Hello, dear readers. One special new feature we’ve added this year is the occasional spotlight on one of our contributors. Inherent in the mission statement of The Bright Side Project is the unspoken belief that to “Do What You Love, Love What You Do” is an absolutely essential component in creating a happy and healthy lifestyle. Every now and then, we will ask our contributors to answer a few short questions on the ideas of happiness, creativity and sunshine. We hope these rays of light help inspire you to find the sunshine in your day, today and everyday.

Today we are honored to introduce you to artist Robin Wethe Altman.

Please introduce yourself to our readers and explain a little bit about your business.

My name is Robin Wethe Altman. My major goals in life were to be an artist and an at home mother. I had 3 daughters that I birthed at home using natural childbirth and no drugs. Besides loving the natural world with all of its color and shape, I also have a deep desire
to be of service. What do I want to do? Its easy: MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY. Of course that’s not always easy, but what I do is make myself happy and express that in my art and as an example in my life. I’m an “idea” person. I love to hear great ideas and share them. I love
to network and be connected to people who are positive and genuine. I believe in mutual respect for all people.

We believe that one of the ways to achieve happiness is to “Do what you love, love what you do.” How does this philosophy apply to your life?

I am a HUGE believer in doing what you love and loving what you do! I am an idealist and mystifies me why that should ever be a derogatory term. I think that all great inventions and movements start with “an idea” and then are implemented. The implementing is
important too! I think we are all here for a reason and to find that purpose that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning and get going is very important. I LOVE creating art. I love the advertising of it. I Love people and nature and looking for the best
in everything because I think that when you do that, you draw the best to you and create that reality around you.

Our mission here at The Bright Side Project is to spread sunshine on a daily basis because we firmly that life is (still) beautiful. Where do you find beauty and inspiration?

With loving yourself deeply and compassionately. It doesn’t meant that you have to be perfect or living up to your very highest standards, but you have to be aiming for them and accepting yourself right where you are in the process. Also, personal integrity is important. Its important to be honest to yourself and try to be honest to others too in a kind way. When you can have this attitude towards yourself, then you have the capacity to love others and appreciate the world around you. When you consciously CHOOSE to focus on those things that are pleasing to you, you magnify them in your mind and you literally bring heaven to earth. This doesn’t
mean that you try to wipe out “bad” feelings. Bad feelings are your ally because they alert you to when you are “going off track” in some action or thought. Take time to sit down with your bad feelings and go, “wow man, what’s bothering you??” Just the way you would with a friend. But once you get the answers, don’t just sit and sulk forever about it. Use the serenity prayer! IS there something you CAN do? Or… are you stressing about something that is out of your control? No the difference and then either “accept things as they are” or take steps to change the situation in the way that comes to you as you open your heart. Follow your intuition!

On a dreary day, what do you do to infuse your life with a little bit of sunshine?

Sit by the fire and write in my journal about what’s going on. Talk to a friend or a family member. Do something to cheer up another person. What those steps do is form CONNECTION. CONNECTION is one of the most important things in life and in order to connect, you MUST be vulnerable (to the right people). TAKE STEPS to improve my life! Be creative, make something! Go for a walk and take a camera. Look for beauty!

What are you most grateful for?

At this very moment I have to say that I’m grateful for my independence. I was married for 31 years and raised 3 children and that had many nice aspects to it, but there was a lot of “obligation” involved. I’m glad that my kids are on their own now and that I’m no longer
married. I live with my partner Paul and though we are devoted to each other, we don’t have the sense of “being stuck”. I never thought I’d say this but now I am. I think that when a person feels trapped that is the biggest cause for depression and depression is probably one of the worst things a person can feel. Sometimes that pain has to get bad enough that you again: TAKE STEPS to fix it or get out of it. FREEDOM is essential and if you aren’t doing something because you really want to, your life is a lie and that’s going to hurt you and everyone around you. I heard Dr. Phil say the other day, “Its better to be FROM a broken home than to be IN one.” I don’t believe in being a “through away” society, but neither do I believe in trying to change people who simple don’t want to change. Better to change yourself at that point and move on!

Please look for an amazing giveaway from Robin Wethe Altman later today!