I don't like how it feels to not write. I need to write, so I miss it when I don't do it. It feels even worse when it affects other things, like this blog and its readers. So I apologize for my lack of posts over the last week or so. I've had a bit of writer's block! And, as much as I don't like to not write, it's worse if I write arbitrarily, unfocused and with divided attention. I need to write with inspiration, a sense of purpose, direction and meaning. So that's why I haven't written lately. I was not in the proper mindset to write something of quality.
Not only have I been incredibly busy {in the best of ways, but, still, there are only so many hours in a day} but I have also been doing a lot of reflection, building up to what I feel I am supposed to write. I've been reflecting through my daily journaling (not only in my Gratitude journal, but also in my thought journal.) All of this reflection has given me plenty of content to share with you so I am looking forward to a great week of blog posting -- touching on different challenges, different goals and different experiences.
Today, though, I want to write about yoga. [This may seem boring to you and you may be reading this and think that, because you don't practice yoga, this post has nothing to do for you. But that's not true!] It is important because it has impacted every area of my life and has been the reason for being able to not only reflect on moments or thoughts, but also to find the inspiration in them. I only added yoga to my routine in just the past few weeks and it has already transformed my life!
{which is SO exciting! the life transformation project is working!}
Our yoga sessions focus on being inspired and creating positive energy to send back out to the world, reflecting on gratitude throughout the duration and committing to an intention at every class - someone out there who inspires you to power through, or who needs some good energy. Julie, our instructor, is full of positive stories and affirmations that provide a new perspective and a renewed urge to push through a challenge. The mind-body connection of discovering your strength, both physical and inner determination, really speaks to me. I've learned that when a position is challenging and I want to quit, to just push myself a little more, to tap into a new level of inner strength -- this is something we all experience every day. Push yourself just a little more in that one moment where you want to quit and you will find that you overcome that moment. I've learned awareness -- of your breath and your core, of the moment and of the inspiration that is all around. Now, in the little frustrations that occur throughout the day, I have been able to remove myself and reflect on the fact that in the big picture, this one little moment is not strong enough to conquer my peace! I've learned that a deep breath, a positive thought or a quiet moment of being grateful, is enough to change your day, to change someone else's day, and to cause a ripple affect that will come back around to you.
Yes, I have known these things for a long time and try to live these lessons as best as I can. But, several posts ago [you can read them here and here], I talked about wanting to be able to live more in the moment and how it is hard to do with the challenges of the outside world trying to break you down everyday. Living in that moment of inner peace is not always easy. This is where yoga comes in. I was already a student of the teachings, I just hadn't practiced the lifestyle. Yoga has taught me how to apply its teachings in the outside world. Yoga has taught me how to dig a little deeper to find that peaceful spot and how to strengthen my roots and hold on to those moments a little tighter. I have now found the outlet that lets me apply the importance of positive attitude and gratitude to daily life. Yoga brings me this new level of inner peace -- I was born to be a yogi! :)
So even if you think yoga is not for you, I encourage you to carve out time where you can practice quiet moments of gratitude and positive thoughts. Once you become aware of how that feels, you will be able to recognize it more and live by it even better. It will make so much of a difference that you will find you need these moments, just like how I now need my yoga.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Wellness Project - Week 2, Part 2 Update
Before I got sick last week, I attended my first class at Seven Studios - a yoga class over the lunch hour. I have always loved (from afar) the yogi lifestyle but there was always a disconnect since I never actually practiced yoga. A few years back I attended my first yoga class. I went with a friend not realizing it was for the EXTREMELY advanced student. It was a really large class so there were no individual modifications given and I just basically didn't accomplish anything in the class. I left feeling very discouraged and never felt up to trying yoga since, as I didn't think my body could do it. Well. I am SO glad I have now experienced yoga the Seven Studios way! The instructor didn't just run us through the moves, she explained the energy and purpose behind the moves. You really do get so much more out of yoga when you apply all elements. It is just as good, if not better, for your mind as it is for your body. All of the positions (I guess that's what they're called?!?) were ones I could at least attempt, and modification options were given if your body was feeling something different for that day.
My favorite thing about the yoga class was that while there was a peaceful element to it, it was also a very relaxed atmosphere -- it wasn't like you had to be afraid to talk or anything. Towards the end, Mary showed us what move we were going to do next. It involved being down in a squatting position and then lifting yourself up so your inner thighs were resting on your triceps, with your feet behind you and lower legs parallel to the ground (can you picture that??) We all looked at her and then each other and laughed. HAHA -- I COULD NOT imagine holding myself up like that!!! But it was so great because she encouraged us to try. She told us we will probably fall {& promptly reminded us that that is what our mats are for} and then said this is how we can practice facing our fears. We are in a safe zone - a supportive environment where we are all trying the same thing, with our mats to cushion our fall. When we pull ourselves up and feel ourselves start to fall -- oh well. Go for it and face that fear. That, I think, is when I fell in love with yoga. I love when there are lessons behind things. Learn and practice how to handle facing fears (or any other life lesson) in this positive environment, and it will become a habit out there in the real world.
To sum up the fitness aspect, I have also done Barre classes this past week, which I was already doing here and there. That's also a great workout that I already loved. There are a few other classes at Seven Studios I have yet to try (I hated losing a few days last week!) and for when I can't get to the studio, I have some home workouts I was given to do using my treadmill. My challenge has truly been the routine and schedule of it all. Once I exercise, I feel great but finding a class that fits my ever-changing daily schedule has been SO hard. I have to try to not get discouraged. I need to remember that once I find a routine and a groove, it will be easier to implement. I was talking with Julie this week about this challenge and she encouraged me to set a Plan B. If I plan to go to a lunch yoga but my schedule changes, have a Plan B for that day's exercise waiting in the wings. That way I feel prepared and can still accomplish my goal without getting discouraged.
I use Sunday nights as my organization night to plan the week's schedule and this is when I also set up for Plan B. I've also found that it helps to sign up for the class when I block out the time in my calendar for it. That way, I am committed to more than a penciled-in slot in my planner.
In other news, I dislike logging my food. It makes me feel like I'm trying to lose weight, which I'm not. It isn't hard to do necessarily because I have an app that scans the barcode for anything I purchase at the grocery store (modern technology is amazing!) but it just feels like a lot of effort when I'm not trying to count calories. I am sticking to it, though, because it does make me think about what I am eating (now someone knows that I've eaten an Entenmann's chocolate donut!) and it is actually good for me to count calories, as much as I don't feel like it. I struggle with not getting enough energy (calories) throughout the day and constantly feeling tired. Before, I would just accept feeling that way. Now, when I see (or physically notice) that I am not getting enough calories, I make the effort of finding healthy ways to get the nutrition I need. I have been educating myself on alternatives to carbs to get these mid-morning or mid-afternoon energy boosts:: I purchased a green-smoothie recipe book and this week will be implementing that into my diet.
I think the ongoing challenge for the diet and exercise portion of the wellness project is going to be consistency and commitment. I need to be dedicated long enough to form a habit and that is not exactly easy. Can you relate? Do you have any tricks for getting your mind or body to think it wants to power walk at an incline for 30 minutes? Or that it wants to get up for a 6 am boot camp instead of sleeping in till 8?? Because the second I suggest that, I hear a little voice that says "Meghan, getting 8 hours of sleep IS healthy..you just go ahead and sleep in." :) I must say what gives me the motivation to do whatever I have to do to reach my goals is the fact that this whole experience is a gift. There are 40-something other people who applied to win this experience and yet, I was one of those blessed with it. I can't waste it!
My favorite thing about the yoga class was that while there was a peaceful element to it, it was also a very relaxed atmosphere -- it wasn't like you had to be afraid to talk or anything. Towards the end, Mary showed us what move we were going to do next. It involved being down in a squatting position and then lifting yourself up so your inner thighs were resting on your triceps, with your feet behind you and lower legs parallel to the ground (can you picture that??) We all looked at her and then each other and laughed. HAHA -- I COULD NOT imagine holding myself up like that!!! But it was so great because she encouraged us to try. She told us we will probably fall {& promptly reminded us that that is what our mats are for} and then said this is how we can practice facing our fears. We are in a safe zone - a supportive environment where we are all trying the same thing, with our mats to cushion our fall. When we pull ourselves up and feel ourselves start to fall -- oh well. Go for it and face that fear. That, I think, is when I fell in love with yoga. I love when there are lessons behind things. Learn and practice how to handle facing fears (or any other life lesson) in this positive environment, and it will become a habit out there in the real world.
To sum up the fitness aspect, I have also done Barre classes this past week, which I was already doing here and there. That's also a great workout that I already loved. There are a few other classes at Seven Studios I have yet to try (I hated losing a few days last week!) and for when I can't get to the studio, I have some home workouts I was given to do using my treadmill. My challenge has truly been the routine and schedule of it all. Once I exercise, I feel great but finding a class that fits my ever-changing daily schedule has been SO hard. I have to try to not get discouraged. I need to remember that once I find a routine and a groove, it will be easier to implement. I was talking with Julie this week about this challenge and she encouraged me to set a Plan B. If I plan to go to a lunch yoga but my schedule changes, have a Plan B for that day's exercise waiting in the wings. That way I feel prepared and can still accomplish my goal without getting discouraged.
I use Sunday nights as my organization night to plan the week's schedule and this is when I also set up for Plan B. I've also found that it helps to sign up for the class when I block out the time in my calendar for it. That way, I am committed to more than a penciled-in slot in my planner.
In other news, I dislike logging my food. It makes me feel like I'm trying to lose weight, which I'm not. It isn't hard to do necessarily because I have an app that scans the barcode for anything I purchase at the grocery store (modern technology is amazing!) but it just feels like a lot of effort when I'm not trying to count calories. I am sticking to it, though, because it does make me think about what I am eating (now someone knows that I've eaten an Entenmann's chocolate donut!) and it is actually good for me to count calories, as much as I don't feel like it. I struggle with not getting enough energy (calories) throughout the day and constantly feeling tired. Before, I would just accept feeling that way. Now, when I see (or physically notice) that I am not getting enough calories, I make the effort of finding healthy ways to get the nutrition I need. I have been educating myself on alternatives to carbs to get these mid-morning or mid-afternoon energy boosts:: I purchased a green-smoothie recipe book and this week will be implementing that into my diet.
I think the ongoing challenge for the diet and exercise portion of the wellness project is going to be consistency and commitment. I need to be dedicated long enough to form a habit and that is not exactly easy. Can you relate? Do you have any tricks for getting your mind or body to think it wants to power walk at an incline for 30 minutes? Or that it wants to get up for a 6 am boot camp instead of sleeping in till 8?? Because the second I suggest that, I hear a little voice that says "Meghan, getting 8 hours of sleep IS healthy..you just go ahead and sleep in." :) I must say what gives me the motivation to do whatever I have to do to reach my goals is the fact that this whole experience is a gift. There are 40-something other people who applied to win this experience and yet, I was one of those blessed with it. I can't waste it!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Wellness Project - Week 2, Part 1 Update
This is an exciting post because I am going to tell you about the Life Coaching aspect of this project. Life coaching is all about goals and visualization. This is in perfect alignment with where I am in my life right now. I have already worked through the hard, negative stuff. Now it is all about building this positive and inspired life I envision for myself.
Julie and I started simple - what are my 5 big picture goals for the next 12 months, with no regards to money, time, etc (we'll tackle those obstacles when we break down these 5 goals over the next week or two). Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Live on my own.
It would be nice to have my own place, no roommates. My own little corner of the world. I would like to avoid throwing money away on rent, however.
2. Become a life coach.
I want the course to be paid off and completed within the next year. This is why going through my own life coaching over the next 6 months is so great - I want to experience it myself so I can know best how to give to others. I feel led to inspire others through my story of overcoming the trials of 2013 and finding opportunities to rebuild in a positive way.
3. Grow my business.
It's only a few months old. Within the next 12 months, I'd love the name to be recognizable and to have grown!
4. Travel.
I have friends all over the country and now have a bit more control over my vacation hours since I am my own boss! I'd love to squeeze in a few weekend trips to see the people I love and miss so dearly. Of course, this definitely has to overcome the money obstacle!!!
5. Maybe be in a relationship.
It kind of makes me laugh that I say maybe but that is only because I don't want to force anything (also, partially because in a year I will be about to turn 30 and I have to get married and give my parents grandkids at some point!) But, in all seriousness, I don't want to be in a relationship just for the sake of being in a relationship, and I don't want to put an element of time on it. Right now I am putting zero effort into dating. I am going to walk down my path and do my thing. If the right guy crosses my path (either by chance or through a friend), I'm open to that. But I am definitely not venturing off my journey to go find his. I am doing my thing (career & hobbies) with my people (friends & family) so I don't really feel that there is a huge lonely void in my life or anything. That is why I'm not eager to fill it. I'm not a good casual dater. I tried dating after my break-up and I'm glad I did. It gave me a chance to know that I could apply the lessons learned in my last relationship. But from here on out, I'm only giving that energy to someone who earns it. It's hard work to be in a relationship and it takes a lot of time and a lot of willingness and I only give that to the special people in my life. I'm not giving priority in my schedule to someone that I know at Date 2 is not the man I am going to marry. I don't need a dinner partner, I have those. I want a lifelong companion and if I can't make it through a couple hours with you, I know I can't make it through life with you. There has to be potential there in order for me to allow you into my life. I'm very protective of my comfortable little pocket of the world I have for myself :)
Julie did give me some homework on Goal #5. I'm to list what I need from a partner and what I can give to a partner. Notice it does not say what I want in a partner. I guess this way I will notice that person when I see them and I'll have some standards to know if this person should be let into my life. I made that list tonight in my Life Transformation journal (pictured below because it is so cute and inspiring!) but I will share this with you in a future update. It is actually harder to share the list than to write it for some reason. I'm not sure why, they are pretty standard things that I need or that I can give but I'm just not ready to send that out into the world yet!
Look for a post tomorrow about the diet and exercise portion of this past week! Thank you again for following along in my journey!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Gratitude Project
My Grandma gave me a book recently that has been absolutely amazing. It's called "Simple Abundance" and it has a short passage for each day. It's a simple, quiet way to end my day but the messages are always so profound and moving. It is the perfect addition to my daily routine!
The author talks about a lot of different themes, all empowering and inspiring. I am made aware of fresh perspectives through her writing. There's a passage about how the thirst for happiness never seems to be quenched. In another, she writes about the common under-lying sadness that is not fully becoming who we set out to be, but how it is never too late to listen to that voice inside your heart. Each day's message promotes growth and simplicity, awareness and contentment, and gratitude.
She offers that we should scale back and renew our sense of living consciously, as opposed to going though the motions. That we should take the time to literally stop and smell the roses, or notice the sun rays shining through the window. When we take the time to notice all of the simple, yet beautiful, details and moments in our daily lives, we will realize how truly blessed we are. When we practice gratitude, we receive contentment.
She encourages the reader to invest in a Gratitude Journal. A journal that is picked out purely for this purpose. Everyday, take the time to write down 5 things that happened that one is grateful for. They could be simple things, mundane things, or they could be big things - it depends on the day.
So now, the Single Girl Project has grown to not only include my Wellness Project but also my Gratitude Project. I think it will be a good way to stay small and to meditate & reflect on what really matters.
This is my Gratitude Journal that I picked out.
Be filled with joy.
A great daily inspiration.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Life Transformation - Week 1
Last week I posted about the Life Transformation contest I won (you can read the post here). I encourage you to follow my progress -- I will be posting weekly updates, starting now! In keeping with the fact that I named my blog "The Single Girl Project" I will be calling this my Wellness Project -- so look for that title when I announce a new blog post in the future. This truly is a Wellness Project -- I will have a nutrition guide, a fitness prescription, as well as life coaching. The goal is to have a solid foundation in all areas so as to be your best self.
{I promise not all of my posts will be this long, but this one has a lot of background info to share}
Week 1 consisted of a fitness & nutrition assessment. I met with Kayla and recorded some base line info and talked about my workout history as well as my goals for the 6 month project. I used to lift weights at least 5 times a week. I loved it, got really toned and really strong. I worked with a trainer, which helped. Then for about the last 2 years, maybe more, I never set foot in a gym. I would hike, walk or bike outdoors but that was about it. I lost a little weight since I wasn't building muscle any more but stayed fairly toned.
However, I know that I could be healthier. I may be petite, but I am no longer strong, and I'm definitely not conditioned. I used to run a 7 minute mile when I played soccer and I don't even want to know what it would be now! So Kayla wrote up my fitness prescription full of ways to increase my cardio activity and get more conditioned. The plan also incorporates building my strength back up.
From the nutrition aspect, I definitely need guidance and accountability. I am not afraid of carbs and I could literally eat nothing but sweets & desserts all day long. On top of that, I don't eat a lot. I snack throughout the day (which is good) but only have one moderately sized meal a day. I get full quickly and also I don't really love to eat. I eat because I'm hungry, not because I enjoy it…I know, that sounds terrible. So I told Kayla I wanted lean, filling and healthy options to incorporate into my lunch or dinner but also good alternatives for snacks throughout the day. Since I already use all non-toxic products for my skin, I want to start eating organic, non-toxic foods as well. I have good intentions for doing this, I just don't really know where to start.
Kayla provided me with a very thorough FIT plan for Month 1.
I must say, when I saw my exercise schedule, I felt like I had just got my class schedule in college -- the semester when all your classes were at 8am, across campus, or with a professor with a bad rep. I think the classes will be fun, but it will all just be so new. I only know how to be in a huge gym with a ton of other people lifting, where it's easy to fly under the radar. In a class setting, I have this presumption that I will stick out more as a beginner so it's a bit intimidating. I'm sure once I get through my first class and realize that I can handle it, I will feel more confident. It will also be so great to get to know the instructors and other class-goers. I also got a little panicked when I saw this schedule because I have not had a gym routine in years!!!! Those first seven days of creating the habit of exercising are going to be so hard. I know I will feel great after a workout, as I always do, and I know once it becomes a part of my daily routine again I won't even question or hesitate. But that first step is so hard -- that's why it's been two years! And that's why I'm so grateful for this program…having a team there holding me accountable, having a support group there with me…that is what is going to push me to stick to this prescription!
My other task is to create a food journal. This will help me track my calories and my nutrition. I learned from the assessment that I need 1300 calories a day just for my body to have enough energy to rest, let alone handle any physical activity. This would probably explain why I always feel tired -- I know I don't consume that many calories. Between eating right and exercising regularly, I will have all kinds of energy coming my way! I am so excited to experience that!
Do you feel overwhelmed? That was a lot of information, which is exactly what I received during my Week 1 orientation. Next update, I will share my progress with you after successfully being with the program for a full week!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Transforming My Life
Back in November, I was on the website of Seven Studios and learned about their Life Transformation Contest. Seven Studios is owned by Julie Wilkes and provides work out classes and life coaching programs. I had met Julie once before at a goal painting event I attended. Seeing her at work that evening and learning more about her studio through their website, I knew I wanted to be a part of her program.
I came a long way in 2013, especially since that day in June. But I want to keep going, I don't want to plateau. So, I decided to enter the Life Transformation contest. I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring in some other professionals to guide me along my path and help me find my way. I know my Single Girl Project is not yet complete and if I could win this contest, I would be sure to not get stuck. To apply for the contest, I had to write a 500 word essay that told my inspiring story, showed my readiness to begin and why now is the right time to transform my life. I wrote away, hit send and waited. I was confident, yet also so anxious -- the winner wouldn't be announced for over a month! The further we got into January, I thought for sure someone else had been chosen.
And then, I randomly checked my email last week and saw one from Julie herself with the subject line "Congratulations!" As I hurriedly read the email, it said out of the 48 applications they received, my entry made it to the Top 5. {At first I thought it was like all of those emails you receive after you apply for a job -- "While you are well qualified and we appreciate your application, we have decided to go with another candidate. Good luck in your job search."} But I read on and learned that the panel of Seven Studios judges couldn't pick just one of their top 5…so we were all winners! I don't remember the last time I got so excited over something! I had the biggest smile on my face the rest of the day and just kept saying to myself "Oh my gosh, I am so excited!" Literally I said that for, like, the rest of the day.
I love writing, so I was proud that something I wrote was recognized. My essay was so personal, so I am grateful it was heard. I am so honored to have been chosen to be a part of this project. Visit this site to see what I will receive as a contest winner. I will be blogging weekly updates of my 6-month journey so please follow along with me -- I want my process to inspire you, and I am sure I will need some motivation & encouragement along the way, too!
I came a long way in 2013, especially since that day in June. But I want to keep going, I don't want to plateau. So, I decided to enter the Life Transformation contest. I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring in some other professionals to guide me along my path and help me find my way. I know my Single Girl Project is not yet complete and if I could win this contest, I would be sure to not get stuck. To apply for the contest, I had to write a 500 word essay that told my inspiring story, showed my readiness to begin and why now is the right time to transform my life. I wrote away, hit send and waited. I was confident, yet also so anxious -- the winner wouldn't be announced for over a month! The further we got into January, I thought for sure someone else had been chosen.
And then, I randomly checked my email last week and saw one from Julie herself with the subject line "Congratulations!" As I hurriedly read the email, it said out of the 48 applications they received, my entry made it to the Top 5. {At first I thought it was like all of those emails you receive after you apply for a job -- "While you are well qualified and we appreciate your application, we have decided to go with another candidate. Good luck in your job search."} But I read on and learned that the panel of Seven Studios judges couldn't pick just one of their top 5…so we were all winners! I don't remember the last time I got so excited over something! I had the biggest smile on my face the rest of the day and just kept saying to myself "Oh my gosh, I am so excited!" Literally I said that for, like, the rest of the day.
I love writing, so I was proud that something I wrote was recognized. My essay was so personal, so I am grateful it was heard. I am so honored to have been chosen to be a part of this project. Visit this site to see what I will receive as a contest winner. I will be blogging weekly updates of my 6-month journey so please follow along with me -- I want my process to inspire you, and I am sure I will need some motivation & encouragement along the way, too!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Create
I have long been crafty. I just love making things with my hands, it's so fun and personal and unique. Growing up, I always loved making projects. When I taught elementary students, I would teach them a craft project when we had indoor recess. Once I learned to sew, I started making quilts and other projects. Now my grandma is teaching me how to knit. I am so excited to get better at it and the possibilities of what I can make. I can give hand made gifts to friends, I can make things myself for my home that are made of organic cotton and with love.
I've always been good at the crafty art, but I've never considered myself to be an "artist." Even my doodles look terrible. However, I have had the pleasure of attending multiple Wine Your Art Out events and I end up quite proud of myself when it actually turns out and looks like something. It's very fun to see it come together from start to finish. I learned that I really like painting. I like the movement of it and the process of it. I want to make more paintings that aren't necessarily of something but are instead reflective of feelings and emotions -- what is called Abstract art, I've learned.
Lucky for me, my best friend is not only an amazing artist, but an awesome teacher who happens to have her own art studio (that hosts Wine Your Art Out) So I called her up this week and went to paint at her studio. I loved it! It is so cool to lose yourself in a work of art, to see where it takes you and to watch what it turns into. It ended up a little different than what I initially pictured because of the fact that I let go and went with it. And I loved how it turned out, it's now one of my favorite pieces. It was inspired by someone else and will eventually be given to that person, but it has a little piece of me with it, which is awesome. It's a one of a kind. And for someone who never would have considered myself an artist, that is pretty cool. It's neat to think that I've created something one of a kind.
While I was painting, there was a little girl there also painting a project (I happened to have crashed an after school art class), and she commented that she loved my painting. I said "Really?!" and she said something like "Yes, why shouldn't I? All art is great because you're making it" It was very profound & wise for such a young student (she obviously has a great art teacher in Miss Anna!) But I guess that's why I love to create. It's your stamp and it can't go wrong. I think we all get caught up in all of these things that we have to do that we leave very little, if any, time for our hobbies or things we enjoy doing. Just for ourselves. I'm not saying you have to paint a masterpiece, or sew a quilt, or knit baby socks, but something where your hands are busy, your mind is free and where you can lose yourself in creating something.
Life is all about creating. And it starts with your hands.
I've always been good at the crafty art, but I've never considered myself to be an "artist." Even my doodles look terrible. However, I have had the pleasure of attending multiple Wine Your Art Out events and I end up quite proud of myself when it actually turns out and looks like something. It's very fun to see it come together from start to finish. I learned that I really like painting. I like the movement of it and the process of it. I want to make more paintings that aren't necessarily of something but are instead reflective of feelings and emotions -- what is called Abstract art, I've learned.
Lucky for me, my best friend is not only an amazing artist, but an awesome teacher who happens to have her own art studio (that hosts Wine Your Art Out) So I called her up this week and went to paint at her studio. I loved it! It is so cool to lose yourself in a work of art, to see where it takes you and to watch what it turns into. It ended up a little different than what I initially pictured because of the fact that I let go and went with it. And I loved how it turned out, it's now one of my favorite pieces. It was inspired by someone else and will eventually be given to that person, but it has a little piece of me with it, which is awesome. It's a one of a kind. And for someone who never would have considered myself an artist, that is pretty cool. It's neat to think that I've created something one of a kind.
While I was painting, there was a little girl there also painting a project (I happened to have crashed an after school art class), and she commented that she loved my painting. I said "Really?!" and she said something like "Yes, why shouldn't I? All art is great because you're making it" It was very profound & wise for such a young student (she obviously has a great art teacher in Miss Anna!) But I guess that's why I love to create. It's your stamp and it can't go wrong. I think we all get caught up in all of these things that we have to do that we leave very little, if any, time for our hobbies or things we enjoy doing. Just for ourselves. I'm not saying you have to paint a masterpiece, or sew a quilt, or knit baby socks, but something where your hands are busy, your mind is free and where you can lose yourself in creating something.
Life is all about creating. And it starts with your hands.
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