New Beginnings

I want to thank everyone that supported my art business and visited my website in 2021. Whether you bought a greeting card, a painting, a print, or are taking classes from me, your support means so much. 

I was going to write a post about the new year and resolutions and how to keep them or should we hold ourselves to them. But as December flew by, I took winter break to slow things down and spend time in nature and prepare for the holidays. In some idle moments, I began to reflect on the month and how crazy we all get with the big end to our year. I asked myself what I thought were some highlights and what might not have been very successful. The first thing I thought about was just December. What was going on and what was happening to my students and their families? I had lots of cancellations and forgotten lesson times. And I realized that it’s okay. Life happens and we don’t always have control of who, when, and what happens to us. 

As winter break came closer I enthusiastically booked every hour with creative projects, unfinished classes, and tidying up my studio. Time seemed to stand still but also fly by. I had a hard time keeping track of what day it was. I stayed up late watching movies with the family and sleeping in to almost noon and after. So those “things” that I had crammed into my days didn’t happen.

And that’s okay. It’s okay that you didn’t create all that you had hoped. It’s okay that you got so busy that you missed a class. 

After my reflection on the month, I started thinking about the year.  Not to see what I didn’t make happen or what I didn’t create or try out, but what worked. What was I most proud of what was are the things that make me smile when I think of them? What were the gems and light bulb moments with my students? What can I do more of in 2022? What can I offer? How can I take those things that are so stand out for 2021 and make them inspire me?   I don’t like to dwell on the negative, but I do want to see the things that just didn’t work or were not very successful. I found that I want to keep my art supplies minimal. Because I don’t have a lot of room to spread into the house, I want to keep things organized and work on small art projects. Don’t get me wrong, if someone wants a large commissioned piece, I will work with you.  But for now, I want to flow in and out of my creative space and pick up anything to create with there.

What are you doing going forward into the new year? Do you set resolutions or goals, or pick a word for the year? Do you have any standouts from 2021 you’d like to share? Do you reflect back on the past year and see what you want to try or do differently?  Leave a comment. I’d love to hear how you go into the new year and say goodbye to last year.