Conversations that keep us moving

HOLIDAY BONUS! From today (November 26, 2014) through December 31, 2014: when you buy an original painting from my shop, you can pick 1 unmatted or matted print of your choice for no extra cost! Similarly, when you buy any unmatted or matted print, you can pick 1 blank note card of your choice for no extra cost. LOVE! If you’re looking to receive art before Christmas, my US shipping cut off date is December 19, and my international shipping cut off date is December 9. Contact me with questions! 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust 

My original mixed media painting Explore. A reminder that there is always something new to discover when we take the time to look around us.

 Have you ever had a conversation that lingered in your memory for days?

I love conversations that encourage us to explore more deeply, that challenge us and inspire. I’ve always felt so strongly that one of the most amazing gifts we can offer another person is the opportunity to help him/her feel truly heard. To listen deeply and ask questions, without giving into distractions.

I have always loved to listen, and to provide that safe space for the people in my life. Not surprisingly perhaps, I have always been less comfortable when it’s my turn to talk about myself.

This blog has been such an exercise in letting myself be seen as I am, as an artist but also as a person, complex and flawed and learning how to step into my own power. I’ve tried to be very conscious about not downplaying what I’m feeling, and not ignoring the doubt and stress that are part of any major life transition.

I have also tried to leave my heart wide open to new opportunities that further expand my limits.

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with a life coach named Ramona Fellermeier. Ramona reached out to me through a forum we both contribute to, and we had a conversation where she asked me to look inward and explore how closely my current daily reality matches the goals and dreams I have for my life.

The part of the conversation that has lingered for me most was the discussion about my ideal day. She asked me to describe what my ideal day looked like from start to finish, and so here’s what I said:

– Wake up naturally
– Have morning reflection / journal time with tea
– Creative time (painting, writing, connecting) while listening to music and allowing myself to feel the flow
– Hike / walk outdoors / exercise in the afternoon
– Spend time with family / friends
– Make dinner with Eric
– Read in bed before sleep 

Obviously there are obligations, errands, jobs, and other reasons why I can’t do exactly what I want all day. However, it was eye-opening to see just how many of the activities that make me happiest can be available to me with some basic planning (hiking, seeing family/friends), or are actually already part of my daily routine (making dinner with Eric, morning time with tea).

It was also eye-opening to realize how relatively simple my needs are. Of course I love to travel and create adventures that extend beyond my daily life, but on a consistent basis my happiness is about staying grounded with connection, creativity, space to reflect and rest, and time outside.

I have such a tendency to live in the future, thinking “life will be better when X happens, or I’ll have time once Y happens,” but while I’m busy waiting for the future, my life is happening now. It was a beautiful reminder that genuine conversation is powerful, and that the next time I’m wasting too much time on Facebook, I can use this memory as my official kick in the butt to shut the computer and go for a walk.