Yesterday I took a break.
I spent time walking around the lake where I live, napping on the couch with my doggie, and in the company of good friends--such as this awesome woman HERE--who is even offering an even more awesome class HERE (be sure to check it out!!!). In the evening I made a delicious, nutritious dinner, and relaxed with a good book. I didn't make one tweet--and I didn't bother updating the world on Facebook either. I thought about lifting up the paintbrush and opening the Art Journal....but I let them have the day off as well.
Life is good. Real good.
July has been an incredible month, and honestly, I can't believe it's August already!
I want to say thank you to all 30 amazing Artists that participated in the 30 JOURNALS 30 DAYS project!! It was so much fun to connect with each of you--and to share in your own Art Journal LOVE. I'm just overflowing with inspiration and ideas for Art Journaling!!
I also want to thank everyone that shared their Art Journal LOVE story on July 31st!! I'm still trying to make it to all the interviews--and this was such a great way to celebrate--thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
But it's August, can you believe it?!?
And the truth is, I'm feeling a little sad. As many of you know, I quit my job to pursue my dreams full time this past July 6th. If I was going back to work teaching, I would actually be starting up again this Wednesday. All last week I was feeling depressed, and not quite sure why. And then it hit me---I never took the time to mourn the life I am leaving behind.
Even though I am truly in the midst of living my dream, and life feels creative juicy and right....I still need to take time and honor....mourn...make amends with the life I once lived. I'm leaving friends behind, I can feel it already. I'm leaving a certain security---a certain identity even. I'm leaving my kiddos, and maybe that's what hurts the most. I already miss them.
But I think this is part of the journey. I think in some way, fashion, or form there are going to be more moments like this in my life--where I stand at a crossroad and realize that I need to make some tough decisions. That I need to take risks. That I need to say good bye.
Quitting my job was not an easy decision--even though, I knew full-heartedly it was what I had to do. Not for economic reasons, professional reasons, or even creative reasons....but something even deeper.
My spirit. My soul.
I needed to step outside my comfort zone completely, so I can step inside the life I am meant to live authentically.
The brilliant Kim Klassen (featured in last month's Artful Blogging) is hosting a
FREE Inspiration Stay-cation e-course this entire week!
I'm honored and excited to say she invited me to join the fun.
I will be opening her Inspiration Stay-cation with a little Art Journal LOVE inspiration today!
So please be sure to stop by...today...and all week long!! I know I will!
11 comments:
It's always good to down tools every once in a while and disconnect, even if just for one day.
I know what you mean about leaving a job behind and mourning the loss of what you're leaving behind.
Today dear one... who does so much to inspire us, I'll be Honoring your old and new lives as the Universe was so fortunate to get a double-dip of your awesomeness as a Kiddo-teacher and as far-flung, artist, inspir-er to the masses.
I'm here from Kim' stay-cation. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your little video. So inspiring!!!
You are so right on with this! We need that time to say goodbye, even when the leaving is our choice and the right thing to do. So glad you were able to pinpoint where your sadness was coming from. Big hugs!
Also, I love the background page you are showing here. That mesh texture is fantastic! Makes me want to reach out and brush my fingers across it.
Hanging out with you yesterday was just what I needed, too.
And I've totally experienced a similar sense of sadness - I think whenever we make any sort of big change, there is a mourning that needs to happen. Some part of us always feels sad for what is getting left behind.
I try to remind myself that whatever I'm feeling is legitimate, and I just need to make space for it and give myself what I need.
You are inspiring so many others by taking that step toward the life your soul is ready for you to lead!
And then I followed the link and found out that you shared how you did those cool textures! You are so awesome! Thank you! I think I have some of all of those things at home. Now where did I put that?
BIG hugs you inspiring soul! It took me a LONG time to realize that is how I handle transition. I grieve as though I've lost someone regardless of whether I chose the change or not. But what I have found is that out of the grief, beautiful gifts are born. The friends you are meant to take with you just suddenly appear like sunshine after rain. The kiddos - the memories - will be alive and colorful in your mind and they will live in your heart. Who knows down the road you may cross paths again but know you have changed their lives like you change all of ours everyday.
Be with the grief. Let the gifts come and keep living this beautiful, sparkling dream.
Thank you for the inspiration, always!
I will be off to check out the other site shortly - what fun!
It's always hard when you take that first step into the unknown. You don't know what will happen and you are not sure if you made the right decision. You'll be okay Connie, give it time and just take each day with a smile. I enjoyed reading all your posts for that month. Take care.
I love this post. I love the idea of taking a "break" from things in order to just "be" for a day. I love your honesty about how you feel and your willingness to "mourn" what you are leaving behind, even though you are choosing it in order to open yourself to all of this creative juicy wonderful stuff. You are an inspiration!
Thanks for the link to Kim's Stay-cation.... Loved your vid!!!
And.... I want to wear a rainbow in my hair too!!!!
Hugs, Emie
BIG confession... last year when my DH was away I moved a portable bed mattress to the family room and slept on the floor. It was so nice it's still there and I watch TV from the floor.... sshhhh... don't tell anyone!
Emie
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