How to be grateful in challenging times - With Survivor and Creative Arella Tomlinson

Colour Me Happy! - See your everyday ordinary as extraordinary with Brandi Hofer

Some challenging seasons are meant to prepare you, strengthen you for what's to come.

How to be grateful in truly challenging seasons of life? This is what I wrote in the challenging season of losing my mother and having my first son in a matter of months: "Yet somehow, unexpectedly, through the throes of grief, I found strength. Strength for my own newborn baby when I held him in my arms, Gus. I had been presented with the highest form of gift. That I will hold in my own hands the small joys, the small moments, the moments that add up to a lifetime of love. My mother could never be replaced, but she lived on through me, and she will live on through my children.My hands have purpose now, just as my mother’s did, just as her mother’s did and hers before that." I wouldn't be the strong driven woman that I am today without walking through that grief. What a gift every moment is now.

Are you living up to your fullest potential right now? Is there something challenging going on with you? How could the future you see this as a building block to the foundation, the foundation that needs to be strong before you add more building blocks on top?

What is the best version of you?What does that person look like? How do they feel? Take a minute a write right down. How are you slowing down in a day? Try to fit in 3 conscious moments where you take pause and take in how great you really have it! (this helps, trust me, even through the darkest times) ⁠

Community! You'll want to catch this chat with Creative Arella Tomlinson Artist, Cancer Survivor and Mother ⁠⁠LISTEN HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We snagged this great clip from our book, if you love it: Order our new book HERE!

Upcoming dates to remember:

August 24, 7:00pm : Floral Gather and Sketch workshop held locally at The Cheesiry (contact us for more info and to book)

August 23, 6:00 - 9:00 pm: Nouveau's Night Out Get tickets HERE

September 8 & 9: Mural Fest Saskatoon Downtown Mall Parking Lot Live mural painting

September 14 11:30-1:30: Choose Love & Join Hands in Truth and Reconciliation Mural Project Ceremony (open to public) Saskatchewan Health Authority Building downtown Lloydminster

Learn more about Arella HERE: https://www.arellatomlinsonart.com/originals⁠⁠⁠⁠