Just Begin

I recently signed up for a three-month intensive online art workshop after spending a week agonizing over it and coming up with every reason not to buy in. The thing is, I’d taken advantage of the artist’s multiple free lessons, and learned a tremendous amount about color, values, and design. I decided to go for it, the rationale being that improving my skills would offer viewers and potential buyers even more to see. It’s so me, always evaluating things from a practical and purposeful position.

But in truth, that’s just a load of bull, because it’s really not about anyone else.  It’s about giving myself permission to create, to learn, to be inspired, to figure out more of what makes me come alive artistically. It is all about me, and there’s no shame in admitting that. In fact, one of the hardest lessons finally sinking in at this stage of my life, is that I’m worth it. And now, just a few days into the program, it was clearly the right decision.

What about you? What are you aching to do, but feel you shouldn’t? Maybe you can’t quite name it yet, but there’s a feeling of being on the verge of something. Maybe your days (and nights) are all about other people. Maybe you’re afraid to try because what if you fail? Or maybe you’re afraid to try because what if you succeed? Maybe money is tight, or maybe you believe that spending any amount of money and/or time for your own delight is selfish.

So let me ask one question - If not now, when? Think about that. If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that we’re all on borrowed time, and it seems a sin to keep putting off the things, big or small, that bring us joy.

My advice, wherever you are in your life – Take the next step, whatever it may be.

Do it…because YOU’re worth it.

(gorgeous quote by poet, Toi Derricote)