I then went on to try my hand at lots of different types of art and crafts, frequently making gifts for family members and friends, owning several craft businesses, and teaching classes.
But my inner critic prevented me from keeping much of anything I ever created. And I rarely sold anything I created, since I didn't value my artwork. The perfectionist in me raised it's ugly head and said NO!
Until 2009. As people all around me lament the year and treat it like the red-headed stepchild of the new millennium, I look back and think "It was MY year!".
2009 was the year that I finally realized that not everyone will love my art. In fact, some people will hate it. And that's okay. 2009 was the year that lots of people bought my art - like, they paid me money for my artwork!
2009 was the year I became authentically me. How did that happen? Well, I took a risk. I went out on a limb. I shut down that inner perfectionist and said to myself "Maybe, just maybe, somebody will see my soul here and not trample. Maybe in this network of caring friends and family I have been blessed with, someone will say. "You GO, girl! Paint your heart out!" And that is exactly what happened.
We each have a blank canvas every year. Every month. Every day. What will you create for your life?
This time last year, I created a vision board for 2009. It included lots of art plans for creating and planning art workshops and retreats. I kind of believed that this could happen, but it seemed improbable. here I am, with fabulous plans for 2010 that include all of those things. It's really happening! Also on the board, in the foundation area, it says "It was HER year". It was.
