May 05, 2004
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin
Every few months I seem to develop a theme that encompasses a lesson I need to learn. It usually takes awhile for me to discover that I�m in the midst of a theme and what it is, but once aware, I notice examples of the theme all over.
My current theme is learning how to be ok with being shiny as my friend Julie Valentine calls it. But I’ve discovered a second theme which really isn’t for me, it’s for whoever needs it, and it’s based on an idea I’ve been talking about over and over on this site the last month.
It has to do with beginning something in any way you can despite any fear that may be there. It�s to become the butterfly, become the forest, become the blossom. It’s going in the direction of your creative dream because the pain of standing still is greater than the fear of moving forward. It�s believing that a dream mixed with action equals reality.
Mostly, it’s the theme of being who you really are meant to be.
I firmly believe that in each of us lies an authentic self that is happy only when we unleash our dreams and become who we should be. Happiness isn’t based on how much money you make, how many fans you have or all the limo rides you get to take. It’s about going to bed content because you know you’ll wake up tomorrow with a life that you want (even during rough patches).
People often hold back because they want to know how to pay the rent and that’s one of the worst reasons to hold back. If money is a concern, work around it. Keep a regular job and paint at night. Go part time at the office and full time as a writer. Get a grant, a loan, a patron. Save your pennies whilst figuring out your dream at night. Cut back on shopping, get a smaller flat, explore free galleries instead of renting 7 movies a week. Get creative about money but don’t get creative with excuses as to why you’re holding back.
Speak your truth and bloom, right now. It’s spring and you’re ready.