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Change is a natural part of life, and people change for many reasons. Sometimes, change is forced upon us by circumstances, while other times, we actively seek it out to improve our lives. Understanding why we make changes can help us become more intentional in our decisions. Whether adopting a healthier lifestyle, switching careers, or improving relationships, knowing what motivates us can make the process smoother and more sustainable. Motivation plays a huge role in change. Some people are driven by external rewards, like success, recognition, or financial gain, while others are motivated by internal desires, such as personal growth, helping others, happiness, or a sense of purpose. When you identify what truly drives you, it becomes easier to stay committed to your goals. Instead of relying on short-term willpower, you can create lasting habits that align with what matters most to you. To better understand your own motivations, take a moment to list the things that inspire you to make changes in your life. Some common motivations include having fun, building strong relationships, gaining popularity, achieving personal success, improving health, or feeling more fulfilled. By ranking these in order of importance, you gain insight into what will keep you committed when challenges arise. Knowing your personal priorities helps you create meaningful goals that feel rewarding rather than burdensome. Ultimately, making conscious choices about change allows you to take control of your life rather than reacting to circumstances. By identifying and prioritizing your motivations, you set yourself up for long-term success. Whether working on small daily improvements or making major life transitions, understanding what truly drives you will make the journey more fulfilling and sustainable. 
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Have you ever looked back on a moment in life and thought, I wish I had done more with that opportunity? Maybe it was a skill you never developed, a dream you put on hold, or an idea you never acted on. When we leave our gifts unused, they often turn into regrets—silent reminders of what could have been. Life moves fast, and it's easy to get caught up in responsibilities, self-doubt, or fear of failure/success. But what if those hidden talents and passions are the very things that could bring you fulfillment and joy? We all have unique strengths, whether it's creativity, leadership, problem-solving, or the ability to connect with others. Yet, too often, we convince ourselves that our gifts aren't special enough or that we'll get to them someday. But someday has a way of slipping through our fingers. Imagine being handed a beautifully wrapped present and never opening it. Over time, it collects dust, forgotten in the corner. That's what happens when we ignore our potential—it doesn't just disappear; it lingers as a quiet what if? The good news is that it's never too late to start using your gifts. The first step is simple: start small and recognize what you're naturally drawn to. Whether picking up a paintbrush, taking a class, writing a blog or simply setting aside time to explore your passion, every effort matters. Silence the inner critic that says you're not good enough. Share your talents with the world because they were never meant to be hidden. The regret of never trying is far greater than the fear of failing. So today, take one small step—you never know where it might lead.  High-frequency foods are those that are fresh, vibrant, and alive with nutrients and energy. These foods resonate with higher vibrations because they are natural, unprocessed, and filled with life force. And gonging after some lower frequency food helps to balance it all. Here's a guide to some high-vibrational foods:
1. Fresh Fruits 🍓🍎🍍
Every artist knows the struggle of staring at a blank canvas, waiting for inspiration to strike. Sometimes, it feels like an uphill battle, and other times, it's a flood of creative energy. Recently, I tackled an area of my home that was both practical and problematic: the space underneath my treadmill desk. I love the convenience of having a treadmill in my bedroom, but I'll admit that the clutter underneath wasn't exactly inspiring. Storage boxes had become an eyesore, stealing my focus and energy every time I looked at it. I knew I needed a creative solution, and that's where the idea of art came in. Using art to hide the chaos I've always believed that art has the power to transform a space, so I decided to use it in a functional way too: as a barrier to hide the mess. I envisioned a large, bold painting that would not only cover the treadmill's underside but also add vibrancy and inspiration to my workspace. And people would see the painting rather than look at the mess when they passed my bedroom. How do you create something that serves as both a visual statement and a practical solution?  The creative process: finding beauty in the struggle. This project didn't come easily. Unlike other pieces I've worked on, I struggled to balance colour, texture, and composition. I wanted the painting to feel a bit moodier-black background without too many distractions. After days of layering paint, stepping back, and starting over, I finally found my flow. The painting became a dance of blending rich hues with subtle textures. It was balanced and harmonious, just like the way I envisioned it (does not always happen). When I finally placed the finished piece in front of the treadmill, the transformation wasn't immediate but I realized the piece was meant to be right there, right now. The clutter disappeared behind a wall of solid black with beautiful gold and dark metallic turquoise. The painting hid the mess and became a focal point that uplifts me daily. It's a reminder that even in the messiness of life and the creative process-there's beauty to be found. I have used and done this before and it teaches me lessons: art doesn't have to be confined to galleries or walls. It can serve practical purposes, like hiding clutter, while still being a source of inspiration. If you're struggling with a messy or uninspiring space, consider how you might use art to transform it. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or even a fabric installation, creativity has the power to elevate any environment.
Do you have a story about using art in a unique way? I'd love to hear about it! Share your experiences in the comments or tag me on Instagram: @annica_artist_johansson.
Let's inspire each other! Life can feel like a constant balancing act. We all crave comfort and stability, and who doesn't want an easy, pain-free life? But what if we flipped the script and saw challenges and discomfort not as things to avoid but as key parts of living a full life? What if those tough times were actually fuel for our growth? A life without challenges is a life without real change and progress. Taking the easy route might feel safe, but it can also lead to feeling stuck. When we don't face challenges, we miss out on testing our strength, resilience, or creativity. Growth happens when we step into the unknown and face obstacles and blocks head-on. These challenges push us to grow beyond what we know and are comfortable with. It's in the tough moments that we discover what we're really capable of and develop new skills. When we handle our struggles with care, we can transform ourselves. Instead of seeing discomfort as bad, we can start viewing it as a teacher. Turning pain and hardship into something positive is all about changing how we think. It starts with accepting the challenge for what it is—not giving up but recognizing it. Acceptance helps us approach our pain with calm and compassion. Instead of fighting against uncomfortable emotions, we can take the time to explore them and see what they can teach us. Once we accept the challenge, we can shift our view and see the lessons hidden in every painful experience. For instance, a tough relationship could show us where we need stronger boundaries or a setback in our career might point us toward something more aligned with who we are. When we focus on what we can learn from tough times, we start shifting from just feeling the pain to finding opportunities to heal and grow. Finally, turning pain into growth also means taking action. Things like meditation, painting, therapy, or any creative outlet can help us process tough emotions and learn more about ourselves. When we embrace discomfort as part of the growth process, we build resilience and become better at handling whatever comes our way. Choosing to face life's challenges, instead of avoiding them, can change us in ways we never expected. A life without struggles may sound nice, but it's through the tough moments that we find our strength, wisdom, and purpose.  Being blunt can actually be a really helpful tool when it comes to cutting through the noise of everyday life. We all have our own way of communicating, but sometimes, we get caught up in being overly polite, people pleasing or even being fake to avoid conflict. Being direct can save time and energy and help others understand exactly where you're coming from. There are moments when people wish they had heard certain truths earlier in life. Whether it's a hard piece of advice or a reality check, hearing it straight up could have made a massive difference in their decisions or mindset. Instead of beating around the bush or sugarcoating things, getting to the point can open up a clearer path forward. Of course, there's a balance to all of this. Being blunt doesn't mean being harsh. It's about being clear, honest, and respectful without unnecessary fluff. When we can embrace this kind of communication, we can cut through confusion, save people from wasted time, and even help them avoid mistakes they might otherwise make.  |
Annica JohanssonMy name is Annica Johansson and I am an Artist, Life Coach and a Sound Healing Therapist. I am writing about personal development, daily musings, spirituality and depicting mother nature's amazing beauty. Welcome! Categories
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