“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.” -Sydney Smith
Obviously I love inspirational quotes. (See sidebar.) Aside from sharing them with you here, I also have little quotes all over my desk and on my walls. They help to keep me centered and focused on my creative journey.
However, I know there are times when these well intended lines can feel less than sincere. Maybe it is in their over use – plastered on Facebook walls or sent in mass e-mailings. Or perhaps it has to do with our own emotional state of mind when it crosses our path. Let’s face it we don’t always feel the bubbly light of hope that these messages have to offer us. There are days when we read a positive quote and our inner critic screams “What a bunch of hooey!”
I know, I get it, I have certainly been there. In fact during this last month, I’ve scoffed at a few of these inspirational tid bits myself. I have even thought “what if following my bliss is just wishful thinking and not opening any doors at all?”
We are all human and it is okay to question and doubt our talents from time to time. However, from personal experience, I have found that the best way to conquer these thoughts is to pick up my paintbrush and start painting again. By the end of my sessions I always feel a little better. So over the last three weeks as the doubts started squeaking in I declared I NEED to keep creating. I scraped and squeezed time for my art out of my busy schedule. I painted and I wrote and I painted some more then I wrote some more.
And through my creative bliss doors were opened – and the quote retained it place of honor on my desk. I was accepted to a local writer’s in residency program, lined up private showings for excited collectors and was contacted by a venue looking to host my paintings. For me this month was a confirmation that there is truth in these inspirational words.
Of course I don’t expect you to simply take my word for it. We can never allow someone else’s experience to teach us these lessons or show us these truths. You must create your own magical moments, experience it first hand. The way to do it is simply to dream your dream then move towards your dream one step at a time and never ever give up.
Love & Blessings,
Jeniffer
P.S. Here is a sample of the creativity that sparked magical moments this month…
January 31, 2012
Hello Jennifer 🙂 It’s been a while (so busy!) but just had to drop by and see what’s happening here. And oooh I love the birds – to me they seem to be a symbol of your being set free from doubt. And the spiral I see in one of those luscious paintings.. the symbol of growth and to quote from one of my mandala books… “the process of coming back around to something but realising you are at a different level or in a different place when you do”.
So there you have it Jeniffer – you explored your doubts and you have come home to what you have always believed is the truth and this will help you grow even more.
Ah yes… so speeks Guru Christine. Missed you Jeniffer!
Oh and I am a fellow quotee too :))
January 31, 2012
Ah, Guru Christine you are so wise and intuitive 🙂
I’ve missed you too. I think this January has been a processing / transformational month for many creative souls. Thank you for taking the time to check in and to share. I love reading what you had to say. The mandala book quote seems such a perfect fit for this month’s experiences.
Here’s another one to throw out into the quote lover’s guild.
“As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
– Marianne Williamson –