DISQUS

Kristin · 1 year ago

Finishing my first novel last year. It's not my best work, but writing THE END after years of work was so liberating. I've wanted to be a 'writer' since I was a child, and I felt like I finally deserved this epithet. That simple shift has changed everything, from my confidence to my output, and I am so grateful for it.

keekeesparkle · 1 year ago

Completing 30 days of Ashtanga and Bikram yoga in a row, when I had only done 1 Ashtanga class before I started. I learnt a new respect and love for my body, which carries me on every day.

Tara · 1 year ago

Giving birth to my two beautiful girls - nurturing, teaching, encouraging and loving them is the best days work I've ever done!

kim · 1 year ago

Designing and building my house and I'm not an architect. I longed for a home after more than a decade as an unsettled expatriate. Life's unexpected turns has that house on the market now, but I'm about to begin a major renovation of my next home, a small 1928 bungalow that I'm certain I can breathe new life into.

Girl-Woman · 1 year ago

Well, the best work I have ever done is giving birth to my two children and then raising them to adulthood. LOL.

With all seriousness and kidding aside, the second best thing I have ever done is a 50th hard-bound birthday book for a woman whose courage and grace battling cancer would bring tears to your eyes. As we all know, a circle of girlfriends can boost your immune system better than vitamins. I compiled pictures that memorialized this circle of friends and how the woman who was battling cancer touched each of our lives.

Jennifer · 1 year ago

i don't have a single best but a series of personal triumphs. an example is something that JUST happened that is really just lighting me up! i am doing a "the artist's way" workshop and was with my "morning pages" and my pen's ink ran out and i kept going. the lack of ink was so delightful and satisfying, my writing soared and i was in the flow. it was a perfect example of the act of doing w/o ego. no record of my pearls of wisdom, no imprint of my time. at the end i felt the page and THAT ACT of touching the words pressed into the page, i felt a breakthrough, a moment of peace and satisfaction. i wondered if i could remember what i wrote by feeling it. this is a "best" work of mine.

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

Generation HOPE mentoring program is the best work I've EVER done! Encouraging and motivating kids (even though they may not have the social collateral or resources to do so) to strive for excellence.

Jennifer Sage · 1 year ago

There is only one answer but it is two stories. After 14 years of independent practice as a midwife (legal in New Zealand). I had a baby i was professionally responsible for die. I had admitted the mother to hospital and left her (and unborn baby) in the care of obstetrician and hospital staff. I had left specific written instructions as to the monitoring of the baby. I was called 8 hours (at 10pm)later to be told the baby had died and the mother was starting in labour.
My professional reponsibility meant i had to put aside my own feelings of shock and devastation and provide care as the mother laboured thru the night when i just wanted to curl up and sob my heart out. It is among the hardest things i have ever done but i did good work. The mother had a normal birth and the father was blown away to be given his new born son to hold. The parents had good memories. They also were introduced to a world of grieving for the death of their precious son.
I encouraged the mother when her labour got challenging because i knew that she would be like every other woman after a straight forward birth. She would carry in her body, soul and spirit the sacred dignity of knowing how to birth her children (she has had other healthy babies).
I had at this time nearly 30 years experience as a midwife and every women i had cared for prior to that hot summer night helped me stay focussed on the mother to offer her my skills, my heart, and my time and hold myself together until after her son was born.
This experience was the beginning of the end of being a midwife (my choice) and starting my work as a hospice nurse and that is another story. A life changing story.

Kristin (The Goat) · 1 year ago

I think the best work I have ever done, so far, is losing 35 pounds and keeping it off for over 5 years. I still have more to go, but that 35 is never coming back.

Danette · 1 year ago

Coaching is the best, most fulfilling creative work I have ever done.

Before that, my CRASH BLOOM installation was pretty awesome. It was my last art exhibit where I reached beyond a "body of work" and made a big colourful beautiful mess in the gallery space, playing with images and media I loved (yarn, felt, collage, paint, text and photo booth portraits). I even recorded my (legendary in these parts) laugh and had a headset with it running continuously. That exhibit was about letting go of Art (with a capitol A) and getting back into the joy of the creative process.

Chantal · 1 year ago

I created a flag for World Peace in response to 9-11.. The design was based on the Tibetan Prayer Flag, gold in color and maroon print with over 90 languages with the word Peace. I managed to get it into over 150 retail stores before Peace became political.
"Peace is more than the absence of war. True peace begins with people as a way of life, before it is echoed between governments and nations. Through a single word translated in over 90 languages, Matjan's World Peace Flag reminds us of this wisdom, and the power that we carry in each moment of our lives."
~Gregg Braden
http://www.amazon.com/Grandmothers-Feng-Shui-Wi...

Wazzy · 1 year ago

I think it was my piano solo at my graduation from high school. I still don't know how i did it. It was an 11 page Rachnaninoff piece that I had memorized. I am not crazy about performing, but I had the piece down pat, and I just stormed through it with reckless abandon! I think back to that moment alot when I think about moments when I rose above any fear and just performed my heart out, physically and mentally.

Joannie · 1 year ago

Writing my first book. Seeing my name of the cover of this beautiful little book confirmed that I was a writer. I self-published. I may never publish another book. But my book has helped many parents deal with their grief at losing an adult child.

'In Her Room' is about the last weeks in the life of my husband's 24 year old niece who died of lymphoma. It is a book about death, life, love, hope.

I also went to university when I was 41, graduating at 46 with a Bachelor's in Social Work. It was, decidedly, the most difficult thing I've ever done and the most joy filled.

Then in 2002 my husband went through a seven hour surgery and was a year recovering. I took care of him. Perhaps this was my greatest accomplishment - my four stars - my opus. I hate physical illness and here I was confronted with it every day, every night - tubes, medication, everything I hated. AND I DID IT - with help and often by myself.

JoeM · 1 year ago

Being honored by the People of Poland, with a Knighthood, for my 20+ years of work through charitable organizations to medically support children severely injured by the reactor failure in Chernobyl, Russia; and my contributions to the collapse of Communism during the Cold War.

Amy Guth · 1 year ago

I ran my first marathon shortly after a car accident I founded an annual small press literary festival and, as part of the festival, held a benefit for the New Orleans Public Libraries rebuilding campaign. When I presented the staff with the money raised and pledged continued support each year, I felt like I was doing such a meaningful thing.

Amy Guth · 1 year ago

Ha, oops, I started one thought then changed to another. The marathon was great, but the fundraiser felt about something greater. (Sorry for not proofreading!)

Kristi · 1 year ago

My best work was working with my brother/sisters and my Dad to help my Mom die peacefully at home in her own bed, surrounded by love.

Suzyn · 1 year ago

I love the title! CRASH BLOOM. Love it.

Shelly · 1 year ago

I think that my best work has just begun as a teacher. Some days it's easy and effortless and other days it's an uphill battle to get up in front of a group of young adults day after day. I teach accounting which isn't the most exciting subject but will be useful in future carreers. When a student comes in and believes they are stupid at math and can't pass - I love the challenge of getting them to put some effort in and to see that they are capable, they have more strenght then they knew.

licarrit · 1 year ago

My best work was my thesis presentation for my BA in Architecture. I was a non-traditional student at an ivy league school so I didn't fit in with my fellow undergrads but for that critique being older really helped. Having worked for over a year on the project I felt more than prepared to answer my professors questions and there were a couple that strongly disagreed with my ideas. Proof that I was correct in my assumptions came from seeing the city take my proposals and turn them into real world projects that had strong positive impacts on the lifestyle of the city.

Emily Cline · 1 year ago

WOW. What incredible, brave, creative souls lie here! Thank you for your inspirations!
I'm constantly working on my best work. Each day, each moment, it's bigger and better: me. Sometimes it's painfully slow (not keeping moderation in mind), sometimes (auditioning terrifically for some network big-wigs) painfully good. Sometimes shocking (birthing and raising a boy), frustrating sometimes (producing a film). Reassuring (taking myself to church), empowering (working out daily), silly (jumping into a pool at 1:00 a.m. fully dressed!). At the end of the day, each one is better than the last.

Suzyn · 1 year ago

Such wonderful stories!! I'm with Danielle in that my wedding was A-mazing!

Actually, I've been thinking a lot about my wedding in the past couple of days, as I've been trying to delve into the details to find my first word, which I'm still struggling with. We were married under a beautiful old twisty tree in Central Park (NYC), by a female Episcopal priest. I made my wedding dress based on a vintage Vogue pattern from the 50s, and knitted a wine chenille shrug to go over top. We recessed to a solo trumpet, and led everyone back to the party in a gorgeous old townhouse on 69th. The buffet was half Thai, half Canadian Thanksgiving, and the wine was from the French Embassy (yum!) My "wedding team" and I had made almost everything, from the flower arrangements to the tablecloths to the favors. People mingled. People danced. I had welcomed the trickster god in advance, so I was able to relax and enjoy it all. It really felt like "us" - and I really felt "married" when it was over.

So, C+D community - does that sound like "Classic Joy"? Unfortunately, while the words are supposed to sing, I keep saying in my head "CLASSIC (but not conservative) JOY!!"

Lisa D · 1 year ago

I had to laugh at Danielle's comment because I too feel our wedding was my 'work of art.' My man proposed in MAY and we were married in JULY. 69 days to plan invitations, tuxes, dresses, flowers, special music solos, photographer, PowerPoint photo accompaniment for our first dance, and all that comes with a reception. In that short amount of time, thankfully what was important stayed true - our union - and all else was the cherry on top. And even though it was before I had my style statement (yikes!), I believe it echoed my/our authenticity. Everyone raved!
We women truly shine when we plan a celebration of LOVE!!

Lisa D · 1 year ago

So touching and moving! Thank you for sharing.

Traci · 1 year ago

I'm deep in the journey of my best work so far. I'm finally figuring out how the real me fits into the world around me.

Karen · 1 year ago

I love this question. I am reminded of something I read recently that says how we all remember all the insults, hurtful and bad things people have said to us, but not the good things. The idea was to start a book of compliments. Remember all the good things people have said to us, write them down in the book, and constantly add new things to it. A great resource to read when you're feeling down. This question makes me want to start a book listing all the things I've done that I'm proud of. This question made me start remembering a lot of small things from days past. A great book to refer to on the days when you feel you can't do anything right!

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

When I worked in design, a dear client said "I captured his spirit," when he walked into his completed home.

Lynda · 1 year ago

I absolutely love teaching at the University!! (my evening fun) It's a true Flow experience:-)

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

beautiful! love it! art should be free and liberating and make YOU the artist feel good and wild.
LOVE the title crash bloom!

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

you wrote that book!? amazing.

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

i'm not sure what it means that i can't answer this question

Cecile · 1 year ago

Simple. Maybe not the best work, but certainly the one where I applied the greatest effort and care: rearing my children. The outcome has been great so far!! So thjat I consider my Magnum Opus!!! Everything else is pretty much second chair... lollollol

Cécile

chantal · 1 year ago

Thank you Kat. It was a tie between the flag and the book I wrote to honor my grandmother.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

running out of ink is so..."satiating," isn't it? I feel the same way about it, and about finishing a notebook...ahhh. WHen that happens, I try to do a little cellular imprint to feel the success and build on it.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

so complex and beautiful. from birth to death and 'round again. thanks for this.
xo
D

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

maybe you're Classical Joy...a lil' twist that might make it "sing" a bit more.
xo
D

Brenda · 1 year ago

delivering my daughter, raising her and watching her develop.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I had to really really think on this question as well. Maybe, on the upside, it's about being present - every day is your best. Or maybe -- there's more to celebrate than you're giving yourslef credit for.

kerrymac · 1 year ago

I would have to say some of the events I have hosted in the past. The grand opening of my shop in Kelowna buzzed with creativity and enthusiasm and was a great start to sales. Then an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party night...with organic teas by Glory Be Tea, wonderful appies, tons of prizes, and my poor hubbie in as the 6 foot rabbit greeting and entertaining with the Mad Hatter. We raised a lot of money for Cops for Cancer. Then a book launch at the Chateau Whistler for my kids book with free activities for families, some amazing artisans selling wares and a silent auction for World Vision. The energy in the room made my heart smile with pride.
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

thanks, danielle!

thinking now it's the way i just DID things for awhile - things i've always wanted to do, like travel. it was a couple of years ago and lasted for a couple of years. i took a drum circle facilitation course in hawaii (and travelled there solo). i took a drum experience trip (again, solo) to cuba and drummed with the holguin-equivalent of the buena vista social club. i went to the percussion society national convention in nashville. plus i took lots of weekend workshops on didgeridoo, doumbek, african rhythms, and saw the sun come up at many all-nite music jams.
i didn't question anything - the cost, the time commitment, anything. i just found things i liked to do and did them. people were constantly telling me that my life inspired them.
i don't long to do the same activities again, now, but i want to get that in-the-moment power back.
i think i lost it during 2006 when i took care of my baby dog buster who had cancer (she died in early 2007.) i started staying home, taking her to appointments, caring for her, and in the process also spent lots of money on her care. i don't regret this; but i need to get my mojo back!
thank you for this question.

Suzyn · 1 year ago

I have a "positive feedback" folder in my email system at work. Whenever anyone says something nice about my work, I file it in there for a rainy day. I also forward it to my boss!!

Suzyn · 1 year ago

Elegant, essential, creative, beautiful... I'm still playing with the words, I guess. I'll let you know when I figure it out. Meanwhile, I want to thank you for encouraging me to see my "quirks" as something to celebrate, rather than something to be groomed and tidied and transformed.