Choices...

Life is full of choices. Each day we have countless choices to make big and small.
Is one of your choices to be creative and make art?
If there is one thing I am learning from living in a pandemic is that I need to make choices based on my hopes not my fears.
I am also learning that art and creativity is important, in my life and in the lives of others.
I struggle daily with wondering if I am good enough as an artist and a teacher. Do I have something worthwhile to share? Is art necessary?
The answer is yes, yes and yes!
And yes, art and creating is a worthwhile choice to make.

Does it relax you?
Does it bring you joy?
Does it keep you motivated?
Does it bring stress relief?

I know making art can be frustrating at times but choosing art making rather than ruminating over fears or worries gives you a healthy place to be.

Are you afraid to start making art? I love Van Gogh's quote, "If you hear a voice within you say, 'You cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." Sometimes you just have to give yourself the grace to pick up that brush and make a mark and see where it takes you.

Are you afraid to share your art? Then you do not have to share it.  If your art making makes you feel good then let it, no one else needs to see it.

Do you compare your art to others on Social Media? This is a big one. I slip into this often. There are so many beautiful, brilliant creations on social media. Enjoy them. They are not you. You are not them. Remind yourself you are seeing the highly edited version of someone elses creative output. Comparison is a killer of confidence. You do not need to get sucked into that. What do you like about their art? Is there a new technique you would like to try? What if you owned a piece of their art? Keep it in perspective and turn it off for awhile if you need to.

Do you get frustrated that what you make isn't good enough? Aren't you learning? Yes. Aren't you exploring? Yes. Once again give yourself grace and set your attempt aside, try it again, or make something else. The best way to move past frustration and not feeling good enough is to keep going!

I get frustrated A LOT. I make many practice paintings that stay in my sketchbook. I make many videos that get deleted. I take many photos that get erased. How do I keep going when the voices of doubt creep in?
One technique I use to keep my confidence up is reminding myself I can paint it again. I can always try again.

Another technique I use when I start to feel down about my art and myself is I write compliments to myself.
For example: Cecelia I love the colors you are playing with in this painting. You've almost got it, you are learning so much!
Cecelia your videos are getting better each time you make one. Keep at it!
Cecelia remember that art brings you joy and it helps other people too.

Does it seem silly to write yourself a compliment? It sure helps me! Get a journal and try it! I write in my journal every evening. I write 5 things I am thankful for: a person, a place, a thing, a conversation and an event. Then I write 4 compliments. After a few days you'll notice a shift in how you think. I know I sure have!

Make the choice today to lift yourself up and live your hopes and dreams.
Happy creating my friends!

Blessings,
​Cecelia