Postscript
Mid-August already! The end-of-summer flowers are here. It’s not aster or chrysanthemum season, not yet. But the coreopsis are showing off their brilliant yellow skirts; the hibiscuses are gentle giants in my garden, their delicate pink petals tipping up to the sun. The rose of Sharon are full of buds; every day, new flowers grace every limb.
A few weeks ago, I shared with you that I was taking a pregnant pause. Today, I am reflecting on the time I took to rest, and on the seeds I nurtured during this time.
As a perpetually curious person, everything interests me. Yet, when I stop, I can question which of these things give voice to my soul. It is easy to be pulled in by all the messages we receive about all the things we are supposed to do: make for videos, post on several social media platforms, participate in online and in person exhibits, tell your “story”… The noise of theses messages can be deafening. During the pas six weeks, I simply turned down the volume.
As often happens, the process I experienced was different that the one I expected. Yes, I have many projects and ideas to feed me in September and beyond. Yet this process has also been one of attrition, of letting go of aspects of my work that fail to bring me joy.
This allowed me to listen to the voice of my heart.
Yet again, I needed to release expectations. Of course, this is easier said than done. The octopus life of an artist can produce a lot of static, making it hard to hear the simple message of your heart. Yet the heart’s message is simple. When I asked “How do I simplify?” it answered: “Lead with curiosity”. Simplify, do it your way, it said. Release the expectations of outcome. Do what you want (you’re going to, anyway…)
Now, I feel like I can look at my projects with enthusiasm again. I’ll follow my path with curiosity, but I will take the time to enjoy the process. I won’t look too far ahead. I will take a page out of my own playbook, and walk my talk.
It’s always an adventure, and I am so glad I get to share it with you.