A Little Kindness

            Appreciation and kindness are funny things. They can turn someones day completely around in an instant, They can change an outlook and make someone smile. They can bring peace and ease to the soul. They can stop the battle of the inner critic raging in the mind. All it takes is a kind word or a thoughtful note letting a person know you noticed and that you care. Yes, that's all it takes. Take a moment today and let someone know you notice, and that you care what they do and who they are. 
           
               What if we did that for ourselves too? How often do we acknowledge and appreciate all the things we are doing? This is not selfish this is saying hey, good job buddy! You are recognizing your own self worth and softly telling your inner critic to step back for awhile. I love how making art gets me out of my head, silencing the critic, letting me just be. Having a creative practice is a way to show appreciation for yourself. There is no need to be an expert or know how to do everything perfectly. All you have to do is get out those art supplies and make something. It doesn't have to hang on the wall, be in a gallery or splashed all over social media. It can just be yours. 
Enjoy the colors spreading over the paper or the brush marks swooshing across the canvas. Making art can be your time and it can also be time you share with someone you care about. Be in the moment. Play. Laugh. Let go of the worries and lists. What a gift art is! 
 
                Appreciate the time you give yourself to be creative and treat yourself with kindness. We are all beginners at many points in our lives. If a piece of artwork doesn't turn out as you expected set it aside and start something else. You can always go back to it and decide to change it or simply learn from it. Let us be grateful for ourselves, the creative process and those who nurture our souls.
Happy Creating!
~Cecelia