Self-Love – Play. Create. Discover…

Blog, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Awareness, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love

The Success Eater: Redefining Achievements

January 30, 2024 Kristy Fae

Do you have impossibly high expectations of yourself? Do you struggle with perfectionism or thinking you’ll never be as good as “everyone else” in your area of expertise? Do you jump from one achievement to the next without taking time to really honour and celebrate your successes? If so, you are most definitely not alone!

Many of us battle with these thoughts on a regular basis as we compare our work or achievements to the plethora of examples on the internet, in the news or around us day to day. We forget that “different” doesn’t mean “better” and that what we offer is also valuable, important and needed! We don’t always see that even the people who appear to be succeeding beyond what’s humanly possible still experience challenges, bad days, hard times and self-doubt.

Furthermore, those of us who take our personal growth seriously can sometimes be the first to think we are not doing enough “bettering” and we place heavier and larger burdens on ourselves continuously. We can neglect pausing to reflect on everything we HAVE accomplished and we focus instead on the unfinished to-do lists looming in the dark corners of our mind. Let’s stop biting ourselves and start to play nice!

This week, I suggest that you make time to pause, breath and get grounded. From there, I invite you to look at how you define “accomplishments”, “success” or “achievements”. Go ahead and write out the definition you abide by, along with examples (from your own life, those around you or even celebrities etc).

Now that your definition and examples are on paper, examine what words you wrote. Does your idea of success involve external or public recognition such as awards, certificates, diplomas or even words of affirmation from a specific person or group? Is it tied to material belongings or specific items checked off a list? Is it attached to status, a certain position at work or a certain amount of money that you earn? Or is it attached to your internal experience; how you feel physically or emotionally, how those around you benefit from your actions or even some personal insight you’ve gained?

It can be interesting to investigate where our ideas of success come from too— perhaps from an old story we picked up along the way or a value learned from a trusted mentor etc. With whatever insight you’ve gathered from this investigation, you then get to decide if you’re happy with your original definition of success or if you would like to revise it! If a revision feels warranted, write it out anew…

Finally, after one more nice breath in, exhale all of the pressure and expectations and self-perceived “failures” you’re hanging onto. Then take some time to really reflect on what you have accomplished during the last few months or year (depending what time frame feels significant to you). If you’re having a hard time listing successes, reach out to trusted friends or loved ones and get their feedback. Have them write something nice about you, your character, your influence on those around you or the personal journey you’ve been on to get where you are today. I had my friends do this at my Birthday Celebration this month and it was so heartwarming and encouraging! I suggest you keep these messages someone accessible and within sight to reference any time you catch yourself being hard on you! Those around us who adore us often have the positive feedback and difference in perspective we need to view ourselves in a new light and to boost our confidence!

Now, I’m still rewriting my definition of success, but I know it no longer holds onto the social norms I picked up along the way in a desperation to find acceptance and love. My new definition will read something like this: “Success for me can be measured in the amount of joy and peace I feel and spread day to day, and how authentically I show up for myself and others.”

My list of successes over the past year or so, which were spelled out in the invitation for my Birthday Celebration, did not involve “publishing a book, getting in shape, or making more money” which are all on the to-do list somewhere. Instead, my list was about what had brought me closer to understanding and being ME; self-awareness, clarity about my identity and my ability to live and express myself authentically. These are huge accomplishments and DANG did I ever work hard to get here!

The outside world didn’t see the behind-the-scenes work (only my close friends and family that saw me through it), but that doesn’t mean the successes, the accomplishments, the achievements are not there. Because they are, and they are measured in the increase of happiness, groundedness and peace that I feel. These kinds of accomplishments are not fleeting ones where you receive an accolade that gives you a momentary sense of accomplishment. I’m talking about the kinds of accomplishments that change your life forever. The ones that change how you relate to yourself and others, how you show up and express yourself, speak your truth, live your passions, do what is meaningful and fulfilling to you, how you care for yourself, know and honour your own boundaries, heal your wounds, and inspire others to do the same.

Life is never going to be perfect or without pain or challenges or barriers. But it can be more authentic and joyful, I believe. And isn’t that a definition of “success” that you can get behind?

Celebrate YOU, all of you wild creative creatures out there, because you’re doing great! Share YOUR definition of success below or on socials with #artofnonsensesuccess

Play. Create. Discover… Be sure to subscribe to the blog to receive Biweekly reminders when we post! Also find us @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

Pssst- what I write in this blog is a reflection of my own ideas and experiences and/or interpretations of any referenced material. The content of this blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I am not an expert or therapist and cannot be held liable for any content provided or how it is used. Please enjoy at your own discretion. I reserve the right to change the content or management of this blog at any time. That said, I hope you enjoy it! © 2024 Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.

Blog, creative living, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Love

The Earth Walker: Connecting to Your Authentic Self

June 27, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello Fellow Nonsense Lovers!

Those of you who have been following the Monster Musings Blog for some time already know that Art of Nonsense is all about creativity and play! On the surface it looks like monsters, artwork and toys, which it is— and each of these things is inherently valuable and wonderful on its own. And yet underneath, in the cavernous intentions of Kristy and the Monsters, there resides so much more…

Art of Nonsense is about discovering the deeper authentic parts of ourselves, and then expressing and celebrating them to the fullest. It’s about not being afraid to be our wild, silly, quirky selves. It’s about following our dreams, living our joy, and finding greater fulfillment in our lives— regardless of our age! I really believe that when we listen in and free our inner child, we tap into the simple pleasures— the “Nonsense”— that our souls so crave. This is where we find deeper connection, greater authenticity, and heartfelt joy! So let’s make living and learning the most fun we possibly can with the time we are given.

One of my greatest joys and biggest sources of play is Nature. With Summer blessing us here in British Columbia, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying laying in the sun, swimming in the ocean, admiring the wildlife and photographing the colourful blooms. I’ve been hugging trees, talking to squirrels and letting my hands run along the textures of shrubs and trees as I pass them. I’ve also been walking barefoot in the grass, through the rocky hills and across the pebbled beaches.

Kristy Fae Hugging her Friend, the Giant

One evening, I started running through a dewy lawn and was instantly transported back to childhood. What freedom and joy lay there— in a lawn— so easy to access, yet so often dismissed. We too often rush by the things we love as we race from one thing to the next, striving to “succeed” and acquire what we think will finally deliver us our happiness. Our modern society has been taking us away from our connection with Earth, and thus harming our connection to ourselves and to others. Reconnecting with Earth, whether through appreciating and nurturing Nature or by connecting bare feet or hands to Her to ground ourselves, reminds us who we are. We are Nature. And Nature is beautiful because She is unique, imperfect and wildly Herself! There is no playing small, holding back parts of Herself, or pretending to be something She is not. She is unapologetically Herself.

And that’s what I wish for all of us, dear ones.

This week, I invite you to try the gift of Earthing. This practice involves connecting your body, especially bare feet or hands, to the Earth, to ground yourself. Sit with your feet in the grass, or walk across the beach or lawn. If you’re committed, try doing it daily. You can google or YouTube “Earthing” to find out about the science and beliefs that back this practice— but I’m curious to see what you notice for yourself. Really be present with the sensations you feel physically, emotionally and maybe even spiritually. Do you feel a tug to look more closely at the insects playing all around you? Is there a yearning to skip, or sing or jump in the water? Can you suddenly spot faces in the clouds or wrinkled tree bark? Whatever the pull is for you, see what magic comes when you let your inner child out to play!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters!

…

art, Blog, empowerment, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Love

The Fae Queen: Embracing Your Mystical Self

June 12, 2023 Kristy Fae

Monster, Fae, Animal, Merfolk, Human, or otherwise, we are all magical, mystical creators of this wild, immense universe we’ve found ourselves in.

Just dropping in on this Monster Monday to remind us all to shine our light and show up as we are, in all our magnificent, unique glory— however strange that might appear to anyone else. We all deserve to be seen, accepted, celebrated, and honoured for who we truly are.

Kristy Fae

This week’s homework is to express something residing deep within yourself. Perhaps a side of you often kept hidden? Use whatever creative process or medium compels you. I stepped into my Fairy Queen power (using my iPad, Procreate, and a found winged-fairy image) and it was quite a beautiful process to embody the energy of a Fae Being and to really see myself in a new light.

Allow yourself to see yourself in a new, mystical way and magic becomes possible…

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Awareness, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love, Writing

The Timely Owls: The Gift of Patience…

April 24, 2023 Kristy Fae

I’ve been spending a lot of time with Nature recently, and while I always find the great outdoors to be extremely soothing and refreshing, she has been sending me a distinct message lately. From the budding flowers that had been waiting underneath the cool grounds of winter; to the young Great Horned Owls slowly learning to fly as they grow stronger and the herons building their nests one twig at a time; to the sneaky fungi developing imperceptibly… patience is being whispered amidst all of Nature’s children.

In a fast-paced world, especially, it can be hard to slow down, sow our seeds, and wait for the fruits of our labour to ripen. But the flowers cannot bloom before the temperatures are right or they will freeze; the owls cannot fly before their wings are strong enough just as the herons cannot carry more than they’re able or they’ll fall; and the fungi cannot expedite their growth or they’ll exhaust their resources. Just as we cannot rush Nature, we cannot always rush our creative process, our healing, our growth, our learning, or our journey of whatever kind. So in these growing stages, why not savour the process? Enjoy feeling the strength that builds with each passing day. Celebrate each little step forward— and even each step back— for they too are valuable. Indulge in the periods of rest and the periods of action, or the “seasons”, that inevitably come and go. For these, too, are part of the journey.

The more tuned in we are, the more we may be surprised by what we find along the way— and by how much more we end up with in the end as a result of our patience and mindfulness. Then, when we get to the end and look back, we’ll be able to appreciate all we did and how much we’ve grown, and we’ll be able to say proudly, “That journey was mine, and I truly lived every part of it.”

What “season” are you currently in that you feel impatient about completing? How can you make the journey more enjoyable, more self-loving, more mindful? Feel free to comment below, for saying it aloud (or onscreen) can provide a great sense of empowerment and accountability. I also encourage you to spend at least five minutes with Nature this week (it could even be looking out your window, watching a Nature show, or imagining the wilderness, if you don’t have access to a calming, outdoor space). Commit to doing nothing but watching in stillness for those five or so minutes, and see if there’s a message being whispered to you…

With curiosity and patience.

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

Blog, Crafts, Fidget toys, Monster Monday, Monsters, play, puppets, Self-Love, Sensory, Toys

The Pocket-Monster: Carrying Joy & Comfort With You, Wherever You Go…

March 27, 2023 Kristy Fae

If you had a pocket-monster,
Would you ever wonder whether,
Once your pocket-monster wandered,
It’d be a pocket-monster no longer?
Or if it’d be a wander-monster?
Or perhaps a wandered pocket-no-longer monster?
In any case of ponder,
You can be assured as thunder,
That a pocket-monster, wandered,
Will keep up its pocket-monster wonder!

Think about a pocket-monster like a portable source of joy and comfort. Do you have something like that? Perhaps a beloved sketch book, a favourite stuffed animal, a calming stone or crystal, or a tactile fidget toy? Even a non-tangible thing like your sense of humour, playfulness, or an uplifting mantra can do wonders for your mental health and happiness! Finding ways to bring joy and comfort with us, throughout our day, out into the world, and at home or in private, is a very special gift indeed…and one that I would love to spread far and wide.

And well friends, if you want your very own ACTUAL pocket-monster, now’s your chance! Art of Nonsense is in the process of bringing to life more of our popular Beanbag Buds— the perfect monsters to carry in your pocket, or clip to your bag with their elastic loops, so they’re with you whenever you need to give ‘em a squish or a squeeze (without the worry of wandering!). They’re great conversation-starters, awesome smile-makers, and soothing-comforters too…Beanbag Buds are great sensory toys, fidget toys, toss ’em beanbags, or bag accessories…

Kristy Fae is excited to bring a few of these adoptable cuties to an Art Market this weekend, along with an array of whimsical and inspirational art prints, magnets, stickers, and some goofy, fun-loving monster puppets! You can also inquire about monster adoptions or commissions at kristy@artofnonsense.com or here

So what are the event deets?

The “New Leaf: Art Market & Making” is happening this Sunday April 2nd, 2023 from 6-9pm at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St, Victoria BC. With free admission, musical performances, an assortment of local artists, and more, it’s bound to be a fantastic night! A big shout out to the PSR Collab and Imagine After Hours for bringing this amazing event to life— HIP HIP, HURRAY!

Visit the Facebook Event Page for the Art of Nonsense Booth here

And the “A New Leaf: Art Market & Making” Event here

Kristy Fae & Super Max
at their Art of Nonsense Booth

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop!

…

art, Blog, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, oracle deck, Self-Love

The Perspective-O-Possum: Accepting, Letting Go & Allowing

March 13, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello Monster Fans!

Well, it wasn’t planned, and I didn’t see it coming, but I ended up needing to take a stint of time off. It was a leading up of events really— a lot too much pushing from my end, thinking I oughta be doing all-the-things. This ultimately wore me out. But you know what? The break did me so much good, more than the so-called “accomplishments” did when I was pushing so desperately hard. Now I’ve started drawing again, which feels wonderful and, to better illustrate my message, let’s bring in the Perspective-O-Possum!

This brightly coloured cutie—well— he is what he is, un-O-pologetically. The critter goes where he wants to go, eats what he wants to eat (which is often oranges and grape juice, by the look of his palette), and does what he wants to do. This isn’t to say that things always end up the way he originally wanted them. This seems contradictory I know, but let me explain how it is so. The Perspective-O-Possum, or the P-O-P for short, sets about with a desire in mind. However, when he runs into barriers that he simply cannot overcome, he doesn’t huff or puff, grimace or groan— but accepts, lets go, allows and forms a completely new desire from his present options, ie. he changes his perspective.

Yes, P-O-P’s are the very best at doing just this, for when they’re really stuck, you’ll see them looking at the world from a completely new perspective— upside down and hanging from a tree of course (though a lamp post, a bicycle rack, or even the antlers of a nearby animal, for example, are suitable substitutions depending on the given circumstances). From this viewpoint, everything that was once left, is now right; what’s closed is now open; what’s down is now up! So can you see how he, the clever P-O-P, always gets what he wants, when what he wants is what he gets? This can be a skillful way to navigate the world at times, such as when we find ourself in a particular situation that is outside of our control or not going the way we intended.

Though I didn’t know it at the time, I was operating under this critter’s principles as the unexpected circumstances arose before me over the past few months. And while I fought it at first, eventually, I let the world turn me upside down— I accepted, let go, allowed, and formed a completely new desire. This new desire, which was to rest deeply and to simply be, served me much better than the original desire, which was to “accomplish” and do. During this simply being came new and beautiful insights, ideas, knowledge, and healing— all of which I’d need much more time to elaborate upon (time that I just don’t have, as I’m running after that remarkable P-O-P to see what he’ll get up to— or up onto — next!).

But hopefully we, being the Perspective-O-Possum and me, have painted a picture of the message at hand, which may be something like this: “When you walk into a tree, try going up, instead of through”?

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

art, Blog, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Love

The Ele-tent: Embracing Creature Comforts

July 26, 2022 Kristy Fae

They say everything changes and yet, some things never do. Do you have any creature comforts that go back as long as you can remember? I do, so let me paint you a picture… and since elephants never forget it seems an appropriate example!

If you haven’t guessed it; stuffies, stories and blanket forts would be the correct answer. And if taking a trusted plush friend on a cozy adventure from the safety of your living room isn’t your thing, what is? It’s been a tough few years for most of us, and as such, this is an especially important time to get creative and to dive into your creature comforts. See if you can make some time for one of those things this week. Mine was a new plushie elephant who I’ve named Penelope 😉

Thanks for reading and remember to follow your creativity! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

Blog, Funny, illustration, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, Poetry, Self-Love

Palatable Monsters: Chasing Gratitude

July 12, 2022 Kristy Fae

“Palatable Monsters” by Kristy Fae

Have you ever arrived at the table,
Preparing for something palatable?
When what could be seen,
Was just SO obscene,
That it looked like it came from a fable?!

Potatoes with paws and meatball-ish dogs,
And critters resembling your drain clogs,
Are some of the beasts
That faced my defeats,
Along with the spork-headed bullfrogs!

Have you ever run scared from the table,
Escaping from things unpalatable?
For what had been seen,
Was so AWfully mean,
It seemed better belonged in a stable?!

But next time you are given a big slew,
Of foul-food that you turn your nose up to,
Remember one fact,
And be grateful that—
Though it’s nasty, at least it can’t bite you!

“Palatable Monsters” Sketch by Kristy Fae

Just a fun little poem today, perhaps reminding us hooman-folk to look for gratitude in unusual places (and perhaps inspiring our fussy eaters at the same time?). In all seriousness though, I know from my own experience that during hard times or periods of struggle, it can be extremely difficult to find “the bright side” or the “non-biting side” of things. And while I definitely don’t advocate for ignoring our feelings, even the difficult ones, I do recognize the power in trying to see at least a bit of the other side, if and when we can. For example: I had a tough week. I was incapacitated by an injury and being stuck in bed hurting sucked. Yet at the same time, fun and silly phone conversations with good friends and family came of it, including the inspiration for this poem! I have so much gratitude for my tribe and the goofy moments we share: it fills my heart up and casts light even in the darkest nights. Surprises and joy can come from unexpected places, if we look for it and appreciate it. So let’s keep our hearts open, our creativity flowing… and our eyes peeled…especially if something moves on our dinner plates!

Want more? Subscribe to this blog and follow me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products! And if nothing else, just remember to Follow Your Creativity!

…

art, Blog, Funny, inspiration, Monster Monday, Monsters, Poetry, Self-Love, Writing

The Ralwus: Waking Your Inner Beast!

May 23, 2022 Kristy Fae

The Ralwus by Kristy Fae

Far-wide are known the Walrus.
But have you heard of Ralwus?
With tusks that arch along their spine,
And scales that shimmer as they shine,
The Ralwus are most friendly chaps,
Who take the most substantial naps…
But do not wake a sleeping Ral—
For you might hear it’s mighty call,
Then all will know the Ralwus,
Such as they know the Walrus!

So you got that right? Do not wake this incredible sleeping beast— or wait, maybe you should? After all, wouldn’t the world benefit from knowing about such a unique, beautiful, and LOUDLY talented creature? This goes for all of us, not just the Ralwus. Don’t hide your voice, your presence, your gifts from the world. Rather shout them out to the ever-changing skies and across the wild and tumultuous seas… because you are unique, beautiful and talented. You make a difference just by being you, so don’t hide YOU in a silent slumber. Take up space. Make noise. Be seen.

Is there a passion, a talent, or another form of self-expression that you’ve been keeping to yourself? Can you let it OUT this week!? Even just a little? If so, comment below! Let us find that majestic beast and sing out our mighty Ralwus calls together…

IT’S TIME TO WAKE THE RALWUS!

Thanks for reading! Continue to Follow Your Creativity @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

…

Blog, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Love, Writing

The Plushy Monster: Revelling in the JOY!

May 2, 2022 Kristy Fae

This week is all about reconnecting with the joy of your childhood self!

Anyone who knows me well, will tell you that I am more than just a fan of stuffed animals/plushies, and the truth is, I have always been. You know how they say that nothing is permanent? EXCEPT for my love of stuffies, that will outlast us all 😉

A few days ago, I went into my favourite toy store for plushy oogling (Kaboodles in downtown Victoria BC) and perhaps some purchasing too. I was lovingly telling the staff about what a giant kid I am still at age 37, and how my bed is more critter than Kristy. To my surprise, they informed me that most of their clientele who came in for these stuffed bundles of furry joy were adults— and especially so since this whole global pandemic hit. It made sense, despite the surprise, because after all, don’t all humans need affection, physical touch, comfort and… the ability to unconditionally and uncontrollably SNUGGLE, KISS, and PET a soft and loveable cutie at any given WHIM!? Well…you get the point. I’m a sensory person, I’m an animal lover, I’m a critter admirer, and I’m a cuddle fanatic. What else can I say, these squish-able, squeezable sacks of snug-fest spell out J-O-Y for me even on the darkest of days! And turns out I’m not alone.

So plush or other, what’s your J-O-Y bringer? Think back to some of your happiest, earliest childhood memories. Perhaps a favourite place, thing, game, food, activity etc comes to mind? Do you melt at the thought of rolling in a pile of warm, freshly dried laundry? Do that. Did hand painting let loose your inner hysterical Picasso? Hit up the dollar store for some quick art supplies. Were you a flower-crown prince or princess? Head to the park and get pickin’! If nothing comes to mind, try something you’ve always wanted to, or YouTube “fun activities for kids” for inspiration.

Whatever it is that will light up your soul, give it a whirl. And do not let anyone convince you that you are too old, or too mature, or that the thing is meant for another gender identity than yours, or any other excuse. Because it’s not true. Also, the people who refuse to play and delight in the simple and creative joys of life, are the ones who need it the most. So don’t listen to them! Just revel in the thing and let your sweet, childlike joy bubble up and remind you what living in this world can REALLY feel like!

Then share what you did with a friend or a loved one and encourage them to get in on the game…come on, let’s play!

Continue to Follow Your Creativity! Find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products.

…