If all else fails ... improvise!

Happiness

is a choice.
Every day.

I penned this doodle a few years ago when I started bullet journalling. 

I loved the idea of adding my own doodles to the mantras I try to live life by. 

I pen them in ink so there’s no option to edit.  

They’re perfectly imperfect and I like that. 

Penning the doodles is therapeutic.
All they need is paper, a pen and time.

Whilst I love my photography and the emotions it evokes, 

doodling allows for experimentation down a different creative path.

And different can be good.
Like Owha the Leopard Seal
Not your more usual sighting at the marina. 

Each of our lives is different.
That's how they're meant to be.
A mish-mash of moments, unique to each of us,
sttched inelegantly and imperfectly together.
All different and each it's own kind of normal.

But back to the doodle.

This particular doodle was accidentally cut in half when it was caught up 

in a batch of cards I was putting through the guillotine. 

I stuck it back together and have it pinned up near my work station at home.  

It reminds me of why I do what I do.

It’s a consistent visual memory in my head of how to get the

most out of every day. 

Even on the days when my head isn’t listening too well to my heart.
And even on the days when the temptation to 
descend into the dark threatens to overwhelm.

It reminds me to do what I LOVE.

(And who wouldn't want to do that!)

To let go of GRUDGES and what I CAN’T control.
(Practise makes perfect)

To ALWAYS have an attitude of gratitude.
(Not hard when you get to experience what I do EVERY morning!)

To step OUTSIDE my comfort zone.
(Change doesn't have to be negative, and adventure is exciting!)

And to EMBRACE every crazy minute of life
(and the crazy souls who do life with you!)

And, if all that fails?

TO improvise when I need to!

"Trust my nudges."
~ The Universe