I constantly have to remind myself that while the journey is about the process...it's also about the destination and keeping my eye on the prize. Reaching forward into the future...
Day TWO Prompt: "A journey of a thousand steps begins with a single step." Lao-Tzu
Journey seems appropriate for now, as I am on vacay here! So I'm going to have much catching up to do when I return next week, but I am glad because even being here is a step in the right direction...working toward my goals...
A couple years ago I joined in on the 21 challenge to create change...literally to create art, while changing...becoming better...building character. It is the challenge that prompted my art journal and a few other creative exercises. What I garnered most from the experience is I became actively involved in the process of change...the process of developing new habits and breaking old ones. It allowed me to process who I wanted to be a little more intimately, to engage in more introspection than I normally would allow myself...and quite simply, to be more proactive in my own learning process. No longer could I simply SAY, I wanted to change...through art, I had to dig just a little bit deeper to answer an underlying question..."Why?"...I had to DO something about it. In a way, my art would keep me accountable.
Most recently, through Soul Per Suit study I do with a few other couples, I have experienced the rich power of art to stretch me a little further...take me beyond my comfort zone to create something that truly embodies what I am thinking...and faithfully express what I sometimes cannot say in words...sometimes what I don't want to say...sometimes what is hard to say.
I was so delighted to see the challenge again...21 days...one new habit...one artistic journey. Back then, my habits were about slowing down...using my time better since I worked 40+ hours and was away from my family. Today, as a stay at home mom, it is about being more "present"...more attentive to the needs of my children...to be a better listener to my husband. And having the CONFIDENCE to do so. Strange as it may sound, being HOME and being PRESENT is uncomfortable...I like to be out. I LIVED for my work...and now, I LIVE for something much more significant.
Day ONE Prompt: You are a power for good.
And in light of self confidence, my daughter said to me this morning...
Mommy, are you proud of me?
YES, Baby, of course!
Well, tell me, "Not juuuuuust a little! You are VERY proud of me! Then squeeze hug me real tight!" Okay. Do it like that!
I love her candor. We all need a boost of that confidence and we shouldn't be afraid to ask for it either!
