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!

Authenticity

There are precious few times in my current life when I feel authentic. I'm moving towards that sweet spot of authenticity, but I'm not totally there yet. However, one of the times when I am is when I'm teaching my Artist Empowerment Class. The weekly class chats are absolutely magical.

Last night was this weeks chat, and I can't even begin to tell you about the amazing connections. There were 4 of us there, and there was so much love and compassion, and everyone was pitching in, helping the others. We were talking about fear, and each of us was so open about our fears, about what holds us back. It was amazing to see that. The chats are always magical.

I'm moving towards authenticity. When this class is over, I won't be offering another (I don't think) until after the new year, and that will be a sequel, for returning students from both classes so far. I've been toying with another Artist Empowerment Class squeezed in there prior to that, but I'm not sure. With the holidays and all... I've also thought about a pdf version of the class... a work at your own pace. But then the magic of the chats, where would that go?

So many things bouncing around in my head. On my path to authenticity... what's on your mind? Are you on the same path? What struggles do you have?

Changes

I posted yesterday about my desire to make changes in my life. Many of these changes are quite personal and it scares me to share them. But I will, in time, I am sure.

Yesterday, I was a bit more active. Tried to remain more calm and collected at work. And I ate healthier. I didn't do all the things I had hoped to work towards my goals. But it was my first day.

I need to prioritize things in my life. I need to show up at the page. I may even need to make friends with my camera again.

Truthfully, I'm not absolutely sure what changes I need to make. Or maybe what I don't know is how exactly to get from point a to poing b. I am trying, however, to state my intentions with each step forward.

TGIF

I've had a very full, very rewarding week. And tomorrow I have BIG plans with my boys. Plans that are a surprise to them. Plans that will push my boundaries completely and make me face fear.

Sunday will be all about resting after all the activity on Saturday. I must say this is an amazing life. Monday I should have some pictures from the weekend activities...

What do you do to push your boundaries?

Empowered

I feel like I could take on the world! My Artist Empowerment Class is going amazing! We had our 2nd weekly chat last night and there was so much love and trust amongst the group. Our topic this week was fear. I conquer fear pretty well, personally. I've come a long way, but one thing definitely came up for me this week, and that's my desire to be published. I saw the fear for what it was and this is my goal again.

So. I will be a published author. I will conquer the fears as soon as they show their faces! And I will keep leading this amazing group! We are almost to our halfway point, and I can hardly believe it!

I'm already thinking ahead to the next class... wondering who will join me. I discovered something about myself... with this class, well I've discovered so much. But I was led to teach this class. I wasn't absolutely certain that I'm wired right to do this, this online teaching thing. But I'm discovering that I absolutely am. And I don't think I could teach just anything. I am meant to Empower Artists! It's one of the crowns made for me, I think. I'll happily wear it!

Life is amazing! My work week is over and I have the amazing gift of TIME. Today will be all about spending it with my boys. With possibly some me time later. I hope you make the most of every moment!

Dreaming in Technicolor

I have been dreaming in technicolor this week. Monday night was all about death and destruction, but that dream was so vivid and it went on and on. Last night was like an '80's movie. It was vivid as well, but I don't remember much of it. The part I do remember, however, was about lost opportunity.

In my dream, I was considering displaying my art somewhere. I actually think in the dream it was an aquarium. But there had never been art displayed there, and I hesitated. The next time I went, someone was displaying there. My heart sunk. I knew I had missed a chance and I could have been in had I acted on my gut.

I'm sure that message will stick with me. And it makes me wonder what else my dreams are telling me. We are covering fear in the class I'm teaching, and this is very timely. I have a lot to write about in there today!

My son made an amazing journal and I will be listing it today. I am so proud of them and their blossoming bookbinding skills. Two out of the 3 so far are working on surpassing my skills. I can't wait to show it to you!

Concern

I woke up this morning concerned. Concerned that I wasn't reaching far enough out with the advertising for my class. The class starts next Monday, and I will hold registration open through Tuesday. And in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to spread the word. I believe in this class *that* much! Every artist I know struggles with fear, deals with hurdles, and has crazymakers who try to stand in the way of their success.

This clas addresses all of those. And so much more. The link is at the top right column for a bit more information. Please read all the comments on that post as well for further answers. I hope you'll join us, and please help me get the word out.

Fight for It

I've thought alot about yesterday's post, and yes, I know that regardless of the diagnosis, there's always hope. I was just writing about the attitude I took to it. Receiving the diagnosis of MS hit me hard because I watched my mom deteriorate.

I've done a lot of research, and know there are at least 7 different types of MS. Each of them with varied results. My brain was telling me not to give up, but my heart accepted death as the fate. Many reasons for that.

If I were to receive the diagnosis today, after as far as I've come, I don't think I'd give up. I think I would begin some sort of treatment immediately and fight it like a madwoman. What's different? Age. Wisdom. Many life lessons. And the fact that I have built a life worth fighting for. I have created beauty and joy. And love. Much love.

If you were to receive a dire diagnosis, what would sustain you? What have you surrounded yourself with that would be worth fighting for? It's never too late to build the life you want.

Inspiration

I chose this picture today because I wanted to tell you where I got the awesome bookmark in it. My friend Gloria makes these and they are wonderful! Check out her awesome work here!

Yesterday I was struck with some MAJOR inspiration regarding my class, and it got just a little closer to becoming reality! I will be brainstorming a ton this holiday weekend and moving towards the goal! I do hope that many of you will be joining me on this journey, I think it will be amazing!

I have been thinking alot about artist's and their fear. Fear of acceptance, fear of falling short, fear of not being good enough, but also fear of success. That will be covered in depth in my class (how's that for a *little* sneak preview??

I will also be working on some new journals this weekend, as that inspiration has struck me as well... isn't life amazing? How have YOU been inspired lately?