Be Happy. Do Good.

Happiness must be woven into your art. Create what makes you happy but know this - only you know what makes you happy. After you embrace happiness, seek goodness. Do good. Wherever. Whenever. 

Your happiness journey must include uncovering negative emotions. This takes effort, but you are captive until you release your anger, sorrow, and pain.  Release empties you, making room for new feelings. You may have to talk to someone. Please do. Releasing your negative emotions is a step to do good in this life. 

All artists want to hear the words, "great job." The desire to connect with others is something deep and truly human.  The happiness of art must be disconnected from the praise that may or may not follow your work.  The art must be enough.  If it isn't, dream a new dream.  Time for new dreams is always available. 

Plunge into what brings you joy. Connect with ideas bigger than yourself. Feed your art with positive words. Stop the negative talk. I don't believe in positive thinking, but I do believe in happiness. It's the best state for us all. Happiness' pursuit is the business of your art. Happiness is about lifting burdens and setting captives free, you first. My faith in Love is unwavering. Love is the warp of the universe. It holds all together. Seek this Love and you will find it. Your work will rise.

 Whisper to yourself, "I am loved. I may not see it or feel it, but it is just as true as the gravity that holds me to this planet."

Allow love to infuse your work.  Anger, bitterness, hate, this stuff will only take your art so far. Cultivate happiness. Stop speaking and speaking, creating and creating, and listen. Listen to critics. Listen to the wind and the rain. Listen to your breath. It whooshes in and out. So wonderful. Don't be afraid to take risks after you've listened. 

Finally, do good. Give your time and your efforts. Don't be too busy to listen to someone's story. This may be what you need for your art to blossom.  Art is a conversation. Suffering abounds in this world. Alleviate it. Remove it. Your art is an arrow to pierce the heart of darkness. Share your skills. Be generous.   

Yes,  dear friends, be happy and do good.  Let your art be dedicated to these pursuits. Enjoy your precious days. 

Here is a doodle. 

From the great poet, Bob Dylan, a quote for your pocket. 

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again

And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’

For the loser now will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’

Blog reposted from Niume.

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