Written by: Lisa M. Kindle, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In high school, I had a teacher who would ask me every day, “Lisa, why don’t you smile?” When I didn’t answer, he would continue to get after me and ask again, “why don’t you smile?” I didn’t feel like smiling. I wasn’t really happy or confident in who I was yet. I didn’t feel well-liked by my peers or feel like I fit in. I was an artist, I liked school, and I spent all my free time practicing the cello.
I’d see those golden girls radiating their smiles and wonder, “why not me?” What I’ve discovered nearly forty years later is that their “golden glow” came from within. The kind of glow comes from confidence in oneself.
I would say I used to be more of a blue person in the sense that I was more introverted, quiet, and not very confident. I also went through periods of depression and panic attacks over the years.
I now realize that I can be a shining light for others. You can employ colors in a way that promotes positive change in your life, just as I have over the years. I now thrive on leading groups and connecting with others around the globe.
I have learned...
I am a leader.
I am a mentor and coach.
I am an artist.
I play my cello because it is part of who I am.
I create art with special meaning.
I am an encourager of others; I shine in knowing who I am.
I have unique gifts to offer the world. I have a story to tell.
I love inspiring people.
I master at connecting people.
I enjoy learning from others. I am a supporter of women.
As an artist, I see things a little differently. People often ask me how I see certain things in nature when I’m out taking photos. Now, think of when someone asks you if you’ve ever heard of “such and such,” or a certain model of a car, or type of food. Suddenly, you notice it everywhere! It’s been like that for me with color. When I started to learn about the psychology behind color, it opened an amazing resource for me.
In this article, I am focusing on the color yellow, the most attention-getting and brightest color your eyes can see.
What is Yellow?
The color yellow stimulates and promotes feelings of energy. Yellow is believed to stimulate areas of the brain that are directly linked to logical and analytical thinking. Yellow is also said to speed up metabolism.
A Yellow Person Reflects….
Sunshine, happiness, fun, optimism, joy, friendship, creativity, laughter, an active nature, energetic, femininity, vivaciousness. Yellow descriptive words: radiate, glow, shine, light, warmth. Golden shades of yellow promise good times. Wear yellow when you need to pay attention to detail or maintain alertness. Feel happier when you wear yellow.
When you think of yellow, think of all the possibilities of who you are and who you want to be.
Be mindful of how the colors found in natural elements also provide a link to your well-being. The sun appears yellow and is known to provide us with vitamin D, which can boost our mood. The sun shines on us and warms our skin. The sun also feeds plants and makes them grow. Tilt your face up to feel the sunshine sometimes. Smile and enjoy the moment. This is yellow.
Art Application:
Use the color yellow to create an affirmation card. Take a 3x5 or 4x6 piece of heavy paper and gather some art supplies. Create an image using only hues of the color yellow. You don’t have to make any concrete shape, thing, or scene. Allow yourself to create shapes and play.
On the back of your card, write an affirmation as you reflect on your “art.” Take a moment to reflect on this composition and ask yourself, “what does this say about me?” “What message does it have for me?”
Start your statements with the words “I am.”
Use the present tense.
State it in the positive.
Keep it brief.
Make it specific.
Include an action word ending in -ing.
Include at least one emotion or feeling word.
Make affirmation for yourself, not others.
Use this exercise to transform the narrative around who you are, your mental health, bring healing, and overall well-being to your life. You have the ability to leverage the power of color to bring more joy into your life while improving your confidence and self-worth.
I believe that each of us has a little bit of every color of the rainbow that makes us who we are. A unique and wonderful human being.
To learn more about color and how it can help you, consider my signature workshop, Empower Yourself with Color: Create Your Own Color Affirmation Deck™. This is a 3-hour workshop. You will learn your life path color and its associated number while being provided with exercises and tools to dive deeper into how you can use color in your life to manifest your best self. You will also have the opportunity to work with Lisa to create your own Color Affirmation Deck.™ It is an amazing tool that inspires positivity and encourages you to reach your full potential. The Color Affirmation Deck™ has been created by Artist and Therapeutic Art Life Coach Lisa Kindle. Get more information at www.artsoulliving.com or contact her directly at lisa@artsoulliving.com.
Lisa M. Kindle, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lisa Kindle, a therapeutic art life coach and leader in building a creative community that inspires people worldwide, is dedicated to a creative lifestyle with a personable approach and an artsy twist! She now coaches one-on-one and in group settings, including retreats and workshops. With over 25 years of professional experience as a corporate designer, photographer, graphic designer, small business owner, and all-around visionary, Lisa's creative spirit shines through connecting people and ideas.
