Okay so I’m totally borrowing from Nike’s tag line, but it is too perfect not to use here.
I’ve been thinking, writing, pondering, praying, contemplating, meditating, and writing some more. All this as I am trying to figure out what creative thing to do next. In all honesty, doing nothing just doesn’t feel like an option. There are so very many ideas floating around inside my head. There are things I want to share, a book to be published, classes I want to teach, ideas I feel I simply must write about, paintings that need to be painted. You get the picture.
Sometimes it is the overwhelm of creative ideas that keeps me from taking action – oh, the dilemma of being an artist. But if I’m being completely honest, most of the time it’s a little voice in my head that says “what if…?” As in; what if this plan doesn’t work out, what if no one will publish my book, what if the painting flops, what if no one likes my class, what if no one even reads this blog post? I’m guessing I’m not the only creative person in the world to be mentally burdened by these voices.
In my late night pondering, I wondered what would happen if the “what if” questions became statements of possibility and excitement instead of fear and doubt. What if my idea can really help? What if my art can bring joy to another? What if someone reading this right now is inspired, uplifted and moved to action? WOW! That kind of changes things doesn’t it?
I’m taking my own advice to heart and I am taking action. I’ve dumped all of the possibilities and ideas from my head onto a written page. My plan is to keep moving forward by picking one thing at a time and just doing it! No more questions, doubts or second guessing.
Today’s big step, I have submitted query letters to literary agents regarding my book manuscript. Over the last year, I have made some revisions to the book. It is time for round two of query submissions. I’ll never know the answer to “what if” if I don’t do anything.
I’m always amazed at how my five year old son seems to intuitively know concepts like this. Today, he shared with me his idea for a new restaurant – to be staffed by him and our four cats. I asked him if he thought people would like his restaurant. He replied, “There is only one way to find out. That is to just do it!”
How about you, is there anything you’ve been putting off that you are ready to take action on? With the new year right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make a change and take a leap of faith.
Many blessings on your journey,
Jeniffer
December 24, 2013
WOW! Thank you for this inspiring & encouraging post! This will help me not listen to those naughty little, but persistent doubting voices that really can keep us from shining our light and blessing ourselves and other around us. A wonderful way to start the new year. Your book will be a great help to many so I hope you find the right publisher. And, I love Noah’s restaurant idea! It’s the cat’s meow!!
December 27, 2013
You couldn’t stop your light from shining, no matter how hard you tried. I am glad this message brought you inspiration to shine even more brightly. You are indeed a blessing to the world!
Love,
Jen
December 31, 2013
YOU GEAUX GIRL!!!!!
I just know you’re going to find the right publisher at the exact right time. The 4 cats inspire some of the best ideas; I see a childrens’ book series in the works! I mean, the kitty bus, the kitty restaurant; Aslan used to dream of running a projector at an old black and white movie theater… 🙂
December 31, 2013
Oh, a whole book of kitty adventures, I like it! I can just see it now.
Thanks as always for your literary support! You inspire me in so many ways.
January 1, 2014
Jeniffer.. Such a positive post to kick start 2014! I have already decided that I am going to have a creative year ahead of me. I am already a creative person but all too often days go by without ever putting a drawing pen to paper, paint brush in paint, needle through thread or glue to collage pieces. My diary for 2014 will have the usual appointments written in and my eternal lists will have the usual “stuff to do” written on them but both diary and lists will now include creative appointments and urgent creative “stuff to do” included on them. So many ideas that must be explored! I believe in the Kaizen way… Small steps which lead to bigger steps.
As for Noah’s restaurant… would he think of opening a chain do you think? Could I apply to be the manager of the UK branch? I can cook, one of my cats, Pebble, would look so cute in a frilly waitress apron and cap and my other cat, Poppy, would make the best meet and greet front of shop person ever!
I wish you success with your book!
January 1, 2014
Christine, I love hearing your creative vision for 2014. If only we all would make room on our calendar for creative endeavors!!
I will let Noah know that you and your cats have volunteered to head up the UK branch of his restaurant. Hey, we’ll never know unless we try right? If anything I just may have to add you to the children’s book version.
Much love,
Jen