change yourself | gandhi | monday quote

change yourself | gandhi |  monday quote from atlanta artist courtney khail

Fun fact- Gandhi never actually said "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Or at least, no one can find any record of it. Instead, it seems to be the paraphrasing of these worlds- "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him... We need not wait to see what others do."

So instead of paraphrasing him, I thought today I'd give credit to the actual words used. Either way though, these words are so relevant today. We cannot just look to see what everyone else is doing- we must demand better of each other (and ourselves) so that our world can be better too.

I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - Monday quote

"I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life, and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do."

quote by Georgia O'Keeffe | watercolor by Courtney Khail

Truer words could not have been spoken. I'm pretty much always scared (on some level) of what I'm doing and yet there is a power behind embracing that fear that keeps me going as opposed to just quitting. (Some may call it a stubbornness, but tomato tamahto.) Maybe this is a creative person thing (which I highly doubt it is to be honest) but there is such a vulnerability in what I do that it's hard not to be terrified. A piece of my soul goes into everything I create and I can't help but be a little scared (to say the least) when I put that out into the world. (Especially a world where people have gotten so comfortable hiding behind the anonymity of the internet that it sometimes feels as though we all have forgotten simple concepts like human decency and kindness.) 

But you can't be ruled by your fear or you'll stagnant. You'll wake up 1 year (5 years, 20 years, etc) from now consumed with "what ifs." Now, I'm not advocating anyone to be stupid- some fear is healthy and is there for a reason (like if you encounter a wild animal for example) but a lot of the irrational fear is simply rooted in the fear of the unknown and a weakened sense of self. You're afraid of the worst possible outcome, of "making the wrong choice," or of disappointing people*. But more often than not I have come to realize that it's the things that scare me- the things that make me vulnerable, or uncomfortable, or unsure, that are the most worthwhile. They are the situations that push you out of your comfort zone, open doors, and bring the greatest rewards. So way to nail it on the head, Georgia. Recognize that fear, accept it, and then do whatever the hell you want to do despite it. 

*there will always be someone disappointed in your choice and the sooner you realize that- that there will be people who don't like you or your ideas or whatever no matter what you do- the better.

Keep your eyes open

"always keep your eyes open. keep watching. because whatever you see can inspire you." - grace coddington watercolor by Atlanta artist courtney khail

"The meaning of life"

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." - Shakespeare, watercolor by courtney khail 

So often it seems people are searching for the meaning of life and this actually seems pretty close to me. Find what makes you special (whether that is an artistic gift, an intellectual gift, or an emotional gift) and share it with as many people as possible. (I'd add a few things to that- like be accepting, loving and don't do any harm- but I feel like if what you offer in life revolves around sharing the gift you've been given, then that should actually come naturally.)

Opportunity

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." watercolor by Courtney Khail, quote by Thomas Edison

With a long list of to-do's greeting me this morning, I found this Thomas Edison quote to be very fitting. Opportunity doesn't just show at your door and success (at least the long lasting kind) never occurs overnight. I would argue about the overalls thing- but only because overalls bring back memories of my third grade wardrobe, which I personally think is best left in the past. (I'll just re-write the quote in my head to say "pants" or for my career especially- "a smock.")

"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground"

"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground" - Teddy Roosevelt (watercolor by courtney khail)

Kindness in refusal

"It's kindness to refuse immediately what you eventually intend to deny." - jimmy collins | watercolor by courtney khail 

I read this quote a little while back in an interview and it resonated with me. So often people feel it's kinder to "slowly" or "gently" let someone down - whether for an opportunity, a date, what have you- than to simply just be upfront and direct. I've never agreed with that feeling. We've all been on the receiving end of false hope, and it never makes the reality any easier. (Honestly, I'd argue it makes it worse. What many people consider gentle or kind, is actually just prolonging the discomfort or hurt.) So I urge you to always be direct and honest about all of your intentions. In the end, it's the kind thing to do.

the best thing to hold onto in life

"the best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - audrey hepburn

Although relevant because yesterday was Valentines Day, I personally think you should show love every day, so to me, it's just as relevant today.  

what love consists of

"love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."

quote by antoine de saint-exupery; watercolor by courtney khail watercolors

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I can't help but get all sentimental and "mushy." I may not enjoy the commercialization of the day, but the idea of having a whole day dedicated to telling those you love exactly how you feel- that is something I can absolutely get behind.

Well that and chocolate. I'm always on board for chocolate.

invitations

Seeing how engagement season is in full swing, I thought this quote was only fitting. Invitations are your guests' very first glimpse into your wedding and although you most likely will not be able to invite every person dear to your heart, make sure those that you do invite feel special and excited when they receive your invitation. Plus, with all the time and energy you've put into planning an amazing wedding to celebrate the love you and your partner have, it only makes sense that the invitations to that event are just as amazing! If you're stuck on how to make that possible, I'd love to chat about all the possibilities and create a custom wedding invitation just for you!