When you see big hair, a button-up shirt, and a palette, chances are you'll picture Bob Ross. He was a former member of the Air Force who was known back then for being "the guy who makes you scrub the latrine, the guy who makes you make your bed, the guy who screams at you for being late to work." He hated having to play the mean guy, so when he quit to pursue painting, he resolved to never be that way again.
What stemmed from that decision was "The Joy of Painting" which produced a whopping 31 seasons over the course of 11 years. Though he may have been simply painting, adoring fans love his philosophies on the hobby that turn out to be great pieces of life advice.
1. On being creative
Here you can see him painting a winter scene, but he also allows his imagination to run wild.
2. On seeing the world through rose-colored glasses
Sure, there may be a lot of horrible things that happen in the world, but Bob was able to see beauty in all sorts of unexpected places in nature.
3. On being yourself
If trees can grow however they want, why can't you?
4. On doing anything you set your mind to
It's so easy to admire someone else's talent and say "I wish I could do that." Well, you can! All it takes is patience, practice, and remember to just have fun with it.
5. On mistakes
Mistakes are a part of life, plain and simple. All you can do is make the best out of it.
6. On believing in yourself
You could surround yourself with all the supportive people in the world, but you'll find it hard to take their words as truth if you don't believe in yourself.
7. On having fun
Life is crazy enough; why not just have some fun here and there?
8. On hobbies
You don't have to be a painter to follow this advice. Just do whatever makes you happy and doesn't cause harm to anyone/anything.
9. On optimism
This one may be a stretch, but I think Bob would agree with me that maintaining an optimistic approach to life could really help bring you out of a bad mood or situation.
10. On being in control of your life
GiphyThis is your life after all; you can choose how you want to live it. Just make sure whatever you're doing makes you happy.
11. On showing gratitude
Showing others that you're thankful and generally just being a friendly person will make talking to almost everyone a little bit easier if you're shy like I am.
