that self-respect requires a disciplined mind and a light heart. 

Like Seinfeld, she knew her audience well. A true master of timing, she knew when the Banks had reached their height. Once the lessons had been learned, it was up to them as individuals to focus on the discipline of maintaining the effort. The novelty of her magic would wear off and be destroyed completely if she stayed to enforce the repetitious practice required for mastery.

Leaving at the height of their appreciation ensured the positive lasting impact of the magic she had brought them. Her parting gift? The nostalgia of their powerful transformation. Her true power was choosing to disappear before they could complain about the effort required to stay polished. Mary didn’t come with a maintenance program, she gave them the manual.

Poppins' Guide to Soaring: Saying Yes

Saying yes to new experiences plays a crucial role in personal growth and satisfaction. It boosts confidence, helps you meet new people, and opens doors to unexpected opportunities. It can enhance your mental and physical health, make you more interesting, and give you a broader perspective on life​ (Power of Positivity)​​ (Thought Catalog)​.

The real Poppin magic in maintaining our sanity and self-worth lies in healthy boundaries and knowing when to stay and when to go. Through our commitment to a constant practice of gratitude, even during our storms, we can build resilience and find joy in the present moment. We can also fortify our mental and physical health by recognizing the toxic effects of constant criticism. Remember the best way to fly to new heights is to say yes to new experiences.

A Caged Bird Sings But Doesn’t Fly

The real magic of Mary? She knew to keep it Poppin, she could never stay in a place that would dim her power. Real self-esteem is moving forward and never allowing nostalgia to be a cage that prevents you from flying. Instead, be like Mary, grab an umbrella, and see where the wind takes you. It might just be more magical than you could have ever imagined. 

References

• Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: The benefits of appreciation. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(11), 18–22.

• Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905.

• Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 359(1449), 1367–1378.

• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.

• Encyclopedia Britannica. (2024). "Seinfeld." In Encyclopedia Britannica.

• Wikipedia contributors. (2024). "Seinfeld." In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

• Rolling Stone. (2023). "The Greatest TV Shows of All Time." In Rolling Stone.

• Power of Positivity. (2024). "10 Reasons to Say Yes to New Experiences." Power of Positivity.

• LifeHack. (2024). "Why Saying Yes to New Experiences Can Change Your Life." LifeHack.

We All Need Days Off for Stupid Reasons, But If It's Important to You, Is It Stupid?

A frog with the caption: “Excuse me, I would like a day off please.”

Dominate culture in 2023 often prioritizes productivity over personal well-being, creating guilt over taking time off for reasons that may seem trivial or "stupid" to others. Disclaimer: If something is important to you; it isn’t stupid! Your personal needs and desires are just as valid as anyone else's, and it's crucial to recognize that taking time off for yourself can ultimately lead to greater happiness and productivity in the long run.

Flexible employment is becoming increasingly popular as more people recognize the importance of work-life balance. This type of arrangement allows individuals to take time off when needed without feeling guilty or facing negative consequences. By fostering an environment of understanding and support, employers can help employees feel more comfortable requesting time off for reasons that may not be considered "traditional."

The benefits of flexible employment extend beyond the individual employee. Research has shown that employees with flexible work schedules experience higher levels of job satisfaction, less absenteeism, and reduced rates of turnover compared to those with traditional work schedules. When people feel comfortable taking time off without guilt, they are more likely to return to work refreshed and recharged. This can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and overall job satisfaction – all of which are essential components of a thriving workplace culture.

At House of Hen Studios, we believe in the importance of creating a compassionate and understanding work environment. This includes allowing ourselves flexibility to take time off for reasons that may seem "stupid" to others but are important to us. By doing so, we can cultivate a culture of global compassion that extends beyond our studio walls.

In conclusion, it's essential to recognize that taking time off for reasons that are important to you – no matter how "trivial" they may seem – is valid and necessary for maintaining your well-being and productivity. By embracing flexible employment and fostering a supportive work culture, we can create a more compassionate world where everyone feels comfortable taking the time, they need for themselves without guilt.

Thank you for joining us on this journey at House of Hen Studios. Together, let's continue to create art that inspires compassion, understanding, and empathy in our global community.

Adversity: WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

Acrylic and Oil Pastel Girl in town walking a dog.

Adversity is an inevitable part of life from financial difficulties to health problems, relationship issues, and unexpected life events. Adversity can be overwhelming, and it is easy to feel defeated and discouraged. How can handle adversity while remaining enthusiastic as we us it to propel ourselves forward?

What is Adversity?

Adversity is a hardship or difficulty. It can be an unexpected event that disrupts our daily life or a long-term struggle that we face. Adversity can be physical, emotional, or mental, and it can affect us in different ways. It can be a challenge that we have to overcome or an opportunity for growth and development.

How to Handle Challenges:

The best way to handle adversity is to know that it is an inevitable part of life. It is the plot of the book of our lives, if embraced can make us deeper feeling, more connected human beings. When you have hit what feels like a roadblock, take several deep breaths, and remember this game plan.

Acceptance: Accepting the situation and acknowledging that it is out of our control is the first step TOWARD handling adversity.

Accepting the situation and recognizing that we can't always control external circumstances moves us forward by allowing us to focus on our reactions and responses - and work towards finding solutions or adapting to the situation. This can ultimately help develop a more positive outlook.

Brené Brown has written extensively about vulnerability, shame, and resilience emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting difficult emotions rather than trying to push them away or ignore them. This can be especially relevant when facing adversity; avoid the temptation to try to "tough it out" or pretend that everything is fine.

Embracing vulnerability and acknowledging our emotions strengthens inner resolve. When we feel and process difficult emotions, we are better equipped to move through them and come out the other side. This can help us build greater empathy and connection with others and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude can help us stay motivated and optimistic in adversity.

Research shows a positive attitude significantly impacts our motivation and productivity levels. Shawn Achor, a leading expert in positive psychology, found that happy employees are 31% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. Additionally, several studies show that a positive outlook increases focus, satisfaction, and engagement.

Focusing on solutions rather than problems increases our ability to cope with stress more effectively, leading to greater success and satisfaction in our personal and professional lives. Practicing optimism, gratitude, kindness, and reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat are key.

Self-Care: Taking care of our physical and emotional well-being is essential

Maintaining physical and emotional well-being includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.

A healthy diet provides the nutrients needed to function properly. Healthy food energizes our physical bodies, equipping them to handle stress more effectively. Regular exercise reduces stress hormones, improving our overall mood, and cognitive abilities.

Sleep plays a critical role in our physical and emotional health, and lack of sleep can lead to a range of negative effects, including decreased concentration, increased anxiety, and depression.

Seek Support: Seeking support from family, friends, or professionals can help us cope.

Reaching out for support is a sign of intelligent strength in action.

Talking to someone we trust helps us process our emotions, and gain new perspectives on our situation. It can also provide a sense of validation and comfort knowing that we're not alone in our struggles.

Seeking professional guidance is a great option. They can offer specialized guidance and support to help us navigate difficult emotions and develop professional and personal coping strategies.

 

Learn from Experience: Obstacles can be an opportunity for growth and development.

The best approach to unpleasant tasks or challenges is to view them as opportunities. This simple shift in perspective has a tremendous impact on motivation by viewing it as potential for growth and development. Each time we experience something new, we grow.

One way to learn is to reflect on our experiences. We can ask ourselves questions like: What did I learn from this? How did I grow or change as a result? What could I do differently in the future?

Reflection offers new insights and perspectives on our experiences. Use this knowledge to develop new coping strategies and approaches to future challenges.

Seek out new opportunities for growth. This could mean taking on new challenges or pursuing new interests that align with our values and goals.

Ultimately, learning from adversity requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. It requires us to be open to new experiences and perspectives, and to approach challenges with a growth mindset.

By embracing challenges as an opportunity for growth and development, we can become stronger, more compassionate, and self-aware individuals.

Using Difficulties as Fuel

Adversity can be a powerful motivator that fuels us forward. It can inspire us to take action, make changes, and pursue our goals.

Tips for using Hardship to Propel Us Forward:

Remember Vulnerability is the Path to Growth

Vulnerability allows us to be seen and heard, even though it might be uncomfortable or scary. It means acknowledging our fears, insecurities, and imperfections, and being willing to share them with others.

By embracing vulnerability, we can develop greater self-awareness and acceptance. We can learn to recognize our own emotions and needs and communicate them more effectively with others. This can help us build deeper connections with those around us and foster a sense of belonging and community.

Acknowledging our fears and uncertainties develops a greater sense of courage and strength. We can learn to face challenges head-on using them as opportunities for learning.

Embracing vulnerability is not for the faint of heart. It might be uncomfortable, even stressful to share our deepest fears and insecurities with others. Remember, vulnerability creates connection and deeper empathy.

Use the Hardship as a Catalyst

Use your challenges as a powerful catalyst for change by setting goals and taking active steps towards achieving them, transforming a difficult experience into new growth. By setting clear goals and taking actionable steps towards achieving them, we can regain control and purpose in our lives.

Specific, measurable, and achievable goals lead to success. Breaking our goals down into smaller, achievable steps builds momentum and motivation.

Stepping outside our comfort zones and taking risks creates change in our lives.

Look for Innovative Solutions

Difficult challenges force us to think outside of the box and respond creatively. This can lead to originality and breakthroughs we might not have otherwise discovered.

According to Forbes Magazine, many successful companies and entrepreneurs have emerged from the struggle. For example, Airbnb was founded during the 2008 financial crisis, when its founders struggled to pay rent. Their concept? Renting out air mattresses in their living room to earn extra income, and the rest is history.

The next time you face a challenge that seems insurmountable view it as an opportunity to transform into the hero of your own story. Face the obstacle as an opportunity to grow, develop, and innovate. By embracing vulnerability, setting clear goals, seeking support, and using adversity as a catalyst for change, we can overcome obstacles and emerge victoriously. Adversity can inspire creativity, lead to new ideas and breakthroughs, and ultimately help us become the best versions of ourselves. Let's embrace the challenges that come our way and use them as opportunities to thrive.

The Culture of Excess in the 1980s and 1990’s: Deep Impact in 2023

Neon Love Sign 

In the 1980s, a culture of excess created a long-reaching impact on modern society. The rise of corporate mergers and acquisitions led to a focus on expansion and dominance while growing consumerism encouraged people to buy more and more products to keep up with the latest trends. In relationships, material possessions, and status symbols were an important way of demonstrating wealth and success. This culture of excess continued into the 1990s when the "bigger is better" mindset permeated all aspects of society. The word "extreme" launched popular marketing strategies across industries, from food, drink, sports, and fashion to TV. The idea was to create a sense of excitement and edginess around a product or service, by emphasizing its extreme or unconventional nature. While this culture of excess brought about many positive changes and advancements, a growing sense of inequality and a loss of focus on the things that truly matter in life were on the rise.

How Extreme Marketing Influenced 90s Teens: Music, Fashion, and Popular Culture

There’s an interesting connection to kids in marketing. While children might not have the funds, they have incredible buying power due to their influence on adults in their lives more importantly, children are highly impressionable making them an easier pitch for sales. No more was this change evident than in the late 80’s and early 90’s as cable TV increased.

The 90s teens were heavily influenced by the extreme marketing of the time. With MTV as our beacon of light, the music embraced a sense of rebellious edginess. Genres like grunge and alternative rock rose to stardom, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden leading the way. These bands rejected the polished, mainstream sound of the 80s in favor of a raw, authentic sound that spoke to a generation disillusioned with the excesses of the past decade. In addition to music, the extreme marketing culture also impacted fashion and other aspects of popular culture, with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, X-Games, and Pepsi all using extreme marketing strategies to appeal to younger audiences. The culture of excess gave birth to a vibrant and creative subculture that continues today.

The Resurgence of 1990s Fashion and Culture in the Pandemic Era

The pandemic’s profound global impact on society has caused widespread trauma and upheaval. As people have struggled to cope with the uncertainty and stress, many have found solace in nostalgia, clinging to happier memories to cope with the present.

This has led to a huge resurgence in 1990s fashion and culture, as people seek to recapture the sense of rebellion against excess that defined the era. The cultural upheaval of the 90s was marked by a desire for authenticity and individuality so was 2023. This spirit of rebellion and anger against excess has resonated with people during the pandemic, as they seek to find meaning and purpose in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.

From Nostalgia to Stability: Moving Beyond the Extremes of the 90s

While I would like to keep my style of plaid flannels, holy jeans, and band t-shirts I am ready to move on from this nostalgic melancholy. I have had enough of the extremes and am ready for stable consistency. More than ever, I define true luxury as a well-maintained little house, with a garden, and a fully stocked pantry. A true 90s kid, I am only interested in the authentic and sincere. I believe we can create a culture of global compassion by loving the people in our lives, valuing human connection, community, and our environment.

Mother Teresa's Wisdom: Finding Happiness in Loving Your Family

True happiness can be found in simple acts of love and kindness towards those closest to us as our relationships are the foundation of our happiness and well-being. Mother Teresa once said, "If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family." I define family by connection. This 90s kid can’t think of a better way to celebrate the lessons of the 90s than to delight in simple acts of kindness; if there’s ever going to be peace it’s going to come from our ability to connect and act with compassion.