Challenges

I have to tell you that what makes my Artist Empowerment Classes amazing is the participants! So many amazing, lovely souls. We've been focusing a lot on fears and how they relate to our creativity. And this week was about granting ourself permission. The chat last night left us each with some challenges. I challenged them individually, and two of them challenged me. They granted me permission to write for 3 one hour blocks over the next week. With my ultra intense work schedule right now, that seems really daunting. But I'm going to do it! We are all working so hard to spread our wings and break down our barriers. There were other challenges issued to me, but I'd like to keep those secret for now.

So... for all of you not in my class, how can you spread your wings in the coming week? Do something that scares you. Do something that when you think about it your inner self says "nooooo..." or "but..." Just do it. Push yourself, and let me know how it goes!

Permissions

This week in my Artist Empowerment Class, we are talking about permissions. How many times as artists we don't allow ourself to grow, we don't give ourself permission to take that next vital step.

This week I am giving myself permission to work on my novel. Permission to MAKE the time to do it.

I've been reading Life is a Verb by Patti Digh. In one section, she talks about the flight attendant's speech on a plane, where she tells you that if the oxygen masks drop down, put yours on first, or you're no good to anyone else. The way Patti words it is a gift. But her message absolutely struck me in this week about Permissions. As artists, creatives, wives, mothers, ok, even, husbands and dads, we must fill our own well. We must seek out the things for ourselves, or we may have nothing to give to our art, to our families.

It's such a liberating concept.

Permissions

I am in an examinate mood today. I received a confirmation yesterday from a company who is giving me a shot at freelance writing! It's for a theater group, and I'd be writing for their magazine! I am way beyond thrilled at the prospect of this.

I was talking to a friend, telling him my news, and he said "but can you write?" I looked at him with awe. Writing has been my passion since I could remember. I've had poetry published, have had 2 novels in the works for uh... way too long. Then I thought about it. And how would he know that writing is my passion? I don't talk about it. I've not pursued publishing in at least 5 years.

Then it struck me. Until recently, I had not even granted MYSELF permission to seek freelance writing work. I had not even thought about my abilities in the money-making sense. And without even letting myself in on this big secret (that yes, I can write), of course I had not shared it with anyone else.

I know a lot of people who need to seek permission from those around them for every move they make. I am so glad to not be one of those people! Once I granted myself permission, all that was left was to state my intention and find the work. I have noticed in life, though, that if you state your intention loud enough, the work finds you.

I am onto a new thought process today. Today I am thinking about all the things I've secretly wished into my life... only to be let down. I never talked about it, I never pursued. I never stated my intentions.

I will have a peaceful, calm home. I will be a paid writer (long term). I will finish one of my 2 novels over the next year. I will display my photography at a minimum of6 venues this year (3 already in the works). I will not only give myself permission to do all of these things, but I will help others to learn how to give themselves permission!