Change

a budding peony stage I photo by m.diaz

Well, as my regular readers have deduced I have slowed down on the blogging through these past few months of July, August and September.

There is a reason and some up and coming behind the scenes changes that I've been working on for the last 3 months that I will soon reveal here on my blog.

But first a word on the word change...it seems to be the 'hot-button' word for my place of work this school year as is the notion of 'accepting it'. This ofcourse implies that the change is thrust upon you and not self-initiated. Fortunately in this technologically savvy world we're living in, I'm a big believer in innovation, stepping into discomfort in order to bend, stretch, learn and rustling ancient architecture. I also believe you can never stand in the same river twice...

However, I'm not a big fan of changing just for the sake of changing, or accepting changes that are counterproductive or an impedement to seeking your best possible life, or providing no actual improvement to the potential of learning. And I believe if you find yourself in one of those latter aforementioned negative states of change, you should not just accept it- in fact I believe you should never just accept daily discomfort and discontent, but instead change again, and again, and again until the process yields a journey of fruitful gains and you find yourself in a state of workable calm.

I especially support teaching young folks to think critically, question and value the questioning as just as vital as the answer (if not more precious) and most importantly to never simply accept a life of adversity, abuse or discomfort just because there seems to be no choice...and furthermore it is because change is inevitable that we can and should teach that our lives can be better and we can change our circumstances in order to improve.

a budding peony stage II ...photo by m.diaz

With that said, it's time to get back to work and focus on the kinds of changes that will allow me to be more present, less affected by all the egoic anxieties with which my soul has been a whipping post for and healthier (can you tell I've been listening to some Eckhart Tolle lately?)lol. Therefore, I've been doing some behind the scenes designing, making, building, illustrating, creating, dieting, meditating and planning that involve some big changes in my life, and around this part of the blogosphere...and all in time for this great FALL season.

So drumroll please...I'm now three clothing sizes smaller, basically 30 lbs lighter. I have finally achieved what has been a major life goal that has been close to years in the making...beginning three years ago with cutting back and then out sugar and caffeine. Ending in an entire lifestyle change with food and exercise. The work has been arduous and very consuming. Finally, I am experiencing a healthy relationship with energy...the one power that has always been my one secret superhero desire.

I am determined to end the rollercoastering, maintain and improve what has been the bain of my existence- the slaying of the dragon called my weak ass immune system.

Stay tuned for a reveal of the new me, more art, more style, more artful living among chickens, pups, artist hub and students.

-Ciao Amarettogirl

Comments

[Nicole]

I'm so excited for you about the new changes in your life!
They were noticeable before you even decided to write about it. :)

[lightfoot]

dude, i am so happy for you. you look fucking fantastic, seriously. you're seriously inspiring. seeing you on the tredmill, was like omg, i gotta keep working out and cut out the sugary garbage. (so no more soda, just water for me.) when i send the coterie sketchbook i'm going to send along the lost in translation soundtrack, i think you'll really like it. it's very fluid and i like to study and relax to it. i am so glad to see you going through a productive, healthy change! ++PLUS+++ making awesome artwork.

lovelove

[B]

Well said!

I agree that learning to "think critically, question and value the questioning as just as vital as the answer" is just as important as anything else. Glad to see you're back!

[Tital]

I'm so excited for you and your new changes!!!!!! I can't wait to hear, read and see all about it!!!!

[cooper]

with my real limited internet connection, i decided i had three stops to make
before i lost it: Facebook (standard), email, and your blog! this is the best.
i've been so wiped out lately, but got instantly picked up by this post. thanks
for continuing to inspire me

[stainboy21]

It is easy to lose track of change if it happens along a period of time like your transformation has but it has still been a revelation and inspiration to me as well. I couldn't ask for a better life/ art/ teaching partner. as far as change goes, I am continually surprised by the reactions to change in one's life either self imposed or a reaction, healthy change is not invited nor welcomed by so many and the fear of change makes that same crowd angry and irritable to say the least. I also don't know if it is as simple as giving in to change or accepting change....however, if you are an active agent for positive change it is a continually growing ever evolving relationship with the world around and within. like a teacher always being a student.

[Rina]

WOOHOOO! Great job, thats amazing i love ur postss
XOXOXo

[ally]

"most importantly to never simply accept a life of adversity, abuse or discomfort just because there seems to be no choice...and furthermore it is because change is inevittable that we can and should teach that our lives can be better and we can change our circumstances in order to improve."
____I would live by this! almost should be the theme of the year..Im a lil late but I am excited and willing to welcome that much needed "change" in my life!_____
Love u!!!
ALLY