GRACE WANTS TO FIND US

It has not been will power or my white knuckles.

It has not been a countdown from 10 or a layer or pressure.

It has not been any effort to contort myself into an image of perfection.

It has not been sheer force or self-demands.

What has helped?

I've so generously received a few DMs over the past week that have said something like “I see a new spark in you!” “Please keep sharing your content!” or “You're giving me hope!”

A few months ago, I reported that I was “in the trenches” (it was true lol) and now I feel like I'm somewhere different – on the cusp of creativity or basking in the sun. (Thank God!!) I am doing very well and I've been noticing many signs of life cropping up around me.

But what helped so much?

Here's a little list I've been playing with:

+ Appreciation is a powerful change agent. No need to strategize or pull the trigger on some sudden transformation. Look around, start noticing. Capturing the little things can lift you out of anything.

+ We must learn how to connect with ourselves. What does your own heart want? What are your own desires? What do you need? The more we do this, the more we can serve others. This feels backwards. It's not.

+ Who are you jealous of? What are you angry about? Follow these answers as far as you can. These emotions are likely indications of desires or dreams you aren't letting yourself follow or voice. Please sit down and listen. Why are you counting yourself out? What is a first step you could take? Hold yourself accountable.

+ We must learn to be nicer to ourselves. What is your motivation to be so mean? Like. Your. Life. (Especially when it feels like a fight)

+ Every “should” needs to be tossed out. Now. Be honest!!! Say the brave no. The abundance we seek can only find us when we have the courage to clear the road. One of my professors used to always say, “Stop shoulding on yourself!" I would agree. There are other possibilities.

+ Creativity is not just a way to move towards a goal – it is a vital life force. Prioritize your art – whatever it may be! (The internet, coffee making, event planning, painting, baking, family raising …) Fight the voice that says you are being frivolous with your time or attention. Creativity – even just for play – is a worthy cause. Artwork is work. Creating art works. Keep working.

Grace wants to find us. We're the ones that make it so hard.

Keep listening! Keep noticing!

Sending love,

C 🦋