Approval is for the birds.

Cherry Blossom Girl by Rashaan Cruze

When you do something, why are you doing it? Do you want acknowledgement, attention, love and praise to show everyone that you are worthy? Do you believe that you need to be offered a reality TV show on your life or get famous to finally feel legit? Well have I got the answer for you! No, I'm kidding, but it is human to want positive reinforcement and praise, especially when you put yourself out there. That shit can be scary! But alas mes amis,  I have recently learned un petit secret. If you create with the intention of serving others with love...creating becomes giving and it feels down right magical.

When I start a painting with the intention that everyone will finally see that I am a GENIUS ARTIST, I get lost along the way and the art sadly stares back at me asking "wtf is going on?". Ha ha ha, I love when my art talks to me with straight up attitude. When I start my creation with the intention of being open to and trusting my instincts, so much inspiration flows through me. I'll also set the intention that this piece will be full of love and healing for whomever will own it, and by golly you can feel the energy. On the real, energy is contagious ladies & gents, don't get it twisted.

You can feel the difference when someone NEEDS your approval versus when they are proud and love what they've create. This goes for everything....a monologue, a song, the extra 5,000 in your savings account, the cake you baked, your new car, or the new way you organize your shoes. I am always drawn to people who are confident and authentic, they are so dang interesting. I'm like "who are you and what are you all about sugar?". Their energy rubs off on me and then I start feeling all inspired to be authentic and fall in love with who I am too. But if someone clings to me for my approval I want to turn them and say "Honey, approve of yourself! You are just as worthy as every other human being on this planet!". Plus, needy energy feels icky. On one of Oprah's shows one of her guest said "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space". I ate that up and from now on before I walk into a room I do an energy check. My purpose is to be a light, not the opposite.

I absolutely love the affirmation that Louise Hay wrote in her book "You Can Heal Your Life". I love and approve of myself exactly as I am. Dr. Wayne Dyer also says that "People who want the most approval get the least and people who need approval the least get the most. (If you're interested in Louise Hay you may also enjoy her daily affirmations http://www.louisehay.com/affirmations/).

Love yourself first and foremost and deeply, and then love what you create...I promise it will be felt to the right people at the right time. Don't get lost in trying to prove yourself to the world, do get lost in the moment. Scrumptilicious babies! I just got so excited that I must scurry about into my little artist studio and paint away.

Tra la la, I adore you my sweet readers.

photo source: rashaancruze.com/humans.htm

xo

Rashaan Cruzé

"You wander from room to room, hunting for the diamond necklace, that is already around your neck." -Rumi

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