Bijou-inspired ZHQ-isms

We, at Zentangle HQ, were inspired by Bijou's 24 new Bijouisms this year. So, we decided to create our own. After all... we couldn't let Bijou have all of the fun!

We sat down, dug deep, spoke to our inner-Bijou, and let the words flow. We hope you enjoy these eleven additional wisdoms!

Jane-ism

A Smile Goes a Long Way

There was a saying that hung on the walls of my childhood home that read: “It takes only thirteen muscles of the face to make a smile and sixty-five to make a frown. Why overwork?”

Growing up, I interpreted this as a challenge and a validation that it was okay to exert less effort because the outcome resulted in something positive. Right? In a weird way, I felt rebellious being ‘so lazy’ and taking the easy way out by choosing to smile rather than frown. I’ll show them.  

It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized how powerful this quote really was and how much it influenced who I had become, and how I viewed life. I now interpret this as a simple and wonderful opportunity to see the glass half full versus half empty. Why waste time and muscle power being negative, when you can just as easily, and with less muscle power, be positive? Why bring someone down when you can cheer them up at no extra cost? It seems like a no-brainer to me.

Jen-ism

Whatever Happens, Love That!

"Whatever happens, love that." -Blix, a character in a book

I have had this up on a wall in my house since the moment I read the book! I fell in love with the character and her attitude and approach to life.

It seems so obvious if you look at the statement, “Whatever happens, love that.” It has happened, there is no changing it, so why resist it? Why doubt it or think what if’s and agonize over the “could have”, “would have” and “should have”. If we just shift a bit to acceptance and then maybe a bit more to shining love on it, what does that do for us? We feel better! We have moved from a resistance mindset to this more positive place of moving forward. We have moved towards peace in our life and I love that!

Jean-ism

Figure It Out

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” -Albert Einstein

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

We all have moments in our life when we just do not know. We do not know the answer, we do not know how to do something, we do not know how to solve whatever challenge is in front of us. We have a choice at that moment, we can say “I cannot do it” or we can say “I can figure it out."  Trust that you can figure it out, break it down and take that first step.

And the Zentangle Method tells us, that “Anything is possible…one stroke at a time”.

Judi's ism:

Remember Who You Are

I can still hear my mother saying these words in her lovely southern drawl. As I would leave the house, no matter where I was going, I don’t think a time went by that she didn’t tell me to remember who I was. She would remind me to be who my Creator made me to be; and I carry her words with me to this day. It’s part of my identity. Remember who you are! Be you, Bijiou!

Julie-ism:

Change of Heart

“The most beautiful thing in the world is a heart that is changing.” -Anasazi Foundation, The Seven Paths: Changing One's Way of Walking in the World

As we go through life, we collect words, advice, and experiences that shape our perspective. The beauty of perspectives is that they are not stagnant, they evolve as we collect more words, advice, and experiences.

Motherhood has certainly been a catalyst for my evolving thoughts. Before I was a parent I would watch people parent and think, "I would not do that" or "That will never happen to me." Now I am in it, this beautiful chaos of raising children. I am in the shoes of those I once judged. I realize how much I did not know or understand. The firm opinions I once held true have softened, shifted, and evolved. And I know, because my journey is at its beginning, as my children grow and change, my perspective and heart will grow and change along with them. And that is a beautiful, humbling thing!

Maria-ism:

Perfection is Overrated

“Have no fear of perfection— you’ll never reach it!” -Salvador Dali

I’m not sure when it was that I gave up the idea of perfection, but it had a profound effect on me as an artist (and on my life in general). What a relief! I did not have to run that marathon anymore. Life suddenly became relaxed, joyful, content. I could spend my time creating, not competing. I cut myself slack in all things. Not to say I didn’t work hard in my field, but early on I decided I didn’t have to be a daVinci, or a Picasso. I could just be me and see what I could create in my own world. You have more than likely heard of us talking about embracing the various “faux pas” that occur in our life. Once I decided to take on the challenges,  it was exhilarating. Not only that, I had the same feeling about others who made mistakes... because we all make them.

You just have to be willing to go in another direction when they occur. It takes practice. Like Zentangle. 

Martha-ism:

Take a Walk

"Solvitur ambulando” (It is solved by walking) -Latin proverb

There are not many problems that can't be fixed by a walk around the block. The duality of movement and quiet headspace has always been a kind of magic medicine for me. The beauty of the walk is that it is free, can be done just about anywhere, and can be enjoyed alone or with a friend. After all, isn't it just a forced shift in perspective? Perhaps that is all we need to see things in a new, kinder light. Whether you venture on two feet, two wheels, or in the limitless path of your imagination, "taking a walk" is just the ticket to set you straight when you're feeling a bit crooked.

Molly-ism:

Don't Should on Yourself!

“Dear Past, thanks for all the lessons. Dear Future, I’m ready now.” -Unknown

I use this as a mantra often.

When "stuff" happens or things don't go your way, it is very easy to get wrapped up in all the ways you could have or should have done something. This action is negative thinking at its best and it does not really help you in your present moment. If anything, it might make it worse or hold you back from getting past it. Instead, I try to go through a process of accepting the situation and looking for ways to navigate it. I then look back at it and dig deep for some gratitude for the opportunity to learn from it. Much easier said than done, but the more you practice it, the easier it gets.

Rick-ism:

Allegedly

Thiele-ism:

You Get What You Give

“You get what you give, so give wisely and generously" -Anonymous

Connection is a powerful thing. I am lucky enough that I have found, and fostered, connections throughout my life. And while some people may look at that and attribute that solely to luck, the truth is, connection takes work. Relationships are a give and take. They require empathy, leveling, respect, and the deep understanding that while it is a two-way street, you may not always be driving at the same pace.

As you continue to practice this understanding with your people... the ones that are really worth it... you build a village, a support system, a vital network. If you think of each of your people as a bucket, you may not be able to fill them all at once. Life stages, proximity, and priorities may make it hard to "show up" in the same ways you did before. But I encourage you to pour what you can, when you can (knowing that what you have in your own bucket will ebb and flow). Inevitably, there will be a moment when you find your own bucket empty, and I bet those that you have filled will come to your rescue! And if they don't... there's an important lesson there, too.

Stephanie-ism

It’s a Stepping Stone

“If you make an error, use it as a stepping stone to a new idea you might not have otherwise discovered.” -Roger von Oech

Life is full of stepping stones. Each stone represents a challenge, a goal, or an experience that propels us forward in our journey. While goals are important, we can't expect to leap to the finish line and achieve success right away. Instant gratification can be misleading; instead, we must embrace the process of growth and learning.

At times, we may find ourselves taking a step forward, stepping back, or simply pausing to reflect. It's natural to stumble along the way, but remember that there is always an opportunity to step forward, learn, evolve, and adapt from these experiences.

You can stand on a stepping stone as long as you want, but to reach the next goal, you must take that next step or leap to the next stone. Each choice we make creates our own unique path towards the desired change or goal we seek.

Every life challenge holds the potential to become a stepping stone for future success. Embrace each moment, and don't hesitate to take that step!

We want to hear from all of you! What is your "ism"? Leave a comment and let us know. We will choose three "ism"s at random to receive a Zentangle surprise!

On that note... the winners from last week's blog are Jane Roberts and Linda Dochter. You two will receive a Zentangle surprise in the mail soon! And thank you to all who left a comment on the new Bijouisms - we are so glad they resonated so deeply with our community.