For the past few months, I have had a deep desire to thank people for kind things. Simple thing, big things – just an unexpected note to let friends or strangers know that their kindness or insights mattered to me.

I had been holding off on sending anything because I wanted the card to be uniquely me – I thought if it was not unique, it would not be read. Last week I finished the card design, and this week I sent my first two.

Here is the progression for my 2019 Gratitude Mandala:

1. I found a quote to inspire the design:

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river running thru you, a joy. – Rumi

2. Using my favorite pen (fine tip Sharpie), a compass and a ruler and I got to drawing. I used a pencil with the compass to draw “Target Bullseye-like circles” and wanted the river to be moving upwards. I wanted a compass in the drawing, so that I am reminded to be guided by joy and appreciation.

I wrote the words last, I should have done that first. Joyfull is spelt wrong (but I’m telling people its “full of joy”, and the quote needed a little more spacing, but I loved the rest, so these elements “are what they are” and just add to the uniqueness of my very first gratitude card.

3. Used some fancy dancey Crayola Markers I bought for my grandsons – there were 100 colors, about 30 look the same on paper – just different tops :). Yes that clipboard is 30 years old and my grandfathers.

4. Then I scanned the drawing and configured the scans onto an  8 1/2 x 11 page to print. I did not need to adjust the color, the scans were great. This is my scanner, and I use it all the time for work and for play.

5. Then I printed these puppies at Kinkos (FedEx Print Center to any youngins) on 80lb gloss cover (printed 4 to a page for bookmarks, 2 to a page for cards). I could have printed at home but I was out of ink.  Ordered from Amazon of course, but it was not here yet.

Cards are roughly 5 inches and fit in Square envelops. Note: Square envelops cost more to mail but I think they are fun to get – andddddddd… the design was square.

6. Cut ’em out – I did not like the river outside the mandala, so when I cut them out, I cut off the splashing waves. The blank middle space is to customize for the recipient, either their name or a design, and the back, I write a heart-felt note.

Here is the process is 15 seconds. PS: fliptastic – how cute. I had never used it but it was free and this took about 3 minutes – so I LOVE IT:

I sent two cards this week. One to my son with some back to school items I sent for his Junior year of college in New York City, and one to Jerry Colonna (who I don’t know, yet).

The universe served up two Jerry Colonna podcasts this week – so I figured I needed to take notice. He is insightful and honest! I was inspired by his journey and his willingness to share it completely.

His Secret Sauce:

1. Start with Radical Self Inquiry: How have I been complacent in creating the conditions I say I don’t want? What am I not saying that needs to be said? What am I saying that is not being heard? What’s being said that I am not hearing? The answers will set you free if you are honest with yourself.
2. Grow up man. I feel this way all the time time, ya gotta do it if you want to excel and he tells you exactly what that means.
3. And above all else, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I will post a book review after I finish the book I ordered, Reboot, Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. But in the meantime, Check him out:

Tim Ferriss Podcast: #373 Jerry Colonna- The Coach With the Dragon Tattoo

Good Life Project Podcast: #521 The Art of Growing Wise, Jerry Colonna

His Book: Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up | Jerry Colonna

His Website: https://www.reboot.io/

Need More Mandala Inspiration: My Mandala Pinterest Board

I hope your day is filled with all the joy your heart can hold, I would send you each a card if I had your address 🙂 Thank you for your precious time my friends.

Be Your Own JoyMaster. xoxox Lisa