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February 14, 2018

Happy Self Love Valentine’s Day!

By Tamara Laporte  |   in love notes   

Hello beautiful you! :)

Here is a special message to YOU on this Valentine’s Day. :)

On V-day each year I like to change the focus a little bit from the love for and of “other” to the love for and of your beautiful glorious self.

I like to invite you this year to buy chocolates and flowers NOT ONLY for other people but ALSO for yourself.

Not only that, I would love to encourage you to deepen your self-love/ self-care/ self-compassion practices (or to start a self-lovepractice if you don’t have one yet)! Sounds good? :-)

:) Absolutely go tell your beautiful loved ones how much you love them (do that every day, not just today), but DON’T leave your beautiful self out of this practice! :)

(And by self love I don’t mean: egotism or self-glorification/ absorption, I mean: treating & loving yourself the same way you might treat your child or sister, friend or mother, a person you love dearly – eg: with kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, softness. Self love also means; working on stabilising your confidence and esteem; realising you are good enough, worthy, that you matter as much as anyone else… that sorta thing! :))

More and more do I realise how so many of us suffer from selfjudgement, self rejection, low self esteem, low self worth. I’ve come to believe that it’s one of the BIGGEST things that stands in the way of growth, abundance, love, light, beauty, living our dreams and yes yes, even: world peace. (Low self worth can cause depression and pain – hurt people, hurt people, right?).

So today, on V-day I encourage you to start practising more self love more self compassion, more ‘sitting with the wholeness and fullness of you’, allowing your feelings to be, allowing you to experience all that you experience, forgiving yourself, asking for help, letting go of shame and guilt, saying no more, saying yes more, stop blaming yourself, being gentle and kind with yourself, seeing your worth, noticing the amazing impact and difference you make in this world.

I made a printable poster for you that you can print out and hang up to remind you how to practise self love:

Download the high resolution version of this poster here. You can print out for personal use. Feel free to forward to friends. <3 Download it by right-clicking on the image above and choose ‘save target as’ or download from this link:
GuidelinestoSelfLove.jpg

If no one told you that yet today; you are loved! <3

Have a wonderful V-day everyone, may it inspire you to more self-love, less self-blame and an awe and complete acceptance of the wholeness and fullness of beautiful amazing YOU.

xoox
Tam x

PS. If you want to work more on self love & self acceptance AND develop your creative skills whilst having tons of fun, please consider joining Life Book 2018. We started in January but you can absolutely still join us!

Life Book has been joined by over 19,500+ people since it first began in 2012. It’s had roaring success through teaching participants creativity and personal development skills.

People send us daily message expressing their gratitude and how much Life Book has helped them both creatively and personally. :) I feel so blessed to be able to host such a powerful and life-enriching course each year! This year has started with an incredible BANG and YOU can still join now problem. :) It’s not too late, you get access to all previous content, get life long access AND you can download everything too, so you have the content for year to come! :) Hope to see you there!
xoox

You may also like:

  • 50% off Valentine Sale + GIVE AWAY! :D

  • Simple Steps to Self Empathy <3 Love note #17

  • You are doing the best you can. <3 Love note #16

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Tamara Laporte

willowing

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Mixed media artist, teacher and author. I don’t see all IG msgs. For enq pls email hello@willowing.org - Join Creating Cuties:

When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There`s something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied!

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
When I was a teenager, I collected elephant statues; by the time I was 18, I must’ve had hundreds. I’ve always adored elephants. There's something about their grounded presence and quiet wisdom that feels profoundly comforting. I love that they’re matriarchal, that they mourn their dead, that they move through the world with a seeming intelligence and heart.

When Andy and I lived in Sri Lanka for three years, we visited an elephant sanctuary and it was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life. Watching the gentle connection between carers and elephants moved me deeply. They had a beautiful closeness I silently envied! 

So it’s no surprise that elephants have wandered their way into my art again and again. I love painting them both whimsically and realistically. Their shapes are so satisfying to work with: cute chonky feet, soulful eyes, those expressive trunks and giant ears; it’s like they’re built for art! 🎨🖌️ 

This piece, painted back in 2014, is a special one. I was exploring how to bring more “grunge” and texture into my work; layering deeply, playing with contrasts. The rough, earthy background felt like the perfect contrast to the milky-white skin of the elephant, who gazes out with such a soft, knowing expression. Even here, she seems to whisper: be gentle. be wise. be still.

I hope she brings some of that same quiet comfort to your day, too. 🤍 🐘

This is day 16 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Open
You are the light. ✨⭐️🌟💫

Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking.

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful!

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree

Much Love,
Tam 💕

Open
Hello my lovely friends, a quick reminder that my friend Ida Andersen Lang is running her FREE retreat called ‘Art Soul Gathering’ again this year aaaaand … YOU are invited! 😃 Yay! 🥳🎉🎊

Celebrate the Wonders of Nature and the Beauty of the Human Spirit with 12 days of artmaking. 

Come, hear the winds of your intuition whisper, and let the waves of blissful nature infuse creativity into your art. 🎨🌿

In the Art Soul Gathering 2025, you’ll enjoy free lessons from 16 celebrated artist teachers. Each are gifting you with their beautiful visions and artistic techniques to inspire your creative journey with Nature and Spirit.

For my lesson I want to teach you how to paint a beautiful happy dolphin that is jumping out of -what can only be called- CONFETTI OCEAN. 😂😁😆

Look how joyful! 

You will become part of a worldwide community of creative souls and get to know the teachers. And oh, there will be plenty of art bonuses, give aways and surprises all the way through the gathering.

This free event is suitable for creatives of all levels - beginners, intermediate and experienced. The lessons are designed for you to enjoy, from just where you are in your creative journey. As we move through this experience together, we will lift each other up and hold creative sacred space. ✨🙏✨

I hope you’ll join us there! @followers Join us here: https://bit.ly/4lhZYjy ♥️♥️♥️ or link in my bio/ story/ linktree 

Much Love,
Tam 💕

SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don`t come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they`ll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork!

Here are the codes again:

40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don`t work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends!

Much love,
Tam 💕

Open
SALE Ends Tonight: Last Chance to Save ❤️ ⏳

Hey Beautiful Creative Souls! ✨🙌✨ 

Final Chance to take advantage of this sale! Deals like this don't come round that often! Grab your deals before midnight, otherwise they'll all be gone! A big thank you to anyone who has picked up a class or two in the Summer Sale. I hope you have a wonderful sunny experience creating your artwork! 

Here are the codes again: 
 
40% off Kaleidoscope 2024 - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/KS2024Tam 
40% off Watercolour Wildlife - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/WILDWILLOWING
40% off Expressive Soul Portraits - Use: SUNSHINE40 - https://bit.ly/ESPTAM
30% off A Year of Light: Use: SHINE30 - https://bit.ly/AYOLTam25
30% off ALL Self Study Courses - Use: SUNSHINE30 - https://bit.ly/willowingss
15% off Tam’s Books: Use: SUNNYBOOK - https://bit.ly/willowtsb

If links don't work pls go to my stories/ bio/ treelink (accessible via my stories). ♥️♥️♥️ 

Happy shopping my amazing artist friends! 

Much love,
Tam 💕

While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase `You Shine` (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us.

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you`re facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱

Open
While reflecting on the meaning and challenges of life, I stumbled across this old painting of mine from 2014, titled You Shine. It reminded me of a song I once wrote as a teenager, also called You Shine; inspired by a boyfriend I had when I was around 17 or 18. I remember how touching it was to witness someone’s inner light, to catch that quiet glow when they were truly themselves; smiling at something simple, gazing dreamily into the distance, or lost in their favourite hobby.

The phrase 'You Shine' (or Shine Your Light) has long been part of my art, and to me, it speaks to the pure, radiant core that lives in all of us. 

Sometimes that shine is hard to see; hidden beneath the layers we build to survive, to function, to belong. Life, with all its pressures (especially the grind of capitalism...), can leave us weary and dulled. It can feel as though our shine has been chipped away.

But here’s what I believe in my bones: the shine can never be destroyed. It is eternal. Untouchable. At most, it gets buried beneath a little dust and soot.

This painting is a gentle nudge; a reminder that your shine is still there, no matter what you're facing today or tomorrow.

How is your soul doing these days? How is your shine?

Mine is still here… a little tired, yes, but glowing quietly, and always ready to rise again.

✨ You shine, my friend. Don’t forget. ✨ ♥️♥️♥️ 

This is day 15 of a ‘gentle return to social media’ read more about this practice here: http://bit.ly/3IHFxir 🌱
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