To get a dopamine “hit,” make something that pushes you to the furthest edge of your ability, where you’re not only focused but learning and perfecting skills…At first, depending on how addicted to mania you happen to be, the excitement-grubbing part of your brain won’t want to stop obsessing about over-the-top experiences. It will cling to its fantasies about the next huge thrill…keep creating.

As you persist, your brain will eventually yield to the state psychologists call mindfulness. Your emotions will calm, even if you’re physically and mentally active. You won’t notice happiness when it first appears, because in true presence, the mind’s frantic searching stops. In its place arises a fascination with what’s occurring here and now. Though this feeling is subtle, it’s the opposite of dull. It’s infinitely varied and exquisite.

The aftermath of a creative surge, especially one that involves a new skill, is a sense of accomplishment and increased self-efficacy-which psychologists recognize as an important counter to depression…you’re left with the happy fatigue of someone who is building strength.

Pay attention to this process, and you’ll see that the motivation to be here and now will gradually grow stronger than the cultural pressure to seek excitement. You’ll find yourself increasingly able to tune in to the delights of the present even when you’re not actively creating. When this happens, you’ll be on your way to genuine happiness: abundant, sustainable delight in the beautiful moments of ordinary life.”

Go be creative!!!

From O magazine, February 2012, Martha Beck

For the third year in a row Pat (crafty neighbor, dear, sweet, confidante) and I attended CKC in Charlotte, NC. We indulge in two crafty over-nights a year. The first is in late January/early February at the beach and then this CKC event in Charlotte. The hubbies have the little girls for the (junkfood eating, water park and circus going) weekend and Pat and I get some time for our paper passion and a great dinner out (ALWAYS!).

This year we rocked!!! We have learned well over the last three years how to select classes that we will like. This year we lucked out and Sue Neal of Papercraft Magazine fame taught two of our classes. We also took a Likety-Split Disney album class and an acrylic album class by Awesome Albums. After the LS album class we got brave and asked the instructor how she got hooked up with the company and how could Pat do the same. Y’all, let me just state here, Pat is an amazing artist. Her work, the color selection, perfect embellishments, fabulous projects, it’s all amazing and beautiful. So, we have been trying to figure out how to hook her up so she can do what she loves and get paid for it. Back to the LS conversation. The class instructor was kind enough to explain to us how to approach the owner of LS down on the vendor faire floor and go for it. Pat’s phone rang at 7:30 the next morning and it was the owner asking her if she was available to demo for the morning. Whoo hoo!!! Mission accomplished!

Other CKC accomplishments:

1. Pat found white brads, finally, and in two sizes
2. I found GORGEOUS Doodlebug paper (I WANT IT ALL!!!)
3. Pat taught a demo AND GOT PAID FOR IT
4. I found Rock & Roll paper and embellishments (Crate Paper) for an Aftershock album
5. Pat may not need to make another Disney album
6. We got our picture taken with Sue Neal (no way she’s 45!)
7. I used a brayer for the first time
8. Our creativity was piqued to experiment with bleach
9. We saw some great projects and can’t wait to get crafting!!!