I finally finished my book, Coaching the Artist Within today (I now owe $0.60 in late fees), and in the closing, Maisel reminds us that living a creative life is not easy even with the best of intentions. He states that, "every day you will have to renew the pact you made with yourself to act as if you matter". That was huge to me. Ironically (I think), this is exactly what the movie was about. Not letting your life pass by as you unconsciously follow a path set in front of you. But instead grabbing each day and making it into what you want it to be. Being great- it's both exciting and terrifying. I never thought I would be anything other than ordinary until someone showed me that I, little winnie tate, could be great. And how exciting it was when I realized that all those things I thought, "gosh, that'd be cool if I could be like that" about, I could actually make happen. I always felt like if I tried, I'd be a poser. So, I better just stick with my solid color wardrobe and sink into the wallpaper. But, why? Why can't I wear bright colors? Other people do. Why can't I stand out? Other people do. Why can't I be different? Other people are.
So, today I carpe'd the diem by putting aside my first hour for my creative work in my new, though still not completed, office/studio. In the book, Maisel suggested creating a project log and creative "to do" list. I loved these ideas. I've done the "to do" list before, by the prompting of my life coach, but had slacked off of it a year ago. So, tonight I created my own notebook (I love notebooks!), in which to organize my thoughts and ideas for ALL my current projects, as well as a list of all the tasks I want to complete, whether today or in a year. Oh, what a relief it is. Doing so allowed me to organize my thoughts, quite like writing this blog has done, and already I have crossed out the first item. Something I have been meaning to get around to for 2 months! Needless to say it felt good.
After I put together my notebook, I decided to decorate it with inspiring images. Halfway through tearing out pictures and words I liked, I realized that they all represented things that I can do to ensure that I am "making meaning", as Maisel calls it. He informs the reader that in order to stay on your creative path, you must make sure you are sticking to what truly inspires you and not just to drab mindless work. For instance, last year I began doing art shows. The first two or three were a total high. I had never shown strangers my work, as I stood right next to it, owning it. It was the scariest thing I have ever done, and when I not only survived it, but got several compliments, and even sales, it was the greatest feeling ever! But after that I started to secretly dread shows. I would get stressed about having to put together photo boxes the night before and worry about fitting them into my schedule. This is when I decided I needed a break not only from the shows, but from my photo boxes. I still love them, but they're just not what I want to work on right now. So I feel like I'm taking a break to grow more in my talent, and then I will definitely go back to the shows, because they really are great fun.
But some of the things I included on my notebook were pictures of bicycling, along with the words, "reading", "connections", and the phrase, "an open road and wind in your hair...the perfect way to clear your thoughts". These are all things I can do to be sure I am staying focused on my true work. I also included two photos of little girls- one is reading, and one is pretending to be a super hero. I hope that through my creative work, I will honor the little girl I used to be who was so much stronger than I am. Strong enough to believe that she mattered.
My project log.
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