On Being Healthy in Business and Life

Although I grew up with no television, I remember my mom talking about Candid Camera. She'd watched the show as a teenager and always loved it. She believed that laughter was the best medicine. And I remember her describing episodes and laughing until she cried when doing so. Whenever I feel down, I like to think up imaginary episodes and that makes me giggle.

I think she was on to something.

Today I wanted to talk about business as a creative person and being happy in what you do. There's so much out there in the way of magazines, blogs, websites, etc. And you know, it's easy to sort of feel like what you're doing just doesn't measure up.

I'm here to tell you that's not a good way to think. And it's not healthy for you.

I'd like to tell you my opinion: Visit sites that inspire you, make you laugh, or leave you feeling good.

Stop visiting sites that make you feel bad. Maybe they have a lofty tone or an air of superiority. Or maybe they're negative. And here's why I say stop. Would you be friends with someone who makes you feel that way? I wouldn't. Because we all just want to be happy, right?

Surround yourself with good. Do good. Be good to yourself, so that you can be even better to those you love. And then, they'll be better, and better to their friends too.

And the same holds true in business. Do business with people you respect. That treat you well. That appreciate your business, however small it may be. I love that I know my printer and his family, that my postman knows my name, and that my internet team is full of positive, good people.

And with others in your field, surround yourself with the ones who have ethics. Who build others up. When you're good, you attract good, and the negative weeds itself out. You'll find that it is possible to love what you do. And you know what? Pretty soon, your field will be free of all the bad seeds and will do nothing but flourish.

Happy = Healthy. I'm living proof.

Me, Jennifer, and Penny, visiting at The Farm Chicks Show, years ago.

Comments

[gail kent]

you are right about people supporting each other-if everyone would support their local business it will spread throughout their community-kindness and love can be spread and can go along way-honesty and respect needs to become a way of life again-life is too short to waste on being mean, unkind, disrespectful,and hate-prayers that the world will become one loving nation under God-hope all have a wonderful blessed day-thank you for all that you do to spread love and peace in your everyday life and through your business

[Ashley Urke]

Thank you for this! I have been feeling this way for awhile and have slowly been making boundaries. But this has prompted me to stop reading one of my favorite blogs. I love the content but I was disappointed with how long of a reader I have been she never responds. And I realize people have lives and I shouldn't hold this against her. But that small irritation...I allowed to creep in. And so simply, I am going to take a break from reading and I think it will be a good thing!

[shannon]

thank you Serena, I needed this! Perfect timing! Can I repost, with full credit to your blog, over on my blog?
www.cascobaysoap.blogspot.com
thanks!
S.

[Terri Staats]

Great advice. It's very easy to be intimidated by all that's out there. Thanks for sharing your experience as a sucessful business woman.

[kasey]

Very very good words. Just helped me get my perspective right, and know how to deal with some situations that have come up just this last week..

[tasha]

love the thoughts serena...i think it's very easy to get down on yourself with so much fabulous-ness around the web!! it is very necessary to visit happy places and also to hang on to the words of encouragement and support from others and then make sure to give back in the same way. happiness and harmony is what i always say! :) it really makes a difference.

[Michele C]

Absolutely.

[Kelly]

I really needed to hear this today! I feel the same way, but you worded it so very well. I love to visit your blog because it's so inspiring and positive!

[Bonita]

EXACTLY!!! You said it just right!! Have a great week!!

[Tracy]

Bravo!

[Tammy]

Thank you, Serena. I feel like you were talking to ME!!!!! I needed a good boost... xoxoxo

[Alaskan Colleen]

I love this entry. It is so encouraging. I have just started a blog, and sometimes when I read other blogs for inspiration, it just leaves me feeling inadequate. But not yours! I love your blog! Keep up the good work!

[Afke]

Hi, that's so true and well said and i'm glad i read this.
greetings Afke

[debi]

Well said Serena...I've declared a creative sabbatical of sorts, a rest to re-connect to all that inspires creative joy. There's an embroidered picture that hangs on the wall of my mom's kitchen. It says, "The world will judge us harshly enough, let us at least be gentle with one another."

how much do we love jennifer? ;) looking forward to Farm Chicks <3
deb @ Garden Party

[Cindy Gibb]

You are so right! Bring on the good stuff, weed out the bad!

[Monica]

What an encouraging post. I like your words --- "visit sites that inspire you, make you laugh, or leave you feeling good" --- that is why I visit you :) Have a happy weekend.

[Whit]

This is an absolute truth! Thanks for sharing it today, of all times, Serena. We just moved to a small town in Western WA, and you know how moving invites all these strangers in your home to fix this, install that. We've tried to move our services (technological and otherwise) into town to support the local economy, and handymen who have graced our door have been kind and respectful. The one time we went out into the "city" for a servicer, he made me feel inferior for asking questions about his work--a little of the "don't worry yourself lil' lady" attitude. Then he seriously overcharged us!

Doing business with people that recipicate your respect is not only good for oneself, but also boosts your community as well!

And like you say, finding your life giving community online is the icing on the cake. Not all of us may be able to choose where we live in the real world, however those friendships we build online can be just as important as a good neighbour next door. Just harder to borrow sugar from. :)

Happy Spring (it has to be around here somewhere, eh?)

Whit

[Katelyn]

Adorable,I love this post and picture. Such great advice. And can I add that it takes time? Enjoy the process and each new phase.

[Jessica]

Such great advice. So simple, and yet so true.

[Sara Smeby]

Just what I needed to hear today. Your post today is part and parcel of why I read your blog every single day. Even if it's a post I've read before, I'll read it again, as I'm sure to glean either wisdom or inspiration from it. Thank you for your "candid"-ness, Serena! Warmly, Sara

[Stacy ~ Sweet Life Farm ~ Applegate, Oregon]

Your site positively *sparkles* today, Serena! Grateful you shared with us… and summed it up so sweetly (of course!). You are always a joy to visit as it is clear you are truly beautiful and good, inside and out. I love the memories you share of your mother. She certainly passed along her wisdom to you. Thank you for passing it on! Blessings, Stacy

[meghan]

thanks so much for this post. i really needed to remember these words today.

[gladys hanning]

So true and expressed in the kindness way. Thank you Serena!

xox Glad & Cel

[Kelly Heeringa]

Right you are! That's why I never watch horror movies. Just don't want that negative energy around me.

[Agnes]

Thank you for this post :)

[Pom Poms and Polkadots]

Thank you Serena I really needed that wisdom today!! Blessings!!

[Cindy @ French Grey]

I'm a little late to the blogging world so I can totally relate to what your saying and appreciate your wisdom and encouragement! I came to the Farm Chick's show in '06 and planning on coming this year.... I can't wait!
Blessings,
Cindy

[Lynn]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Serena. Your love shines through it :) This is exactly what I needed today.

[CAROL]

Dear Serena,
Thank you for your positive wisdom. I so agree about some blogs being a little bit "snooty"! I visit your blog because it makes me smile, I can get great ideas, and it is a great way to start the day! Keep writing and inspiring! Can't wait for The Farmchicks show!
Have a great weekend!
Carol

[Duni]

Dear Serena,

lovely words and so true! Perhaps that is why I keep visiting your site, because I feel happy reading your posts.
I do my best to avoid unhealthy relationships both personal and in business.
best,
Duni

[nicole]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you for the positive advice. I shared it on my facebook page today. Happy Weekend to you and keep loving life :)

[Barbara Diane]

Hello!

That's why I check your blog every day - to see what beauty you have created and interesting things you are doing and writing about! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

[juNxtaposition]

well said ! and oh so true !

[kristi]

...and this is why I have stuck with you for so long, Serena. YOUR words (and pictures, too!) always leave me smiling and encouraged. :)

[Marie at the Lazy W]

Beautifully put and so true. Beauty begets beauty, love feeds love. This is simple wisdom that applies to everything in life. I think we can challenge ourselves without beating ourselves up all the time. Thank you! Been watching your awesome stuff for quite a while, very happy for your success!

[Melaine Thompson]

Oh Serena, I so agree with this! Thanks for being so open about it! Melaine

[Kim @ Homesteader's Heart]

Wise wise words my friend!! Not to mention good timing. I am on the edge about starting an Etsy shop but kept thinking,"Why would anyone want to buy anything I make?" But you've inspired me to go for it, no matter how small it may be.
Have a lovely day.
Kim

[teresa]

I agree- that's why I come here to build up my Happy box. =)
Thanks
Have a wonderful weekend-

[Jackie]

Amen!