Marketing Your Creativity

Last week I was in Nashville and I went to the Opryland Hotel to see their world-renowned lights.  I have to say, I was skeptical and my expectations were very low; however, I was blown away.  All of the trees leading up to the hotel are completely decorated in lights.  They also have a greater than life size nativity scene with a recording of the story of the birth of Christ playing in the background.  Now, please keep in mind that I am not the Opryland’s ideal customer, and if I was taken by the Christmas themed entrance – imagine how their ideal customer feels.

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As Thanksgiving approaches we (as a collective nation) focus on gratitude for all of the good things that have come into our lives throughout the previous year.  After all, this is what the holiday is all about.  Long before Black Friday and Cyber Monday existed, we would join with our family and friends to give thanks to the universe for the abundance bestowed through Mother Nature and our ability to harvest a full cornucopia in order to survive the upcoming harsh winter.

I believe that we should be giving thanks and expressing our gratitude every day, not just on the 4^th Thursday of November.  For years, I kept a gratitude journal and before going to bed would write 5 things I was grateful for that day.  Most times, I wrote, I am grateful for:

• my house
• my job
• my creativity
• my family
• my dogs

However, sometimes I would reflect on more specific things:

• a flower blooming in my garden
• the humming bird chasing me out to the car
• the clean air after a brisk rain fall
• a smile from a stranger
• a reassuring/inspiring email
• a phone call to reconnect with a friend
• a great haircut
• true joy
• electricity
• time to read a good book
• an unexpected sale
• ice cream
• my porch swing
• fruit from my trees

In reflecting on the more specific items in my life with gratitude, I found more peace within myself and a desire to share it with the world.

When I was a child, I was taught to say, “Thank You”.  Although the words are nice to hear, it is even better if they are truly expressed in gratitude.  It is not just about saying the words, it’s about truly receiving/accepting what is offered, reflecting on it and then sharing it back.  This can happen in just a few seconds – a genuine giving of thanks.

I am so very grateful for you, my readers.  I truly appreciate that you take the time to read my articles, leave comments on this blog and send me email messages telling me how you have been moved.  You all inspire me to continue writing more.

So, what things are you grateful for?

© 2011 Heather C. Morrow.  All rights reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?  Of course you can, as long as you include the following with it:

Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth.  Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art.  For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.

I really enjoy this time of year because I get to reconnect with friends and family (near and far).  With FaceBook, this task has become a bit easier; however, there is nothing like someone taking the time to send a holiday card using the good old fashioned snail mail system.  It shows the recipient that you are thinking of them and I believe it also becomes a transfer of positive energy.

Here is how it works.   (more…)

Avast! As I write this article, on Sunday, September 19, 2010, it is the International “Talk Like a Pirate Day.”  I could attempt to continue writing in pirate speak; however, I’m going to walk the plank and tell you how I’ve successfully used holidays in my marketing messages over the past couple of years.

First, how did I know that it is “Talk Like a Pirate Day”?  It’s actually on my desk calendar.  I also regularly consult the Brownie Locks (www.brownielocks.com) website which lists all known and sometime very obscure holidays; including month and week celebrations.   (more…)