February is here. Wow! Hasn't January gone quick.
On reflection, the last month has been good one. To elaborate on the word 'good,' the business has really picked up. I think people are wanting to get back to the life they had prior to all this bazaarness that has been impacting on our lives the last couple of years. I have had many enquiries about lessons and new starters (mainly adults) are either eager to learn something new, pick up where they left off years ago or are wanting to relax for their own mental health. It has been a really positive part of the business but I will admit it has given me some sleepless nights.
As hear the deep breathing of my husband beside me, I struggle to switch off the never ending voice in my head, whispering its thoughts to me.
How can I get these lovely folk in the studio? How can I get an equal balance? What will they think if I say no, I have no space? What about feeding the family? When can I fit my exercise in? When can I support my son with his homework and spend time with him? Will the ones on the waiting list get fed up of waiting? When can I paint and develop my own skills through CPD?
I turn over a few times wondering if the voice replay would switch off, but no. An hour on, it still goes on like a nagging mare. I just want to shout,
"Will you be quiet!"
As I try and focus on my breathing, eventually I drift off to sleep, to awake to that piercing alarm clock, blurry eyed, wishing for another hour to catch up.
So, I have told myself that the next week or so will be time to think. Remembering not to jump in with all the answers. Just to think. Reminding myself of my boundaries. Above all, the most powerful task it to do my thought downloading to sort out my actions, which will hopefully clarify my thinking and gain positive results.
As I sit and contemplate, I wouldn't have believed you four years ago if you said I would be painting, teaching art and creating with others in my own little studio as a career. I am truly grateful and thankful to how the business has grown.
I always was led to believe that art wasn't really a place to go as a profession, but more for enjoyment or a hobby. But art is so much more than that. It is so underestimated. It is a powerful way to communicate and be in-tune with your emotions. The creative industry is growing too. Did you know that at least three children in a class will be working in the creative industry in their working life? I am sure this will grow over the next few years.
Ironically, the spark of this little blog (and it's title) was during a little scroll on Instagram. I came across Ben Fogle's post (to whom I follow...a very inspiring chap). The first line certainly struck a cord:
'Don't let anyone tell you that you can't.'
If you have a dream, go for it. You will have those that will have their views to your dreams. But it is your calling. It is you. It's what you want. It's your new path to a more fulfilling life.
'Life should be ambitious, bold and brave.'
Yes, you will have your ups and downs and a few sleepless nights. And yes, I have had to work really hard, but I absolutely love what I am doing. It's not a slog. I love my Mondays. I don't get that dreaded, worrying feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don't get frustrated with things I don't believe in.
Yes I have made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I now know how to process my thoughts so not to make these mistakes a worry or a knock to the confidence, but more a gift to grow and learn from.
Even though art can be solitary, I have met some wonderful people; some that have truly inspired me, some have changed my mindset, those who have taught me new skills, some that I've never met and DM or comment each day with support within the community, ones that have become lovely friends and those who I chat to for ages on my studio doorstep. I have grown in skill, knowledge and confidence. I have become to understand myself so much more and who I am. I don't feel like a number, I feel like a person with a little business, supporting many people as best I can with their own personal journey.
If you have a dream, why don't you give it a try. Believe in yourself. Follow your calling. If you don't try it, you may regret it. If it fails, at least you gave it a go. If it works, you will never look back.
Let me know how you get on if you give it a go.
Thank you Ben Fogle for you inspirational quotes @benfogle