When you isolate, you and yourself will most likely struggle to hold on to Hope. I, by myself, surely get into a downward spiral if my thoughts, left to their solo activity, are not checked. 

During COVID, when we had to isolate, I chose to use the app “Motivation – Daily quotes”  to interrupt my own thoughts and feed positivity. I scheduled it to interrupt and insert outside thoughts six times a day. This helped to crowd out negativity. Another way was to pick up the phone and engage in conversation and care with another person. FaceTime is even better.

I have enough on my to-do list to keep me busy, and alone, for a very long time… It takes initiative and drive to connect with another or a group of people. It has never been a bad thing. If anything, people will thank you for reaching out. It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. Ask people to meet up over coffee, or a walk, or a PleinAir. Any activity will do. You might have to start by phoning, but you alone do not need to decide on the where, when or how.

You don’t have to be best buddies; a simple civil social interaction can do wonders for the soul.  I do realize we are different, some more introverted than others, but ALL of us STILL need OTHERS.

When your situation calls for a lot of time and dedication to your work, even a few minutes of “Hi, How are you?”, and genuinely meaning it and listening, is still worth the while. These small moments can bring comfort and a sense of connection.

As an “emergency act”, start DOING something, something PHYSICAL. Start MOVING your body. Stop dwelling in your mind and start focusing on a practical, physical activity. This provides a mental break. 

What specific steps can you take to be more inclusive? How can you actively support and create community in your daily life?

The post Hope Is Not a Solitary Activity by Kerstin Maxwell first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

I see our ability to feel and sense as a gift. When I see and feel the beauty and wonder of the landscape, when the passion for someone I love overtakes me. I can feel it in every cell of my body. When the tenderness and kindness of a fellow being are so comforting and encouraging, I thank God for the ability to feel the positivity of it all. But when the heart breaks, loss, rejection and fear come, or even the overwhelming of all the positive emotions and opportunities becomes too much, too soon, too fast… Then, I sometimes wish, for at least a second, that I couldn’t or wouldn’t feel. 

I don’t think great art can be created without emotion. Great art evokes emotion! A criterion for choosing an image from the landscape, setting up a still life, or choosing a photograph is that it stirs emotion in me. 

I know that people see it as a compliment when they comment, “It looks like a photograph!”, and as I want to be able to render an image that way as a master painter, that is not my goal. (But I will graciously take the compliment as it comes from a well-intended heart). The last step in my creative process is to learn the emotions the viewer of my art is experiencing. Not for judging, for everyone has a unique way of experiencing art, but for possibly learning how my choosing, feeling, and creating the particular piece of art translates into another.

How do you feel these days? I hope that your difficult days will be accepted with kindness towards yourself and your Creator. It is the price we pay for feeling the Wonder and Beauty of life. Know that you are loved and accepted for all that you are.

Your fellow – very Emotional human, Kerstin Maxwell.

The post The Gift of Feeling. Our way of moving through this world by Kerstin Maxwell. first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

When asked where you are heading, what will your answer be?

Do you know?

Where would you like to be heading?

My parents and older sister welcomed me into the world. As part of the Klint family I was well cared for and loved. Having been raised by well meaning and hard working parents whose parents worked hard at providing for the daily needs, the idea of dreaming, ambition and goal setting was not on our minds. Something I eventually became aware of was that my choices had consequences. And much later, the power of my own choices and the freedom to choose has brought a whole new awareness and intentionality to my life.

I have had people ridicule and giggle at me and my dreams. I have seen people bewildered at how things happen or come to pass in my life. I have had people tell me how impressed they are at my “big faith”… -I have always had a drive within to do things. I also learned fairly young that if I insist on doing those things, I will have to accept the fact that I may have to do it alone… Never have I been impressed with my own “faith”. Never has fear not shown its ugly face as part of the journey. Never did I not think that failure was avoidable.

I remember when I was in my thirties. Death and sickness, being a mother of young in a foreign culture and lack of support led me into a downward spiral where I couldn’t dream and struggled to hold on to hope. I asked God for help… It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but I do have a lot to be grateful for. And now, in my sixties, I am more hopeful than ever.

Yes, our bodies are aging ( BUT how that happens is still very much affected by OUR CHOICES!) but I believe our true Being can become ever more amazing (growing, blooming, dreaming…).

Take the time to understand what you want. Set your sight on it and set your directives towards it. It may not happen in big steps, but at least the trajectory is set in the right direction!

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Looking back at yesterday, last week, the month,

These days I am busy packing and getting ready for a PleinAir workshop. As I consider what to take along, not only do I consider the musts to do the work, I also consider what would make the whole experience the best possible for me. I consider as much as I can: weather, personal needs, feelings and joys. Part of that package is my mindset and attitude towards the week ahead and all the things I can not control, the people I will meet and how I see my interactions going with them. 

As “witnesses” to my packing and my living are sure to make judgement calls, I will not let it bother me. I can understand their perspective, and I can see the humor in their view of me But onwards and forwards I go! 

What is important to you today? What do you hold as a high value? Ask yourself and listen for the answer.  And afterwards, when the day or week has passed, write down what was great about,  see all the positives, and remember it. Acknowledge what could make a future, similar event, possibly even better, and write that down to, and own your part in it.

The paintings I’ve included here are some of my Picasso paintings. The reason I was drawn to these is my love for stories and other peoples experiences and then reflecting back to self. 

As we look to the future and reflect back on today, let us cause it to bring a smile to our face. Live and “pack” with intention, dear one. 

The post Do We Count Our Days Or Make Our Days Count? first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

The way we think, feel and choose changes everything in unique and wonderful ways. 

These days I am compelled by my own values, inner pushes and pulls and outer circumstances to make a choice. What will guide me? Will I let fear, the scared ego self in me, my inner child who wants to protect me, to have the final say?

My grandmother Ruth taught me something valuable. She told me that after living a full life, she was ready to leave this world with no regrets. – How is that possible? She explained, to the much younger version of myself, that when she was at the crossroads and had to make a decision, she would look ahead and ask her future self; What decision will I be more likely to regret? So, when faced with that question things can become clear. It is obvious what I need to do, even as my Ego tries to reason with me and make me “sensible”…

Roses come with thorns, does that diminish their beauty?

Does the cast shadow from the hats (roles) we wear blur our vision?

I believe most of us want to be responsible and do the right thing, but in the end, only you can decide what is right for you. I want to encourage you, as I speak to myself: “Do not let fear have the final say”. At the end of the day, let us be able to say

“I gave it my best and I gave it my all”.

Does this mean I will succeed? Well, that, my friend, depends on my definition of success, the same as Your success depends on what You classify as Success. 

The end result of my decisions and actions I put into the hands of Someone much greater than I. I will be at peace knowing that my choice to trust Love and Life as I journey along, was something I just “had to do”.

The post The Way We Think, Feel & Choose Changes the World… first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

As someone who seeks to convey Hope & Joy to my fellow sojourners of this human experience, I constantly look for the beautiful.

-A tiny stone with its unique colouring can bring me visual delight (and it almost feels like stealing when I pocket it to bring it into my happy room to be my little companion). – Its smoothness provides me with physical pleasure. – The sound of leaves rustling among the Trembling Aspens relaxes my whole body as does the sound of water. -The aroma from a rose… the wet forest after the rain…  what pleasures!

     I feel my surroundings. The negative and dark, heavy realities, can weigh me down. I am definitely not immune to it. The environment we spend time in affects us, whether we are aware of it or not. That is why I seek to make my home a haven of rest, peace, inspiration and rejuvenation, starting with my happy room and working my way into all the other spaces including the property itself. This takes constant effort. I can’t let it slide. Left to happen “organically” it will turn into chaos, disorder, broken and weed infested..totally stressing me, even though some chaos is acceptable as my creative process can look/BE  very messy until it is not (so please don’t judge me if you happen to step into that part of the chapter!), but sometimes that section can be almost unbearably long…

Tidying up is not a waste of time, but sometimes I use it as an excuse, as a way to avoid something that feels more challenging. This is when Kerstin Maxwell Art knows she is experiencing artistic block – something very real and frustrating, but not artistic-life-threatening . 

Beauty can also show up as an unexpected, reassuring, calming, loving presence of Someone or Something that touches the deepest part of me. This has happened during some of the most challenging times of my life. And I am so grateful, – thankful, – really trying my best to honor that Someone or Something with my choices and my way of being,…trusting…hoping…seeking to engage Faith as a way to sustain my life.

Paintings come to life with light effects. This is how Hope shows up in my art. Light is accentuated and emphasized by the darker. My wish for you is that when you set eyes on that painting, you will be stirred to hang on to what is good and hopeful in Your life, my dear one. 

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What I seek to do every day,  especially when I get lost in my own shadow and borderline depressed, I remind myself to take action and DO towards what nourishes me, towards the Light. 

It’s Monday in the 5th week of the month, and my To Do tells me I’m to write a Blog. Am I inspired? Maybe not perfectly so, but what you are about to read is, as always, truly from my heart and as authentic as I can possibly make it.

The painting Kerstin Maxwell Art created is a personal visual..Chosing to cross bridges, follow the path, stepping towards Light, Love, Freedom. Chosing to give Life the best I’ve got by taking action, hanging on to Faith, Hope and Love. Walking away from the parched land, drained of anything life giving.

The second painting I chose for this blog expresses the love I believe the Creator has for me and all of his children.

Without going into all the events that caused me to sink into the darkness of emotional dismay, let me share with you, dear fellow traveller, how I got myself out of the funk I was in.

1. Stop getting “lost” in Quiet Time and start DOING.
   • Start moving my body. This is often referred to as exercise. I have chosen to label it my bodyMoves :). This is not just any bodyMove. It has to be something I actually enjoy doing, which is very much a criteria for being not just a physical positive by a soul nourishing activity. Moving to heal with Nia is my absolute favourite https://niaondemand.com/, but I also use some of  Beachbody on Demand programs https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/, swimming and walking.
   • Do the tasks in my chores and creative work that will bring Joy and Lightness into my life/environment.
   • Connect with people where mutual connection and emotional support is present.
2. Feed my Body in a way that positively affects my thoughts and emotions.
   • Eat more greens. “Drink them if you have to”, I say. I do this by focusing on what veggies I will eat at each meal, making use of dehydrated green powders and a blender.
   • Crowding out sugars by cutting down on sugar-producing flour products, using  the 1g of fibre for every 10g of carbs in a serving. Getting some sweetness from acceptable sources like Stevia and others. (Stay away from Splenda!!!) Also, keeping a fibre snack nearby to help balance a meal when need arises.
   • Drink more water, at least half my weight in oz.
3. Other Practises 
   • Doing what I can to get enough sleep; restorative rest.
   • Keep a schedule.
   • Do not cause feelings of being deprived to emerge. Practising generosity and kindness towards self. Daily reminders of what I am grateful for. Feeding positivity (I started using the Motivation App during covid which automatically inserts positive quotes into my day). Knowing I am not a victim, but a loved soul. Knowing that any negative limitations do not come from Life but from self and others.

The post Moving Towards the Light with Kerstin Maxwell first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

Maybe not.

What I realize (being out in my garden again pulling, cutting, digging – maybe eventually spraying…cursing myself for letting it get this bad) , since I haven’t invested time, energy or money into planting something that will position my garden in a trajectory towards Beauty and the kind of lushness that I dream of, I now pay the consequences. So, even though a trip to the garden centre seems too much of an investment right now, I have to ask myself; What am I willing to pay? ‘Cause I will, one way or the other, as a result of my action or inaction.

But long and behold, in the midst of failure there is grace. As I am “forced” to get out there and deal with the situation, I get to ENJOY the sunshine, fresh air, bird song, the sound of the water, rustling of leaves… This is all so very POSITIVE. I also made this happy discovery; the gorgeous lilac bush across the back alley in my neighbours yard, has managed to get a seed into my side of the alley! I don’t mind that at all! I love it. I will nurse it and remove anything surrounding it that possibly would inhibit its growth. Why am I so ready to do this act of love for a plant but so hesitant to do it for myself? I am on a journey to get better at that, and hope that in the process of doing so, you will be encouraged to do likewise.

By the way, on this Artist Journey I am on, I now get coaching from Stefan Baumann (The Grand View, PBS),  and he is helping me a lot! His “push and pull” organic way of coaching helps me weed my own habits and plant more productive once. THANKS STEFAN!!!)

 His book “Ultimate Field Guide to Plein Air Painting” is an increadible resource for any artist. https://www.stefanbaumann.com

We have unique personalities and lives, but still equally loved and treasured by our Creator. At least that is what I choose to believe.

Take Care Dear One,

Kerstin 

The post When Weeds Come Back With a Vengance… first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

When things are not ideal. When there is heartache, sickness, strained relationships, loneliness, financial stress, dreams crushed… How do one find joy, or at least get through a Holiday of Celebration like Christmas? I think it is possible and I will share my preferred way.

Personally I have sad memories surrounding Christmas. Things that would give anyone reason to get into a slump (sickness, death and inability to be with people I love). Presently life is also not ideal, but there is still so much to BE THANKFUL for! And that , I hold, to be the KEY – to achieve “success” through anything really, but especially important to focus on when things are not ideal.

Morning pages, evening reflections, journaling, keeping a diary, putting my thoughts down on paper, – whatever you want to call it – I have found that writing things down helps a lot! It helps give clarity and set intentions. Being INTENTIONAL is finding things in your life – on purpose -that brings gratitude, and write them down! Do this on a daily basis, and refer to them through the day if need be. Sign up for positivity quotes. ( I did that years ago when Covid was the big damper in society and I needed a way to crowd out negativity). Those quotes can be sent to your phone as many times as you see fit. During some of my worst days I had uplifting words sent my way every few hours! (There is an App for this).

Underlying – underneath it all – , I still hang on to the belief that there is a Creator, a God, that is Good, and loves me. My experiences tell me that he cares and is able, but my mind can not comprehend it all… Why are we allowed to inflict pain on ourselves and others? Why can’t I be stronger…braver…more loyal…loving…

Life has provided opportunities to break through my glass ceiling when it comes to my capacity to love. When I thought that my heart was absolutely full, – somehow I have managed to include yet another person in that love. Did not think it was possible. But it was. It happened. During my “down days” I would think of that as something unfortunate. Reason being; Love will at some point cause heartache! I did get angry, – angry at God – Why do I care so much!?! I did not ask for this!!! -It hurts.

As I was in this “dialogue” with my creator I had a thought; In the world where I live I don’t get judged for not liking people, keeping to myself, not initiating, disliking… But if I dare to Care – love (which i did NOT ask for!) – and somehow express that, – I get ridiculed…) – At that thought, my anger at God stopped. First, it dawned on me how His heart is aching. Aching over the ones He loves who do not love him back and maybe even hurt themselves by their choices…I was experiencing that kind of ache, and surely I will rather ache from loving “too much” than from hating.

Wouldn’t you?

The post Celebrating the Holidays when things are broken. first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.

“Stumbling is not falling”; this is a quote I picked up from somewhere and is a kind reminder that as I am seeking to regain balance to body, mind and spirit after my intense output over the last while, I can be encourage as I ride this natural down.

In my own home, decor is not just for esthetics, it is also there to inspire!  In my “happy room” I have a collection of art in front of me to inspire my hopes and dreams. Behind me I have art from fellow artists who love and support me, – a reminder that I am not alone.

As I seek to recover from jet-lag, emotional highs, and an overconsumtion of good food from my time in Europe, I start each day with good thoughts and attitude-adjustment where needed. 

My time in Sweden was not only for setting up of my art display/ My Sweden Collection, but also to be with family and friends who live there.  Some of my paintings found their way into new homes and what remains is still on display at Tidaholms Ramverkstad.  ( Any transactions can be done directly with me online (PayPal).

So, there is the riding of the waves of emotions, but also the “riding” of seasons. As we experience the beginning of the fall season and the dormancy of winter, we do well to understand the seasons we go through in life, – each with its own treasures. I am about to go and find mine, will you?

Please feel free to comment 

The post Stumbling Is Not Falling by Kerstin Maxwell Art first appeared on Kerstin Maxwell.