what a difference a year makes.

As the end of 2016 draws near I take this time to reflect back on my artful and personal life. 

Often asking myself the same proverbial questions.  

Throughout the past year it has been easy to caught up in false assumptions 

that my dreams are so far away and may never come true.

Yet when I do take an in-depth look back I unveil an 

appreciation and deep satisfaction in my progress.

This feeling fuels me and propels me forward.

(click to enlarge)

I ask myself, "Why does it matter?"

I find this answer not an easy one to articulate.
The simple verbal response is to say that I am
using my gift, from God, of creating art.
February 2011, there was a pivotal moment.
I never knew that I could paint or draw until that time.
Creating art has changed my life.

I believe we are all creative yet we doubt ourselves 
and hesitate to let our creative spirit out to play.

PLEASE NOTE:   You can read all my entries that chronicle my creative journeyat the side bar of this blog under All Posts-Now & Then.

Thank You for all of your support and encouragement.

I couldn't do this without YOU!

What my word for 2016 means to me

After much thought, I have chosen my word for 2016.

Abide:

  *to wait for

  *to endure without yielding

  *to bear patiently

  *to accept without objection

  *to remain stable or fixed in a state

My intentions for this year is to combine goal setting skills in conjunction with the spiritual aspect of why I create art.  Lately, in my daily meditations I have taken stock of my life.   I have come to this concrete understanding.  

There was a time in my life that I would have considered myself to be an extreme goal setter.  I had many lists going and working those lists all at the same time.  I loved the things I accomplished and the energy I generated.  My general idea of life shifted when I moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 1996.  It was then I became aware of the spiritual aspects of life.  I had never before experienced the peace and tranquility, admittedly with a little trepidation, too, that came with surrendering all outcomes, yet knowing everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.  After having the privilege to practice living in that space, for a little over a year, my life shifted, again.   I found myself and my life right smack in the middle of what I would call the unknown.  So much negative shit kept wanting to reside in my head and my heart.  My saving grace became the firm belief that everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.  With this strong belief I was able to pick myself up from my boot straps, put one foot in front of the other, and move on.  I remember briefly thinking this was going to be the time that I could combine my goal setting techniques and spiritual learnings together.  I moved to Illinois, not knowing a sole, and my new life began.  

Fast forward... I really never implemented the concept of combining my goal setting techniques in together with my spiritual learnings.   What I actually should say is it has taken me this long to realize the value of combining the two.  I am ready!!!

To abide has to do with the concept of 'being' instead of 'doing'.  Setting goals, working a plan, overcoming resistance, daily to-do-lists are all important.  However,  if I am doing these things just because I am  suppose to, or I am doing them in our own strength, I will not have victory or peace and I will miss out in having an intimate relationship with my Higher Power/God/The Universe/Providence/or whatever name you prefer.  That pivotal day in August 2011 that I sat down at my desk and drew, every fiber in me clearly knew it was a gift from God.  I am forever grateful for this gift. Thank You-Thank You-Thank You!   I will continue to create art from my heart because that is where my spirit resides.  Yet, also knowing this is how I will be earning a living I am implementing goal setting techniques.   As I set my goals and do the action oriented tasks required I will remember to wait for/endure without yielding/bear patiently/accept without objection/remain stable in the outcomes.  All the while believing everything is happening exactly the way it is suppose to happen.

Thanks for your continued support.

I couldn't do this without you!