Are you living your life? Or are you merely just existing on a daily basis?
You are the only one who can live your life!
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Life According to Mr. K – Love Life (1)
I have the great pleasure to introduce you to our next month’s theme – Love Life.
Working for Do What You Love does mean that more and more hyperbole appears in sentences that you either write or speak, love being a perfect example. This is not a coincidence!
I certainly do not want to get all bohemian on you but when you find that right direction and combine it with the right balance, life becomes one great adventure. And living that adventure becomes the reason you jump out of bed every morning. It is only natural that you want to share this with your family and friends, and in our case through Do What You Love to the whole world.
As you may be aware if you read this blog often, my life has changed massively over the past couple of years. I have reflected and written retrospectively about my experiences in my old career and during my time in Japan, but now, given the new theme, it is time to dedicate this month’s posts to the present moment.
Depending on your religious beliefs you may well have different views on what life means and the value of it. I believe that we get one shot at it so I am going to make damn sure that I use my time to live it to its very maximum.
What does living life mean to you? Is it grasping every opportunity that comes your way? Is it dedicating it to a good cause? Is it experiencing as many things as possible? Is it about being happy? Or could it be described as leaving a legacy for the next generation? I think it is most probably a combination of them all with lots of others thrown in depending upon the individual. For me it is Doing What You Love.
Doing what you love does not mean drinking cold beer all the time, constantly sunbathing, not working or necessarily getting rich. Doing what you love is finding the right balance in your life to ensure you remain enthused, interested, motivated and healthy. For example, a cold beer tastes so much sweeter when it is earned and sun bathing may be a much needed re-charge of the batteries after being cold or cooped up inside.
Although I have changed career some of my favourite memories of the summer have been spent ensuring huge concrete pours go off (literally) without a hitch. Then having a cold beer and sharing that achievement with my work colleagues. The trouble was the good days were hugely outweighed by the not so good. This balance of my life had to be readdressed. It would be considered stupid to continue down a path so out of proportion.
“Life’s hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid.” – John Wayne
My life now finds me down in Brighton. For those of you not from the UK it is directly below London on the coast. It is vibrant, diverse but has a sense of perspective about it. And like most coastal towns/cities it has a relaxed and laid- back undertone to it. Most mornings I wake early and go either running or cycling along the front. This way I manage not only to get my exercise in for the day but also to enjoy the view with a few select others before the crowds flock. It is also my time when the world and my thoughts are mine alone. Priceless.
I return home and shower before most have even woken up. This early bird routine has been with me since my paper rounds at the age of 11. Personally I think it really is hard to beat an early morning, when the air is fresh and the optimism that a great day is in-store is still a reality.
Another advantage of living by the sea is eating on the roof terrace. Nothing special, but it is a quiet private space where my wife and I eat, plan, laugh and look over the rooftops out to sea. Every now and again we do hold our breath as another seagull flies over our heads waiting to see if we are going to be their next victim(!) but that is a small price to pay… I guess gazing out to sea encourages you to dream. Well this is how I feel life is now. Limitless!!
I then work. Yes work! We are forging our own path and we both truly believe that the world will be a better place if more people were doing what they loved. This is a hugely motivating ideal, which I am sure we can help others achieve. So every email that is sent or blog post written or course content devised may just be that little part of someone else’s day that makes all the difference.
I allow time in the day to go to the gym and to get outside. One thing I miss in particular about my previous career is the outside element of the work. For me now to sit behind a computer all day would be hypocritical, boring and unhealthy. It just isn’t me. So to design my day to suit me provides the balance and variety I crave. We can all do this. The level of freedom we have may fluctuate be we are all in charge. So take charge.
After work we cook and chat about various things, whatever is important, humorous or even annoying! At the moment it is predominantly about the prospect of being parents. Then we eat. I have, do and always will love my food. Then most importantly we have some private time. We may walk, watch a good film or just read. The quiet moments are some of my favourites, then off to bed. What the next day has in store I never know but I can’t wait to find out. This hasn’t always been the case.
This is just a snippet of a common day in my life now. I have made changes to allow me to live it and enjoy it. Do not wait for someone else to live your life for you.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts and how you could readdress the balance in your life so it suits you better!
until next time…
Mr K
Do What You Love Interview – Cathy Kirwan
Cathy Kirwan is an explorer. She has lived a life of adventure and discovery including multiple career incarnations as a youth and community development worker, an artist, a cook, a camp counsellor, a writer and most recently a fundraiser. She is a firm believer in our shared humanity and is passionate about human rights. She very much hopes that her actions will make the world a better place. She loves to travel, cook, ride her bike, and is blessed to share her life with her partner of 13 years and two wonderful fur peeps.
1. How are you leading a life ‘doing what you love’?
Right now I’m working in a human rights organisation as the Manager of Individual and Corporate Giving. Australia is going through a complex political time, where our humanity is being called into question over the treatment of people seeking asylum in our country. The organisation I work for is focused on supporting asylum seekers who are living in absolute poverty and desperation and ensuring that they are able to survive whilst applying for protection. My role is all about creating opportunities for individuals and business to make a difference in the daily lives of people who are suffering.
2. What did you do before this?
I have had all sorts of jobs throughout the last 20 years, never quite finding the ‘thing’ that really seemed to fit. I originally trained to be a youth worker and most of my career has been in the not-for-profit space. About 5 years ago I took up painting and thought that I had found my true calling. Prior to this year I spent the last couple of years completely focused on developing my career as an artist.
3. What kind of discoveries about yourself have allowed you to realise your passion in life?
Last year I had an epiphany. I was working for myself, trying to making a living full time from my art. Over the course of a couple of months it dawned on me that I was completely miserable. I wasn’t making any real progress with my artistic business and I felt extremely isolated and uninspired. Not to mention that fact that I was broke. I knew that something was missing from my life.
Over the course of a couple of months I discovered a number of things about myself that ultimately led me to where I am now. The first thing I realised is that I need to feel like my actions make a difference. While I’m passionate about art and truly believe in it’s value to the world, the idea that my art was changing the world or making it a better place always felt a bit tenuous. It never quite sat with me. I always felt like there was something missing in terms of my contribution to the world. I knew in my gut that I was meant to be out there in the world working with others to make the world a better place, not sitting in my studio by myself making beautiful paintings.
The second thing I realised is that I hated not having a regular income. Some people seem to be ok with the financial lumps and bumps that come with being in business for yourself. It never worked for me and was actually a major cause of stress and subsequently a major barrier to feeling motivated and inspired.
4. How did you make it happen?
Around the same time I was realising these things about myself I attended a workshop facilitated by Jennifer McCrea of Exponential Fundraising https://jennifermccrea.com/. At the time I was doing some part-time work in fundraising just to pay the bills. Jennifer’s passion for fundraising and her conviction about it being a means to make the world a better place completely inspired me. The penny dropped. I understood that fundraising isn’t about money, it’s about connecting people and resources in order to achieve action or change. I realised that I had the perfect opportunity to use my skills in fundraising and relationship management to make a meaningful contribution. And I also realised that I had to find work that I felt passionate about and that would fulfil me. Not long after that I saw the position at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre advertised and that’s where I’m working now.
5. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was overcoming my personal sense of failure around my business. I invested a huge amount of time, energy, money and my heart and soul into establishing myself as an artist. My whole identity was tied to the idea of being a successful artist and making a living from my creative work. It was extremely difficult to walk away from. Even 6 months down the track I still haven’t completely found peace with letting go, despite the fact that I love where I work and what I’m doing. I think it’s just going to take time. And I’m still an artist too, even though I’m not trying to make a living from it. That’s something that I have to remind myself of as well.
6. Who is your role model and why?
I don’t have a particular role model but I am very fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing people who inspire me everyday. In my workplace there are so many people who work tirelessly to improve things for asylum seekers. I’m inspired by their tenacity and persistence in the face of a great deal of adversity.
In my personal life I’m really inspired by a handful of incredibly smart, hard-working women who have really helped me to see my own strengths and who are always there to encourage, listen and lift me up. I’d be lost without them.
I’m in awe of people who make great personal sacrifices to improve the lives of others. It’s something I think about a lot, but I’m not sure that I could go that far and give up my own life.
And I have absolutely respect and admiration for anyone who runs their own business (including our very own Beth) with passion, purpose and persistence, because I know exactly how much hard work it is.
7. What is the best advice you have received?
The best piece of advice I was ever given was many years ago. I was going through a rough time in my 20s and a friend’s mum said “in 12 months time your life will be completely different. These things that are worrying you now won’t even matter.” And it was true. Within 12 months my life was in a completely different place. Whenever things are crappy or I’m struggling with change I always remind myself of this. Nothing is forever.
8. What keeps you awake at night?
The thing that truly troubles me and keeps me awake at night is the lack of political leadership in Australia and the lack of integrity in the media. The combination of these two things is having a significant impact on our country at the moment and it concerns me deeply.
9. What gets you up in the morning?
Coffee!
10. Finally, what do you think is the key to discovery?
I think curiosity and a child-like fascination with the world are the keys to discovery. I’ve never stopped being curious and wanting to know ‘why’ and I owe most of my success and adventures in life to this. It’s also been a direct contributor to my current career as it’s my interest in people that makes me good at what I do.
If you would like to find out more about Cathy you can visit her website, or follow her on Flickr. If you would like to find out more about her current work and the work done by The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre you can go to their Facebook page.
Global Talent Search Semi-Finalists announced – Did you make the top 50?
It’s time to reveal the 50 Semi-Finalists in the 2013 Global Talent Search!
We were flooded with entries in response to the exciting brief set in association with Paperchase, inviting entrants to design a journal cover with a playground theme. Here is what Lilla had to say about reviewing the submissions, and undertaking the difficult task of making the selection…
“What’s it like to review submissions from over 1,500 participants from over 30 countries around the globe? I’ll tell you what it’s like: It’s exhilarating! I couldn’t wait to see what would turn up as a result of the assignment. For starters, I was astounded by the quality of work and the calibre of the artists. Work was submitted in every medium: paint, watercolor, Adobe Illustrator, even 3-D pieces! My goal was to seek out the best of the best, and by a very careful process of elimination, I was able to narrow down the selection to 122 images. From there I began an even more studied (and challenging!) examination, and then finally I brought in my crack team, Susan McCabe and Jennifer Nelson, for their savvy input as seasoned agents to help narrow the work down to this group of AMAZING 50 semi-finalists.
First and foremost, we looked for pieces that jumped out at us for their terrific color, strong composition, and overall uniqueness. (Those of you that took Make Art That Sells know about how important it is to have your piece read well as a postage stamp as well as full size!)
Was there something special about the piece? A quirkiness that enticed us to want more? Could we see our client base wanting to work with this artist? How about a clear embrace of the subject matter: playgrounds. (Pretty universally, the playground theme was well-executed.)
Was the style of the artist really apparent, in that we could immediately see a unique point of view? Was the technique masterful and polished? If we are to represent this artist and award them with a variety of top licenses, would they be able to knock them of the park? A strong, evolved style can do that. So that’s key.
Our sincere hope for those of you that were not selected for this particular competition is that you understand that in no way is that a reflection on your talent. There were clearly way more images than we could select. Going forward, you may wish to take my Make Art That Sells e-course to grow your talent even further (a new round of the course starts in October!). I did see how my June Make Art That Sells students were really well prepared for the Global Talent Search. Also, we truly hope you’ll consider re-entering the Global Talent Search next time. ‘Like’ our Facebook page to be sure to stay on top of announcements and news!”
With no further ado, let’s give a big round of applause to the Global Talent Search 50 Semi-Finalists! The full list has been unveiled on Lilla’s blog here.
Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Twitter (@lillarogers @DoWhatYouLoveXx #globaltalentsearch)
Places & Spaces: Brighton beach on a rainy day
Yesterday was the first day of rain we have had since we moved to Brighton three weeks ago. The weather has been altogether glorious, and I have loved wandering around in flip flops and summer dresses. But yesterday was one of those blustery, atmospheric, rainy days, which are perfect for jeans, boots and cups of tea.
Over a decade ago I spent nearly 100 days on a ship going around the world as an interpreter, and two of the lovely girls who shared that adventure with me – Saeko from Japan and Hanna from the Netherlands – came to visit me here in Brighton yesterday.
Hanna and Saeko
Amid reminiscing about our times on the high seas, catching up on our lives since then and trying to stand upright in the wind, we had a wonderful afternoon. The beach was blissfully empty, all the huts and shops closed, the merry-go-round a little forlorn and lonely, and not an icecream seller in sight.
The waves were pounding the seashore and hundreds of baby seagulls were trying desperately to fly, many hovering just a metre or so above the beach, the wind too powerful to allow them progress.
Brighton is a new place for me, and being near the sea was one of our main reasons for coming here. I can tell that this beach is going to become a very special place for us, regardless of the weather, as a place to drink in the sea air, blow away the cobwebs and just wander along observing life.
What a discovery this place is becoming!
How about you? What places and spaces do you have which always blow away the cobwebs and make you feel alive?
Discovering the difference a break makes
After many hectic months with the wedding, business growth, getting pregnant, moving house, unpacking etc, we decided to take ourselves off for a little ‘babymoon’.
We went to Tenerife for a week to chill out by the pool and enjoy some glorious sunshine, in the knowledge that with a little one on the way we probably won’t be able to do this again for a while. It was such a good thing to do.
Sometimes you don’t realise just how knackered you are until you properly stop and switch off. The first couple of days we just slept on sun loungers for hours, reading, taking a dip in the pool every now and then, or wandering down to the rocks by the sea.
But then, come half way through, we started to feel that our brains were clearing, our minds were opening up, and new ideas were emerging. By the end of the week (six novels and a catamaran sail with dolphins, whales and turtles later!) we were buzzing with new ideas, plans, ways to do things differently and a new enthusiasm for everything on the horizon.
Why don’t you treat yourself to a short break this month to rediscover what fires you up, and clear your mind for new ideas and plans?
Thought for the Week (23)
Allow yourself to take part in activities with others. You may just discover the person you have been sitting opposite or next to for a while has a lot more to offer. Life’s discoveries do not always have to be contemplated and planned.
Life according to Mr K – Love to Discover (3)
Take a moment and ask yourself when you last tried something completely new. Last year I started learning Japanese, and realised it was the first brand new skill I had tried since I was about 14. The last 22 years had been about just developing skills I already had. Who knows what I may be good at? Who knows what any of us are good or bad at unless we try? And how do you know what you love if you have never tried it?
Do What You Love Interview – Leigh Fearn (MOYO Directory)
Very soon we will be launching an exciting new resource for the world of surface pattern design, which we have been working with on with a young dynamic company called Directory Media. Today we turned the tables on one of Directory Media’s founders, to find out why Leigh Fearn took voluntary redundancy from a huge corporate in order to follow a dream and make an idea a reality.
After doing a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies and a year of international travel, Leigh found himself following the same path of thousands of other graduates. He tells us about how and why he has now chosen to swap a 10 year career climbing the corporate ladder within one or the world’s best known multinational companies Hallmark to starting his own business from scratch. Based in Leeds, in the North of England, he explains what inspired the life changing decision and how he intends to turn the concept of a ‘digital directory’ on its head.
Our very own MOYO magazine has been viewed by over 1 million people!
We are so excited to share the news that our free design magazine MOYO has been viewed by over 1 MILLION people! As we are busy working behind the scenes on our anniversary issue (due out in late August), we just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped make MOYO – the world’s first magazine dedicated to surface pattern design – such a roaring success! We look forward to bringing you more inspiration, business advice and opportunities to showcase your design work over the coming months. In the meantime, if you have missed any of our previous issues, check them out here:
