Blog Posts - Darrell Fusaro

Make Bad Art!

2/5/2024

You cannot create and judge at the same time. Tell your critical mind that you're just going to have fun and make a mess before you start. This relaxes its obsession to judge and seek perfection. Then your heart is free to create through you effortlessly. This 1-minute video is an experience I shared during the "Let Go and Have Fun at fArt Camp" workshop.

This postcard of a child's drawing was sent to me from a friend. It included the following quote by Anna Quindlen. "The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Optimistic

2/2/2024

Misery has plenty of company. Dare to be happy!

I greet the good that is on its way to me.

I live with an attitude of positive expectancy, trusting the good I seek is on its way. Even though it may not yet be apparent to my eyes, my heart's wisdom guides me to remain open and receptive.

I still my mind with affirmations of gratitude and center my attention on uplifting thoughts. Aligning my heart with the harmony and energy of God, I feel a quiet, serene joy bubbling up within me.

I welcome the wonderful outcomes that are unfolding. I greet the good that already exists in potential, my optimism helping me envision the best outcomes for myself and my dear ones.

Believing that life is innately good, I more easily find myself in the right place at the right time. Optimistic and grateful, I welcome the joyful experiences that are flowing to me now.

"For nothing will be impossible with God." -Luke 1:37

–Author Unknown

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Create For The Health of It

1/31/2024

Art is therapy. If you want to be more creative, create what you love, create what delights you. Draw for the health of it, paint for the health of it, write for the health of it. Play this video to hear Rick Rubin's advice on creativity.

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Experience an Upgrade

1/26/2024

“Desire in the heart is always God tapping at the door of your consciousness …
the thing you desire is not only for you, but has already been started toward you
out of the heart of God.” -H. Emily Cady

There are really only two steps to manifesting your heart's desire. The first step is to state your desire. Do not stifle yourself in your request. Know what you want and don't be bashful about asking for it. Be extravagant! In other words, do not stifle or limit the ability of the goodness of God to have free play in your life. “After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts: there's no end to his surprises.” –Job 5:9

The second step is to stop complaining! Metaphysical teacher Cathy Jean Norman has said, “When you let go... and are grateful... there is an orchestrating power of the universe that can bring you what you need when you need it.” Complaining interrupts and short-circuits this orchestrating power by reinforcing the idea that we are victims.

The key is to maintain the love affair we have with what we desire. To not become concerned over how our good is going to come about but to merely reinforce our faith, or rather our joyful expectancy in the creative process. Believe! As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he could walk on water too. Think, talk, and act as if you expect health and prosperity. A confident, expectant frame of mind opens the channels. Do this and you will experience an upgrade.

In a nutshell, the key is to keep our delight about our desire alive while staying out of how it is going to come about. In other words, what happens between desire and manifestation is not our business––that's God's business. Keep enjoying the feeling of your desire as if it were already made manifest now. Start preparing for it mentally by seeing yourself enjoying it as if it's already a fact in your life today. As if you already received it. This method may seem too simple or silly to some, but it is the method that works. Over two thousand years ago Jesus put it this way, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” –Mark 11: 24

Within just a few weeks of the mandatory shutdown during the COVID 19 pandemic, a friend of mine was looking for a new apartment. Although to most people it may have seemed the worst possible time to move, he had been developing spiritually and the place he had been living in was no longer suitable. It was dark, small, and located in an undesirable part of the city. He gave his current landlord his notice to vacate, and he made a list of all the things he would truly desire in his new apartment. The fact that he was on a budget did not deter him from being extravagant. He knew God makes a way where there is no way. His list included that it be bright and airy with an unobstructed view. That it had a balcony where he could enjoy his morning coffee, meditation, and prayer. The building he desired would be safe and secure with covered parking. He wasn't afraid to get specific either, he knew the town in which he desired to live and included that on his list as well. And to top it all off this new apartment had to cost him no more than what he had been paying for his existing one.

Knowing this would seem like a tall order for most people to believe to be possible, he was careful not to share this with anyone who might be discouraging. In the meantime, he began to act as if his desire was already in the works. He began packing and boxing his belongings in his apartment preparing for his move. He would joyfully check the apartment listings online. Because he was clear on what he desired it was easy for him to be clear about what he did not want. This helped him to narrow down the listings he would make an appointment to see.

As the days went by the listings seemed to drop off, and to avoid getting discouraged he would continue to visualize, seeing himself living in the apartment he desired. About the same time a friend of his told him how he just purchased a new surfboard that he had found on a website. Although this website was not known to provide apartment listings my friend had a hunch to check it out. He knew to never argue with a hunch, his intuition, the joyful nudge from God.

To his surprise there was one apartment listed in the town he desired to live. He made the appointment to see it and to his amazement the apartment was exactly as he had pictured it. When he inquired about the price the landlord mentioned to him a price that was $200 more than what he was currently paying. Before my friend could say a word the landlord went on to say that due to the pandemic he was offering it at a reduced price. Incredibly the price the landlord quoted was $50 less than what my friend had been paying for his current apartment.

God is your instant, constant, abundant source of supply. Don't buy into the scarcity of negative talk. Cooperate with your desire by getting clear about it. Stay out of trying to figure out how it's going to come about and allow yourself to really enjoy the feeling of already having it. And remember to never argue with a hunch. You deserve the upgrade.

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

You Can Have It All

1/4/2024

“All limitations are self-imposed.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes

In the early 1940’s Grace A. Thompson shared the following story: A certain woman had long wanted to take a cruise and had saved her money to that end. Finally, the day came when she was able to purchase a ticket for the much-desired voyage.

As she carefully planned for the trip, she said to herself, "Of course it would be wonderful to eat in the dining room on the boat. I won't have money enough to eat all meals there, but I can take some cheese and crackers along for the first part of the trip, and then I can go to the dining room for the last meal. I'll have money enough for one meal on the boat." In high spirits the good woman set out for the thrilling experience of her first water trip.

At mealtime, after wistfully watching the other passengers file into the dining room, she would go off into some corner and eat her cheese and crackers, trying all the while not to be envious.

Then the last day arrived, and time for the final meal aboard ship. She went in with the other passengers "to eat in style," as she put it.

It was one of life's big moments for her, and she lingered long to enjoy it. When she had at last finished the meal, she sat patiently waiting for her check, but when none was presented to her, she beckoned the waiter and asked for it.

"Let me see your ticket, madam," said the waiter, and when she handed it to him, he gave it back with, "Madam, all your meals were included in the price of the ticket."

Of that woman, without hesitation, we say: "How stupid! Why didn't she look at her ticket? Or why didn't some other passenger tell her she could eat on the boat?" But of ourselves what do we say?

Are we not all passengers on God's big universal ocean liner? In our ignorance of what our ticket includes, do we, like the woman in the story, eat "cheese and crackers"?

"Come, for all things now are ready."

"It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing. ... Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full."

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Let’s make this new year the year that we dare to believe and dare to prosper. Start enjoying your divine inheritance by ignoring the old worn-out limitations of, “It’s too late,” “I’m not qualified,” “I’m too old,” “I’m too young,” “I’ll never earn enough doing that,” and the worst one of all, “That’s too good to be true for me”. Step out boldly knowing that all limiting beliefs are self-imposed. God is for you, not against you. Start cooperating with God by considering what the best thing that could happen to you this year would be.

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Create Your Best Life via Journaling

12/7/2023

Successful living is not about jumping out of bed, throwing on a helmet and charging into your day. Successful living is waking up and taking the time in the morning to be kind and loving to yourself.

By beginning the day with optimism, we are happy and magnetic to all the good we desire. In the effort to help me on the road to success while I was serving in the US Coast Guard, my mentor introduced me to a morning practice of affirmative prayer and meditation. He knew that the secret to enjoying a lifetime of success had to do with how we begin our day. Shortly after this solitary practice became my regular routine, I received orders to attend an intensive three-day time management course.

"You can create your day in advance
by imagining the way you would like it to go."

I took what I learned from the course and integrated it with my morning spiritual practice. It developed into a light-hearted approach to daily goal setting that makes achieving goals fun while building confidence and self-esteem. It is a combination of spiritual philosophy and positive self-image psychology. Success begins when you say kind things to yourself and the best time to begin doing so is first thing in the morning. Doing this will make you happy, and when you begin your day dialed in to happiness you’re tuned into the good you desire.

While serving in the military it became obvious to me that a happy man is an indication of a confident man: confident that all things are working together for good. Happiness is synonymous with optimism, courage, resilience, enthusiasm, and flexibility. Happiness is not just a pleasant attitude, it’s a magnetic force drawing to itself more things to be happy about. Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Albert Schweitzer puts it best as, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”

For the past thirty-five years, I have been meeting one-on-one and facilitating group workshops with artists, actors, veterans, trauma survivors and people with substance use disorder in order to guide them in creating their best lives joyfully via journaling. And I have concluded that there are just two attributes necessary to have fun while achieving goals. They are:

The ability to visualize with loving expectation.
The confidence to act on joyful nudges and new, perhaps what you might deem silly, ideas: Your Intuition.

The development of these two attributes are just a few of the benefits you will receive from this method of journaling, that I’ve come to refer to as “joy-naling”. The following briefly describes how I personally put this into practice day by day.

The first thing I do in the morning is make myself a cup of coffee and sit down in my favorite spot to read the day’s passages from several inspirational books. I recommend getting yourself at least two or three books that contain short uplifting messages for each day of the year. These readings always get my thoughts flowing optimistically with the positive stream of life.

In this healthy state of mind, I then open my journal and begin by jotting down the inspired ideas that have begun to percolate. I usually include an affirmation or two from one of the readings or an inspired idea that came to mind. For example, “God is renewing my mind and improving my circumstances,” or, “Wherever I go the Power within me blesses all.”

Then I jot down my to-do list. I like to consider this as, my best attempt at what I think God’s will is for me for the day. I also like to title each day’s list, to kick it off with something like, “Fun stuff to do today…,” “I’m excited to…,” or “The magic begins with…”

I alphabetize rather than number the items on my list to prevent prioritizing. By considering my to-do list in this way I can remain flexible in my expectations. I’m better able to accept whatever happens, trusting that everything is in divine order. This light-hearted approach relieves me of concern and keeps me receptive to intuitive guidance.

Nothing is too small or insignificant to include in this list. Especially if you're developing a healthy habit like flossing your teeth. I’d include it. Floss. This applies to long-term goals as well. Accomplishing a small bite-size action each day toward your desire will keep you moving forward with enthusiasm and without burning out.

Before I get going, I take the time to visualize going throughout my day as my best self would. I imagine my way successful, joyful, meeting kind people and experiencing remarkable coincidences. Expect great things to happen and you’ll be less likely to act out of fear. In all actuality, this is living by faith: joyful expectancy. Fear is morbid expectancy.

As I go through my day, I’ll cross off what was completed. Crossing off each item gives me a sense of accomplishment, and nothing builds self-esteem like the feeling of accomplishment. This joyful feeling of accomplishment reinforces more healthy attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. When you celebrate what feels good, you attract more good feelings which in turn attract more circumstances that make you feel good. It’s the law of attraction.

The key I have found to diminish any hurdles the day presents, anticipated or not, is to focus on the fact that my stability comes from the desire to give rather than trying to get. The desire to express love is the key to happiness and successfully navigating through the day. I often take the initiative to see myself as an ambassador of God’s love. This keeps me in a giving mindset rather than a getting mindset. That way each appointment becomes a divine one since I’m there to express love. For example, rather than seeing it as going in for an interview to get a job, I remind myself that I’m going there to do my job.

If by the day’s end something originally planned didn’t get accomplished, I still cross it off but with the letter “T” – to be carried over to tomorrow. By doing this I am affirming that I’ve done my best while maintaining the faith that all is in divine order. It reinforces trust: the happy attitude that whatever it is, it will get done with effortlessness, ease, and perfect timing. This way I can fall asleep without regret and look forward to the miraculous ways God’s wonders will be performed in my life.

If you would like to accomplish the things that you think are beyond your reach, why not try journaling as I have just described. You will be thrilled by the results.

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, co-host of the internationally popular weekly podcast, “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” and author of the books, “What if Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug?” and “Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self”. www.ThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

What makes a great self-portrait?

12/1/2023

“All my images are self-portraits, even when I'm not in them.” ―Nuno Roque

“Every man's work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself.” –Samuel Butler

"Our attitude and actions create the portrait of ourselves that we reveal to others."
–Foozaro

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran
and author of "Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self"
wwwThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Keeping the Critic Out of the Studio

11/19/2023

"Don't be reined in by other people's definitions of skill or beauty..." –Jerry Salz

"Perfectionism is self-criticism." –Foozaro

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran
and author of "Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self"
wwwThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

Free Workshop! Create Your Best Life via Journaling

11/14/2023

Actually, you can!

Transform your life joyfully with this unique workshop. During this one hour workshop you will discover how to unleash the power of light-hearted goal setting, boost self-confidence, and tap into intuition, all while learning proven techniques to achieve remarkable results through creative journaling.

Success Can Be Fun! No More Struggle:
The common misconception is that success requires a tedious struggle. We're here to debunk that myth! Discover how to have all the fun on your journey to success, enjoying the process while achieving remarkable results. Your dream life is within reach, and it's easier than you think!

Unlock Your Potential: For over 30 years, I've guided individuals from diverse backgrounds - artists, actors, veterans, and more - to craft their happiest and most fulfilling lives through the power of creative journaling. Now, it's your turn to embark on a transformative journey.

Light-Hearted Goal Setting: Say goodbye to the mundane and embrace a light-hearted approach to goal setting that delivers real, tangible results. Learn to infuse your daily goals with enthusiasm, making each step towards success a joyous adventure.

Boost Your Confidence: Discover the secrets to building unshakable self-confidence. As you tap into your inner strengths, witness how your belief in yourself becomes the driving force behind your accomplishments.

Tap into Intuitive Guidance:
Enhance your receptivity to intuitive guidance and navigate life's challenges with ease. Cooperate with the law of attraction, and witness how success effortlessly aligns with your ambitions. It's not just about setting goals; it's about harnessing the energy around you to manifest your dreams.

Reserve Your Seat Now: (818) 352-4481

Materials List:
• Pocket-sized notebook required (approx. 4" x 6”, no larger than 5” x 8”) blank or ruled. (Preferred brands are Moleskin and Leuchtturm1917)
• Pen
• Multi-colored highlighters

Free Create Your Best Life via Journaling Workshop
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 3pm
Sunland-Tujunga Branch
Los Angeles Public Library
7771 Foothill Boulevard
Tujunga, CA 91402
RSVP (818) 352-4481

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran
and author of "Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self"
wwwThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

The Statue of Liberty: A Symbol of Personal Empowerment

10/15/2023

Liberty is Stepping Out, 2023, solid marker on paper, 18" x 24"

The Statue of Liberty
Is Stepping Out

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty isn't standing still? If you notice her right foot, you can see by its position that she’s about to take a step forward. Lady Liberty embodies the fact that our true security lies in adventure. And near her right foot there are broken chains, representing freedom from oppression; the shackles of fear, doubt and worry that often hinder us from taking that crucial first step toward our desires. Whatever you believe you can accomplish or have faith in achieving, take the first step.

She holds a tablet inscribed with Roman numerals reading "July 4, 1776," symbolizing America's Declaration of Independence. This highlights the truth that when we make a decision – our personal Declaration of Independence – to boldly take a step toward our desire, the universe will conspire in our favor. Providence will illuminate our path, symbolized by the torch she holds high. As you move forward, you will be guided by your intuition.

When we step in the direction of our desire, we are crowned with favor, just as she is. By choosing to follow the promptings of our heart we feel empowered, enthusiastic, and radiant. The seven points, which are rays of light atop her crown symbolize this state of consciousness. When we let our light shine we inspire others to do the same. The fact that there are seven rays underscores the universality of Liberty’s message as being applicable to everyone across all seven continents and the seven seas. She emphasizes the spiritual truth that you can embark on the transformative journey towards realizing your dreams regardless of who or where you are – when you step out boldly.

Artist Darrell Fusaro is a decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran
and author of "Break Out of Your Box: Be Your Heroic Self"
To learn more visit wwwThisWillMakeYouHappy.com

The "Liberty Is Stepping Out" card is available.

Liberty Is Stepping Out

$2.99

The Statue of Liberty: A Symbol of Personal Empowerment

Unique art and essay on the powerful symbolism contained in the Statue of Liberty can inspire and motivate you to pursue your dreams. Makes a great gift. The following is printed on the back of the card:

The Statue of Liberty Is Stepping Out

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty isn't standing still? If you notice her right foot, you can see by its position that she’s about to take a step forward. Lady Liberty embodies the fact that our true security lies in adventure. And near her right foot there are broken chains, representing freedom from oppression; the shackles of fear, doubt and worry that often hinder us from taking that crucial first step toward our desires. Whatever you believe you can accomplish or have faith in achieving, take the first step.

She holds a tablet inscribed with Roman numerals reading "July 4, 1776," symbolizing America's Declaration of Independence. This highlights the truth that when we make a decision – our personal Declaration of Independence – to boldly take a step toward our desire, the universe will conspire in our favor. Providence will illuminate our path, symbolized by the torch she holds high. As you move forward, you will be guided by your intuition.

When we step in the direction of our desire, we are crowned with favor, just as she is. By choosing to follow the promptings of our heart we feel empowered, enthusiastic, and radiant. The seven points, which are rays of light atop her crown symbolize this state of consciousness. When we let our light shine we inspire others to do the same. The fact that there are seven rays underscores the universality of Liberty’s message as being applicable to everyone across all seven continents and the seven seas. She emphasizes the spiritual truth that you can embark on the transformative journey towards realizing your dreams regardless of who or where you are – when you step out boldly.