Change is in the Air

It hit me today that this recession (whether it's psychological or not) is no longer affecting select group of people in certain industries, its affecting all of us.

Last week a company I know very well, had some mass layoffs. This week a magazine I used to work for has stopped publication and is taking a hiatus. And I have to admit, the past month or two has not been banner months for my Creating Good Karma company either.

It's scary to think where things are going. But I'm trying to look at it in a more positive light.

I've always believed that everything has its purpose and I really believe that this is not the end of things, but the beginning of new chapters. The world is shifting and changing in ways we've never seen. What an exciting time to be alive! To experience that change, as its happening. To come through on the other side and say "wow, look at what I went through...and I'm still here."

Hardships, disappointments, and heartbreak are wonderful opportunities to learn, grow, and experience life in a different way. And I can bet, it will most likely turn out better than you think.

I realize that change is tough and not being able to make the mortgage payment is a stressful thing to deal with, however, I think there has to be a silver lining there, even if you can't see it right away.

I know that when I've come across hardships, I would almost drown in my own sorrow, wallowing for days...but a certain person turned that around for me and I'm starting to think in ways I never thought possible. And now I'm passing that wisdom on to you.

So whether you're in a good place or a bad place, what opportunities does this place in time allow you to do? Or be? Or experience? How can you use this "time" to your advantage?

Mmm I Love Colour

I took a lot of colour theory in my school days. It was, and is, one of my favourite subjects. Learning how certain colours harmonize or clash, how they can alter your mood or even remind you of something or someone.

Through one of my resource sites, I found a site for colour lovers everywhere. Learn about colours trends, patterns, palettes, and more!

And for some more insight on how to best utilize colours, visit this article from the Globe and Mail:

Blue boosts creativity, red makes you careful

"If you're having trouble focusing on a finicky task at work, you might consider changing the background colour on your computer screen instead of downing yet another cup of coffee."

Desktop Calendars : February

Here are some desktop calendars for February.

Ok, ok I'm a little late, but none-the-less, enjoy!

To Get You Thinking

When you think of "great thinkers", who do you think of?

Confucius? Einstein? Newton?

I came across an article the other day that was referencing "great thinkers" of history and I got to wonder what happened to "thinkers" in our current reality?

Throw yourself into the future for a moment...let's say 2125...and look back at this time on earth. Who would be in the history books of the twenty-first century? Who has really made true inventions, that weren't just recycled ideas? Who was famous for their philosophy and stature that would withhold and withstand 1000 or more years? Do you think our current architecture, beliefs, and/or history will last as long?

Back in the day when there was no such thing, people actually had to use their brains to get stuff done, to make things work, to make life more livable. Now that everything is pretty much done for us or is digitized, has it allowed our brains to become lazy? And what's scarier is how much more computers will become a part of our lives.

Let's say if technology was somehow wiped clean one day, would the ones that can't live without it, freeze up and not know what to do next, like a computer themselves?

Now that's a thought!

In any event, I think there needs to be a moment where we stop to use our brains instead of our technology.

Here's a few resources to really get you thinking:
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tools for Using your Brain

Brain-Wave Typing

Braingle : Brain Teasers

GDC Here I Come

After many years of hard work and diversifying my portfolio, I've finally applied to become a GDC member. I'm currently only an "Associate" since I have to still go through the portfolio review process, which only happens once every quarter.

Time to prepare!