I hope you got a chance to celebrate the father(s) or the father-figure(s) in your life!
We got a chance to walk around the park, and really enjoyed the day!
For those of you who follow me on IG, you probably saw my writing piece for my husband.
You may think it's looks awesome! But being the perfectionist like myself, I'm not going to lie, I am super unhappy with my writing.
I didn't mention this in my post because I don't want to take away from what I was posting. I wrote this for my husband and he totally deserved it!
But I am not happy with the writing at all! I hadn't had a chance to practice any calligraphy, so my writing was inconsistent. I started and restarted 4-5 times, to the point where I had to say to myself, just finish the piece and post it!
And here're the two things I want to share:
1) Calligraphy is not something that you learn, master and think you'll remain good. It's a continuous craft you need to hone in on.
It's important to accept this, esp. for my calligraphy friends, if you'd left it for a while, don't get frustrated when you come back and find your writing less than perfect! You just need to jump back and practice again! So don't give up!
2) And for those of you who're a perfectionist like myself.. done is better than perfect! Sometimes, you just need to choose your battle and let some stuff go.
Finishing something is better than giving up. Completing a task will build up your mindset, it completes the loop to reaffirm that you're a finisher and not a quitter. So even if you are not happy with the way your project is turning out, still try to finish it!
Are you also a perfectionist like myself and are highly critical of your work? Let me know!
Whether you'd pushed through before, or gave up mid way through! I'd love to hear your story!
I hope you're doing well, and enjoying the nice weather as best as you can!
Yesterday, my husband wrote this quote on the white board in front of his desk, so I was inspired to make it look pretty
And this got me thinking, sometimes, starting is hard; sometimes, keeping up with the momentum is hard.
Today, I want to share a little bit on what it means to start something.
I started my calligraphy business in the beginning of 2019. But actually, I started my business back in 2015.
I started off wanting to publish my own children activity books. But I am not a great illustrator, so I published a few colouring reference books and travel jourals. Even though no one really buys them, I'm still damn proud of myself! (I make about $24 off of these books per year, LOL!)
And while I worked on my last colouring journal, I encountered calligraphy!
Now, I wasn't a total stranger of calligraphy. When I was in Gr 8, my teacher asked me if I was interested to learn, and I taught myself how to do Gothic script!
So I felt like calligraphy was meant to be when I came back to it.
Even though I'm telling you this, I left out many many things. I was introduced into a MLM type business once many years ago, I tried my hands on making macarons, crochet, needle felting, cooking, jewelery making, drop shipping, writing blogs etc.
My whole business journey evolved drastically!
Some people are concerned about starting because they don't want to get stuck doing something that they're not sure about.
But the reality is, you don't really know what you like or don't like until you try!
I spent tons, and I mean tons, of money on many hobbies, tools, courses and "potential" businesses. But I don't regret it one single bit.
That's because I know if I don't try, I'll never know.
So if there's something you want to try, go ahead and give it a try! It doesn't have to end up becoming a business! If you love it, that's great! If not, it's also okay.
Things will always evolve, and that's how we learn more about ourselves!
If you'd been in a similar situation, or if there's something you'd like to start but unsure whether to give it a try or not, let me know! I'd love to hear your story!
Happy June 1st! It means our son's birthday is tomorrow, and he's turning 3 years old! This was taken yesterday at a park near our house. Since we couldn't really do anything for his birthday, we went for ice cream to surprise him.
For those of you who just recently joined me. To give you a little background, I am a radiaiton therapist by day (use radiation to treat cancer patients), and I do calligraphy after our son goes to sleep.
Having this kid changed how I look at life, and how I'm showing up for myself, for my family, and for him.
Everyday, I want to keep getting better. I want to make sure I do everything I can to show him that anything is possible.
That's why I started my calligraphy business... just to show him that if his mommy can do it, he can do it too.
I'm not going to lie about it, this business is a massive monster ready to be slayed. It certainly is tiring, and I definitely have days when I'm questioning why I do what I do.
But if there is something that is calling you, have a listen to it.
Well, you may say, I'm too old, it's too late. Here... take a look at this photo.
It's never too late! Never! Only until you're gone for good!
Time definitely flies by, and there's never a good time to start anything, so NOW is the best time!
If you are interested to start something and would like to share your idea(s) with me, I'd love to hear them!! Big and small! It makes me so excited!! And nothing is too small! Let's share this little/big dream and possibility!
And at last, I'd like to tell you that your support, your comments, your feedback, your enthusiasm, and your love definitely help me move forward!
So I want to send a heart felt thank you to you!
How are you? It's almost the end of May, and that weather is starting to get gorgeous here in Toronto!!!
I have a question for you today, if you are given a chance to do anything, what can you do, and what will you do?
I was recently asked to do an engraving job, where I got to engrave this message on a bracelet.
"Possum et ego", which meant "I can and I will".
The lady who hired me wanted to gift this to her friend, who is about start his business. It encapsulates the drive, the hunger, the guts, plus having the energy carry you forward during low points in life.
But engraving this bracelet wasn't the highlight for me.
The highlight was getting a chance to chat with my client afterwards!
I got to find out more about what she does for work, what she's been doing during this down time, and then for some reason, we started to talk about her interests, her dreams, and the potential of starting something that interest her...!
So I also want to ask you! What about you? What are you interested in? What can you do? And what will you do?
It is definitely a set of loaded questions!
But let's pause for a second, let's reflect on what's happening in your life right now. What are some high points? What are the low points?
Are you happy with your life? Are you just satisfied with it? Or have you sort of given up and said, it is what it is?
If you're happy with your life, congratulations!! I'd love to hear what's been happening in your life! Reply this message and share it with me! I want to celebrate with you!
If you're only in the satisfied, or you feel that "it is what it is" camp... May I suggest a book to you?
This is a book I read 2 years ago, and I recommend this book to EVERY. SINGLE.PERSON
It's called "Stop Saying You're Fine" by Mel Robbins!
I shared this with my client, and thought I'd really want to share this with you!
This is my highly recommend must-read book, so if you can get your hands on it, give it a try!
Let me know what you think!
How are you? Another week of "Social distancing" is over!! Are you staying at home? Or do you need to go to work?
I found this one funny! So just wanted to share!
I personally need to go to work, because I work as a radiation therapist (we use radiation to treat cancer patients). And to be honest, I am scared about it. The main thing I'm concerned about is I may catch this, and pass it onto our son. I really wish I can stay home!
At the same time, I am not going to dismiss how difficult it is for those of you who are staying home either! Whether you are staying home, or having to go out to work, IT IS HARD. Kudos to all of you!
And to end this email, for those of you who haven't watched it, let's get a good laugh out of it, I find this one HILARIOUS!
Stay safe!
Claudia
PS, How are you feeling? And I'm serious about this question, because I know some of you may be happy you're home, but some of you may be depressed/upset/devastated. If you need anyone to talk to, please reach out and send me a message!
Or if you just want to talk but don't know what to say, let me know what do you miss the most now that you're staying home!
What I miss the most is going out to eat and walk around the mall! Even though I don't usually buy anything, it's still nice to go to the mall to walk around. What about you?
