I just had a birthday! WHOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO! I turned 58. I am not sure exactly how that happened but it did and I am thankfully to continue being here. I was doing what I do each year for my birthday: reviewing my life and letting myself experience the gratitude and joy I have for my life and each step of my journey. As I was reviewing my life it occurred to me, that I have been through a few transitions during my life (laugh here at my understatement, please).
I realized that each of those transitions was because of a particular calling that propelled me forward. However, at times I was really slow to follow that calling. I now know that when I get truly called to something by my REAL SELF it is time for me to follow. That will simply mean another transition. I have also learned that I can heed the calling or I can ignore, resist and/or fight it and I personally am done with those reactions – it is transition or stay where I am – which means I will miss out on some fabulous evolution waiting for me. So I listen and follow now. Big Victory!
Many (actually most) of the Artists I coach came to Art as a calling … some of them were first called early and then stuck with it for life, some were first called to Art much later and have continued, some of them were called first early and then put it down until they were called (a little more urgently usually) again later (I was in that category just for the records). They also have changed mediums and markets and paths with their Art along the way because of a calling to do so. There is a whole range of callings and ways we react to callings.
YOU may be anywhere in this range yourself. Perhaps, at this point in time there is something calling to you! If there is and you are not acting on it there may be voices in your head that are giving you the “too” speech as the calling keeps coming. It goes something like this: “I am too ______________ to _____________”! For example: I am too old to start a Music career, I am too young to make it in the Painting world, I am too broke, too slow to learn, too out of touch, too, too, too! Have you been dealing with some “too” conversation? Does it sound familiar?
OK … so let’s set the record straight: We are NEVER toooooooooooo anything to follow our dreams, our calling, our purpose. What we might be doing, however, is listening tooooooooooo much to that lie as if it was the truth and letting it keep us from our real SELF! Time to call that nasty ol’ lie out for what it is and STOP letting it sabotage us.
The question is really: What is the cost, in your life and maybe even to the planet, of NOT following your calling / passion / purpose? Now THAT, if you really contemplate it for a little while, could be a perfect reason to jump into whatever transition that may be required with both feet.
Ready to Paint? Start Painting. Ready to be a Photographer? Start taking Photos. Ready to Dance. Start Dancing. Ready to Sing? Start Singing. Ready to write that book? Start writing. Now? YES, I mean NOW! Right now? YES!
Notice I didn’t say you needed to bring the rest of your world to a halt – maybe you decide to do that and that is perfect for you – however, you can also transition there. The trick is to accept that calling now and let go of all the “too” conversations now so you can allow yourself any transition it will require!
I don’t care if it is picking up a paintbrush for the first time or the first time in 20 years or it is switching from painting to photography or from dance to sculpture or from having a studio to starting a gallery or from realist work to abstract work … allow yourself to listen to and follow the calling. My bet, if I were a betting woman, is that it won’t go away … it will just return and return and return. Spare yourself that and the “woulda”, “coulda”, “shoulda” that goes along with it later!
What has been calling you that you have been ignoring and/or resisting and/or fighting?
I look forward to hearing from you … I know I probably have more transitions left in this life and I welcome them if and when they show up – I would love for you to be able to welcome yours too so you can follow your REAL SELF which always has incredible juicy plans for you!
Hi Dolci 777, I know exactly what you mean, I am on the cusp of turning 60. the big one. an old lady. can you imagine.
I have not really painted for almost 2 years . Having health problems and getting them acknowledged , recognizing there is actually a problem and putting a name to it. now working out right medications.
I am drawn back to my painting but scared to start again in case my faculties don’t work. and come face to face with the fact that I can no longer paint portraits. I have been toying with changing my style as you mentioned.
I know I have to bite the bullet. thanks for the write up it may just push me into it.
Jen – All I have to say is: PLEASE pick up your paints! My bet is that not only you will have the faculties to do it but it will also be a BIG component in helping you HEAL no matter what health conditions you are dealing with! (not just my opinion, even though I have seen it more times than I can count, but study after study is rolling out that verify this)
I went out & looked at your work – it is beautiful & full of life. You know how much pleasure you Art gives you … allow yourself the JOY of creating again! I am here if you want to bounce it around with someone who will cheer you on – I can understand the fear – I just know you deserve to create again and I am committed to you having that.
P.S. We aren’t old ladies, Jen – we are just beginning the ripening process – smile!
Great post Kym! Listening to the inner voice is key.
Thank you, Jacqueline!! YES … we must make sure we are listening to the voice of our higher SELF verses the on-going chatter of our old brain patterns (which rarely have anything positive to say LOL)!
Interesting topic. I am a portrait artist. I recently decided to use some “extra” time to talk to my bank and the Small Business Development Center to launch a legitimate business in Portraiture. I realize more and more how supportive others are if I share what my inner voice is telling me. I walk around with all this knowledge about myself and my ideas, but when I sit with someone new I have to remember to cover all aspects of my interest. Finding my voice as an artist is only made possible by actually acting on and investing in what I think. Otherwise, like you mentioned, it passes and my voice becomes harder to heat until one day something speaks loudly to me so I can hear myself again. Being an artist is an interesting journey and I am grateful to make myself a priority by making my art a real business. Thank you.
Emily – Thank you so much for sharing with us! Congratulations on taking the actions to make your work a business!!! It is a big step in seeing yourself and your work in a brand new way! Actions = Results (unfortunately non-action = Results tooo just not usually the kind of results we want!) I love how you describe that bouncing back & forth that happens when you don’t take actions towards what you want – how it speaks loudly again! BTW – I looked at your website – really GREAT work, Emily! Thank you for having your Art out there in the world!!! Keep sharing, please!
Happy Belated Birthday, Dolci 777!
Emily … THANK YOU!!!! WHOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! I love birthdays! How kind of you!
I have enjoyed reading the above and will think over it a lot.
Thank you, Jen – please enjoy thinking about it & feel free to come back anytime – I publish a new blog post every week.
Happy Boithdaaay to Yoooooooouuuuu…!
And best wishes!
OMG, Dolci, this really spoke to me and your words are a blessing!
You articulted so well what “too” has been in my heart and my “stuffed” thinking about my calling and my art.
Thanks again.
Bill – Thank you sooooooo much for the birthday wishes! I am so grateful that this blog post made a difference for you!!! That makes my heart sing … I wish you the best in moving your “too”s out of your way so you can following your artistic calling!! Good news is that once we can see it then we can move it! Have fun with it!