Create-A-Way!

Dealing with Anxiety WITHOUT MEDS

wfedan — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:23:02 +0000

I happened upon a wonderful article today and had to re-post it in my own blog. It’s an article by Rashida Khilawala.

I have personally dealt with anxiety and depression my entire life and I’m proud to say I’ve been able to get through it with MINIMAL use of medication. I KNOW that others can do this as well. Anxiety is NOT something we should take meds for our whole lives. Yes, meds can help us out of a difficult patch when life is particularly rough, but I highly encourage people to get through it on their own. The first time I received medication I was a teenager and after taking the meds for a month I decided to trust more highly on God to help me through it and flushed my remaining meds down the toilet. The second time I took meds, I was in college, and realized quickly that I could much too easily overdose on my meds to a dangerous level and decided to get them out of my life again.

I think the most wonderful thing about overcoming anxiety without meds IS overcoming anxiety without meds – do you know what I mean? I mean, the satisfaction and pride that you get when you get over a panic attack or bout of depression without meds can raise your self-confidence level to a POWERFUL level. When you realize you don’t need the meds — that you have the POWER within to quell that anxiety/depression, that BOOST OF CONFIDENCE IN SELF it is worth MORE to the soul than ANY drug on the shelves.

Sharing the article below, which I grabbed from Buzzle.com:

Dealing with Anxiety without Medication – Option One
It is very important to be in complete control of your thoughts and emotions. Don’t just start reacting the moment something happens. Take the time to stop and think. Just like you would in anger management, count backwards from ten to one. If you are really edgy, make it fifty. Think before you act or talk, and be calm about it. Breathe… it is important. Check out this social anxiety information.

Dealing with Anxiety without Medication – Option Two
Start using positive self affirmations. Self affirmations are reminders to oneself about the positive things in life. Keep reminding yourself of all the things that you are blessed with. They could include, a loving family, successful career, supporting spouse, great body, intelligence, intellect, great eyes, etc. You need to remind yourself that you are strong and independent.

Dealing with Anxiety without Medication – Option Three
Staying idle will bring in negative thoughts to your mind. Keep your self mentally occupied with pleasant thoughts. Read positive fiction or non fiction books, check out articles on buzzle.com, you can even indulge in any form of creativity that you may possess. If you like to sing, sing, or dance, whatever makes you happy. But, keep a target for each day. Set out an aim. Like, you will work only during office hours and meet your target, then you will meet your friends. Make your day full, without making it stressful.

Dealing with Anxiety without Medication – Option Four
Get talking baby! Talking about what is in your mind will help you let it all out. If you are happy about something, don’t keep it in. Tell someone, get a hug, jump around a bit. If something disturbs you, talk about it. Don’t whine, but talk about your problems. It need not be another person. You can talk to yourself to come up with solutions. Tell yourself that there is an issue you need to address and discuss it with yourself. Talk about the good things as well. Praise yourself. You can even discuss dreamy stories with yourself. No harm in fantasizing on your own time, right? Also, it works as a great relaxation technique for anxiety.

Dealing with Anxiety without Medication – Option Five
Enjoy! I can’t even begin to talk about people who get so caught up in the rut that they fail to enjoy life. Hello!! One life! Enjoy it! You need to enjoy to be able to overcome anxiety without meds. Go out, have dinner with friends. Catch a movie every once in a while. Go for a date (if married, go for a date with your spouse). Have sex. Did you know that sex is the best stress buster? Well, then, get to it. My point is, be happy. Work out regularly, burning off those calories sure makes everyone happy. While responsibilities are important, so is enjoyment. Take time out for yourself, and see how anxiety will stay out of your way!

You can also opt for natural remedies for anxiety and herbal remedies for anxiety. The methods and options mentioned above help one stay away from any possible side-effect of anxiety medication.

Anxiety is a condition that just waits for a crack in the confidence and then seeps its way in, shattering all that you are capable of. Regain control of your life from the clasps of anxiety. Live happy, live strong! This is where I sign off! All the best matey!

By Rashida Khilawala

FREE – Goddess Leonie’s “World’s Biggest Summit”

wfedan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:22:59 +0000

I have to take a moment to promote this wonderful summit, led by creative wonder, Goddess Leonie Allen!

I have been listening to the audios and have really been enjoying them. The audios and videos are such wonderful little gifts. If you have a job where you can work and listen to headphones at the same time (as an artist, it works for me), it’s perfect!!

MUCHO fun!!! Check it out!

Doreen Virtue and “Signs and Wonders”

wfedan — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:22:19 +0000

Meeting Doreen Virtue at Cleveland's Journey Expo ~ September, 2011

I was so happy to meet and speak to Doreen Virtue at Cleveland’s 2011 Journey Expo. I brought my paperback copy of Divine Guidance for her to sign, one of my very favorite books. I told Doreen that it was a very important book to me. She looked at it, saying, “Wow, I haven’t seen this one for a while!” She seemed happy that it made an impact on me. I told her briefly how it helped launch my own new personal and spiritual journey.

Doreen Virtue’s Divine Guidance (along with Albert Gaulden’s Signs and Wonders) inspired the class I am currently teaching called “Signs and Wonders.” I am enjoying this so much! I really feel like I’ve found my own personal mission by teaching this class. So far I’ve taught it as a workshop at my retreats a few times, and as a teleclass earlier this year. Now I’ve been invited to teach it for Tri-C’s Senior Adult Education Program this Fall. I’m SO excited about being an “Instructor for Tri-C!” Whee!

This whole experience affirms my beliefs in the whole “Signs and Wonders” concept that I teach. I teach that God-signs are sent to us every day, but we need to learn to watch and listen for them – and then take the steps to follow them (the hardest part, which involves a strong dose of faith).

I have a self-study program offered on my website on this class and also have a downloadable illustrated “Signs and Wonders Journal.” Hoping to get another teleclass together after my Tri-C class is over. At the latest, I might get started with it in January, after the Holidays.

Journey Into The Light

wfedan — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:57:49 +0000

I wanted to share a FREE booklet I wrote recently, inspired by visiting Dawn Richerson’s website, MakeYourHealingMatter.com. I really love what this woman is doing with her website, and really relate to her work. In one of her free audios, there were many things that really hit a chord with me.

One memorable quote I wrote down for myself was:

“As you journey the path of healing and connection, you must learn to tell the truth about who you are. You must acknowledge the whole truth of what has been, including your deepest secrets and wounds. You must embrace your unique brilliance and mission.”

I had listened to Dawn’s audio over and over to let her message sink in, and finally I was able to put into words something I’ve never been able to do before. I am so thankful for Dawn’s guidance and inspiration that helped me get to the point of a wonderful flow of writing that streamed almost effortlessly.

Inspired by my own healing process, the booklet I wrote, “Journey Into the Light,” describes the process of climbing out of the pit of darkness in one’s life. I go into describing what each stage feels like as well as what is needed to help people get through this journey (once again, learning and sharing from my own experience – telling my TRUTH).

The stages I describe in this journey are:

1. The Bottom.

2. Grasping for Hope.

3. The Climb.

4. Wonder.

5. Stepping Out.

6. Walking Away From The Pit.

I explain God’s part in your journey, as well as what you actively need to do to keep on your journey upward toward the Light.

Click on the image above or on this link here to download this booklet for free!

What makes this booklet special to me is that it goes into detail about what it feels like to be in BOTH places – the Light AND the Darkness. It felt appropriate to use an old painting from college for the booklet cover, which was painted to express the view from within “the pit.” I hope this booklet brings light and hope to others, which is why I thought it best to offer it for free, to get my message of hope out to as many people as possible.

Wendy, the Token Female Artist at Blue Frog Gaming

wfedan — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:25:39 +0000

I’ve been working since April 11 for Blue Frog Gaming, a fresh new Gaming Company that is doing some pretty fun stuff. They are the creators of the popular Facebook game, Starfleet Commander.

I’m the first full-time female employee, which is pretty cool. The guys have all been wonderfully welcoming.

I’m so happy to finally be able to post a bit of my work that has been keeping be non-stop busy since I started. I’ve been working on an adorable new iPad game called “Polar Puzzles.” You bat the cute, pudgy penguin character around the maze, bumping the little critter into walls, sending him into space portals, and finally helping him find his baby penguin chicks. It’s a blast!

And the game is almost as fun working on as it is to play. The little movie above is a result of my first two weeks at Blue Frog. Using Illustrator and Photoshop, I created the finished illustrations for this little movie. I must give credit to Jeff Kunze, though, for preparing the initial sketches for the movie (one of his samples at right).

I’ve been having so much fun at Blue Frog, I have to remind myself to get back to my Create-A-Way business. And, oh yeah, a book to get working on.

I’ve been dreaming in Polar Puzzles land for the past several weeks, and — like Growser the polar bear — I do not wish to be disturbed.

Blooming Rose

wfedan — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:40:51 +0000

Rose at play - Here she is at the bookmaking class I taught for an after-school volunteer thing.

"Butterfly" by Rose

I just have to share some wonderful news about my daughter, Rose.

I am so proud of her. She has won two achievements in art this year already, and I just found out she won the state competition for an art piece she created back in January. I could not be more proud of our little artist. And she’s only FIVE.

Rose also loves to write (I am beaming). She couldn’t get enough of the bookmaking class I volunteered to teach for a special after-school activity. You can find one of her books she made at home on our Potato Bug Press website – I gave Rose her own page, and there you can see more of her artwork.

I sure have learned an important lesson as a parent. Once you realize what your child is good at, shower the child with praise. Show enthusiasm. I know it sure was important to me when I was growing up. I’m also learning that it is never too young to enter them in little contests. I am so happy for Rose to see her beginning to decorate her rooms with certificates and ribbons. It is such a joy to watch your child excel in something.

Sending out a blessing to all parents out there. May your child be showered with praise and enthusiasm.

Every kid has a super power of some kind :)

Back in Toastmasters!

wfedan — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:09 +0000

Giving my latest advanced speech to the American Greetings Toastmasters Club.

I wanted to share this Toastmasters testimonial speech I gave to my club recently. CLICK HERE or on the image above to view a link to the speech. I had been out of my club for a couple years, and have finally made the choice to rejoin to help me polish up my skills.

Toastmasters is an International organization whose mission is to help people develop communication, presentation, and leadership skills. It’s an amazing program and is one of the cheapest options out there. The reward you reap form joining far outweighs the investment!

I’ve been a member of Toastmasters since 2000, and I can honestly say that being a member of Toastmasters has changed my life. Fear of public speaking was like a prison for me. The thought of it not only petrified me, but it made me physically SICK. There are so many things I did NOT go into because of my fear of public speaking. I wish so much I had it in High School. Now with my fear gone and confidence restored, after years of development, I have the freedom of spirit to try things like teaching workshops, facilitating group retreats, conducting teleclasses, recording vocal presentations, etc.

Toastmasters has also helped me grow as a leader. I went from being scared to death of public speaking to being elected as Club President of American Greetings Toastmasters. Wow. It’s been an incredible journey of self-discovery. I find myself capable of so many wonderful things. No limitations within the self.

Toastmasters CREATED A WAY for me to pursue dreams I didn’t dare to dream in the past.

Thank you, Toastmasters!

… Another wonderful resource for support as you move toward your dreams!

Creative Dream Incubator ~ by Andrea Schroeder

wfedan — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:58:50 +0000

Another yummy offer from one of my favorite creative inspirations, Andrea Schroeder!

This one is called the “Creative Dream Incubator.”

Andrea is one of the many creative people I have interviewed as research for a book I’m currently writing. I’ve taken coaching from her and find her a friendly and highly inspirational Creative.

CLICK ON THIS LINK to enter a giveaway to win a FREE space in this e-course!

Read more about Andrea’s e-course below, or go to her website.

This course is a Creative Dream Incubator that will nurture you and your dream through every step of bringing your dream to life:

Module 1 – Inception: planting the seed of your dream in the soul of the universe

Module 2 – Essence: the heart of your dream

Module 3 – Expression: the magic + sparkle of making dreams real

Module 4 – Unfurl: growing beyond your comfort zone

Module 5 – Amplify: creating positive energy to nourish and grow creative dreams

Module 6 – Fruition: living as the dream

What You Get:

The E-Course Itself: Weekly Lessons, Assignments and an Online Creative Incubator

Drawing from my studies and experience, the lessons are packed with videos, lessons, resources, journaling prompts and experiential creative dreamer assignments. All of it is geared towards not just telling you stuff, but encouraging you to explore and play and discover the real magic and power of bringing dreams to life for yourself.

As I found in my own explorations – it’s one thing to “know” something in your head. It’s quite another to live it. When it comes to Creative Dreams – you don’t want to just know that they are possible. You want to live them.

The Online Creative Incubator is a cozy, private classroom space where you can get feedback from me and encouragement from your fellow creative dreamers.

WHAT YOU GET:

Six Workbooks
Six Guided Meditation MP3s
Online Creative Incubator Classroom space
Positive Energy Affirmation E-mails
Magic Affirmation Activator + Instruction Manual

Plus that special magic that comes when you invest in your dreams and gather with other creative dreamers.

My New Teleclass! Sneak Peek.

wfedan — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:12:20 +0000

Closer to God with Signs and Wonders – Teleclass Series

THURSDAYS, 9-10PM (EST) – March 10 – April 7

This class series is intended to take you on a real journey to connecting more with God by giving creative tips on how to lead a more prayerful life, determining the techniques God uses to reach back to us, learning to LET GO of the GUNK that clogs your communication line with God, and ultimately using my unique creative exercises to help you COLLECT and CONNECT the signs you receive from God.

The journey doesn’t end with the teleclass sessions! Join us for the 5-week class series and you will receive playful downloads with each class. EVERY class comes with an ACTivity Booklet!
About the ACTivities: ACTION is important to help promote movement and change, so these ACTivities are very important for you as we move together on this journey. These ACTivity Booklets are yours to print out and play with at your leisure.

CLASS TWO BONUS:
When you register for the series, you will also get a FREE bonus download after Class Two of “My Signs & Wonders Journal” which you will actually be using throughout the course ($10 value).

CLASS FOUR BONUS:
For Class Four you will receive a bonus booklet download of my own creative “Connecting the Signs” technique!We will be using the signs we COLLECT in our journals, and learn how to finally CONNECT themto find some sense of understanding in what God is trying to tell you.

Your $25 payment includes everything this class series offers:

FIVE live weekly teleclass sessions
MP3 class recordings, so you can listen to the class experience again and again (week 5 is the only class that is LIVE ONLY).
ACTivity Booklets to download ~ filled with fun “ACTivities” to play with on your own, as well as some materials we go over in the live calls (helpful to those who are unable to attend the live classes).
BONUS Booklet for class four – “Connecting the Signs” Manual.
“My Signs & Wonders Journal” e-book! This is a 27-page e-book with 24 illustrated pages of journaling fun – intended to help you keep track of your Signs & Wonders messages during and long after our class series!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OR TO REGISTER!

Boogie On ~ With Winter Dream Boogie!

wfedan — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:56:20 +0000

Bestselling author and artist SARK just started another fabulous “Dream Boogie” session that runs 8 weeks this Winter, and YES, registration is still open through Tuesday, February 8th! Sign up here! As soon as you register, you’ll have instant access to all of the juicy materials for Week 1 and join the party for Week 2!

I have been taking Dream Boogie sessions since her very first session last spring (2010). I am amazed with what has evolved for me since joining Dream Boogie. It’s been a marvelous journey. I love the support system I have in the Boogie Bean Community, and I’ve met so many new wonderful friends through the program. But it’s more than that — by signing up over and over, I’ve surrounded myself with succulent dream support, and the philosophy of Dream Boogie stays with me day after day. I can’t get enough of it. I really believe in my dreams more now than I ever have before. Thank you, Dream Boogie! I’m looking forward to this winter session!

SARK really wanted to share more about Dream Boogie with you, so she invites you to you enjoy this inspiring 5-minute romp through Dream Boogie called…the Dream Boogie Share Show.