This week we are on chapter 3 of the 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women book blog. I am finding that reading the book is easy enough but finding the time - no, giving myself the time - to really mull over what Gail McMeekin is saying and how that impacts me, how it connects with me is not so easy. This week is about being brave. Scary. This chapter had words that just hit my heart. “…reawakening that [creative] potential…” “You get untwisted so you can go do what you want.” “I’ve never seen my choices as being so much about taking risks as honouring what will keep me a healthy human being.” “To be truly creative, you must be willing to try and fail, and then get over it.” When it comes to my creativity, I have been brave enough to say yes when Maarten asked to carry my work in his gallery. I have been able to say yes to trying new techniques. I say yes to taking workshops and classes that open me up to new possibilities. I say yes to being a creative being. I am brave in my creativity. I know that. But I also know that my creativity is stifled by all that is going on in my personal life. I am not as filled with energy and ideas as I used to be. Other parts of my life are draining me. I am spending less time in my studio, less time honouring my creativity, less time healing myself. This needs to change. I think that I need more bravery in my personal life. I need to slow down and give my heart and soul time to listen to the little voice inside of me, the voice Gail McMeekin calls the intuitive voice. I need to figure out how to slow down enough to do that. I need to create a sanctuary for myself so that I can give myself the gift of time to figure out what I want for my life. I think that this sanctuary is going to have to be at work. It is the one place where I feel peaceful in the quiet at the end of the day. At home, the quiet is more of a silence, an absence of conversation, a loneliness. But, at work, I feel most myself. I feel most connected to the Olwyn I used to be. I moved a cozy chair closer to my desk last week and have spent time after school each day sitting there, drinking a cup of tea and planning work. I think that I will begin to give some of that after work time for focussing on me, on my needs, my wants, my desires. Jamie asks us the question: What helps you to be brave? The number one thing that helps me to be brave is my daughter. Isn't she beautiful? I want her to grow up to be a strong, independent, creative soul who knows that no matter what happens in her life she will be alright. I try to live my life in a way that models that for her. I do not feel that I have been very successful at doing that lately and I know it needs to change. She sees that I am unhappy and not doing enough to change the situation. I need to choose. My sister is also a source of support for me. We have not always gotten along (and still don’t at times ) but I know that each of us would go into a burning building to save the other. I know that she has my back. This is so important to me on a personal level. My friend, Carol, helps me to be brave creatively. She is always coming up with new projects for us to try. She is fearless in her pursuit of joy and creativity. My gratitude journal helps me, too. Taking the time to realize what I already have in my life lets me take the step to get the next part of the dream. Music helps, too. My favourite artist is India.Arie. Her songs lift my heart and help me to believe that I can accomplish anything. I listen to her each morning as a reminder that I can get through and that I will be okay. The mixed media collage I have been working on this week is done. I wanted to share the quote I wrote to put on it as I think it embodies what bravery is for me: Let your dreams rise above the ocean of life and dwell in the realm of possibility. Here is what it looks like. It is on a long canvas and pretty much impossible to photograph as one so I have done it in sections. I think that you will get the idea.
Here is to all of you and your rising dreams!
Cool collage. Beautiful child. Great idea about sanctuary. Fantastic support system.
Writing comment like a telegraph. Not sure why. :)
Posted by: Lisa | January 26, 2009 at 09:00 AM
I'm glad you're creating some time and space for nurturing your creative self. I think its so important because of the joy and inner peace being creative can bring into one's life. Perhaps a special creative place at home would help change the feeling of that space for you as well?
Its wonderful that you have such a strong support system. Your daughter is beautiful!
Love the quote you used for your collage.
Posted by: intothedawn | January 26, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Your daughter is indeed beautiful! I like how you set up a little oasis for yourself at work :)
Your collage is superb. I love the movement and the colors. From sky to sea. Lovely! :)
Posted by: Genie | January 26, 2009 at 05:21 PM
I enjoyed your post on this chapter, thanks.
And YES your daughter is beautiful!
Have a great hair day! Becci
Posted by: Becci | February 01, 2009 at 05:35 PM