I have to be honest with you... I feel a little foolish about writing this blog post. At the beginning of last month, I thought I had all my art plans figured out... I was going to create digital stamps & offer them for sale to crafters through my Etsy shop, PholkartStudio. I set about the process of creating TWO new blogs... one to feature my handcolored digistamps & another to host a monthly challenge for crafters who create handmade cards. Yes, my plans were coming together nicely!
But something just wasn't sitting right with me... and without taking time to explore my discomfort, I pushed those uneasy feelings aside & pressed on with my plan.
Midway through the month, I began to realize that I just wasn't very happy. I was feeling a constant inner push to create brand new designs. I had put on my organizer's hat & was directing my new operations, clucking over each area like a mother hen over her chicks. I had taken on the role of marketer/social media guru with new zeal & began spreading the word about my big plans... In the end, I discovered I was juggling too many balls in the air and I was feeling completely frazzled!!
Finally, I took time to listen to my heart. And I rediscovered what I probably knew all along... I missed creating colorful little pieces of original art by hand & I missed working on my illustrated art blog. As a BIG introvert, I had been pushing out beyond my comfort zone & I wasn't spending quiet time renewing my energy. Most of all, I was running out ahead of the Lord.
And so... I began the process of pulling back & deleting. No more digital stamps. No more challenge blog. I put the brakes on my daily social media. And I went back to my studio & started "makin' stuff."
Honestly, I began to feel lighter... and happier... and more "me" almost right away. My inner self breathed a deep sigh of relief.
So here I am... a little lost, a little 'between things,' with no big plans or arty business goals. I'm just trying to show up each day with my sketchbook in hand, trying to listen with my heart to the Lord & hold whatever comes next for me very loosely.
Thank you Lord that you keep loving me even when I go off in my own direction. Thanks that you have good plans for me & I can trust you to lead me. Please help me to listen to you with my head & my heart... and to follow wherever you go.
8 comments:
good of you to listen to that little inner voice that was speaking loudly!!! I'm sure that you will be much happier!
Very nice and honest post, good for you to listen to yourself and to your inner voice, I love your art, if you are happy doing it, you will be happier, and any time you are ready to take another step, that will be ok, the must important thing in life is to be happy,
HUGS!!!
Big Thanks Vicky, Alejandra, & Lissa for leaving your kind comments & encouragements on my blog today!! :) ...I appreciate hearing from you!
I guess we are all on our own 'art journeys'... And isn't it wonderful that we're each made to be unique!
Blessings to each one of you as you pursue your own creativity. :)
Such a wonderful and honest post. I think we have all done this but perhaps not had the courage to do exactly what you have done. Your art is always so bright and uplifting.
Hi Linda! :)
To tell the truth, I don't feel very courageous at all. I have played with the idea of no longer offering my art for sale for a long while now... but I feared in doing so I would cut myself off from the creative community I love. So, this is a shaky step in a new direction for me... and I'm trusting that I'll continue to find creative friendships along the way.
Thanks so much for your sweet comment & encouragement! :)
I'm so glad I stopped by to read this. I have REALLY been doing some soul searching of my own concerning what I really love to do as opposed to what I think is best. I needed this encouragement. Good for you...and thanks. Visiting from www.mywordstudy.com via Chatting at the Sky.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog mark430! :) I hope you are blessed as you seek God & listen to your heart about what you really long to do. He has a unique & special call for you!
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