Get out there, go for it… DO.
So, I admit to you that I actually pride myself in NOT being a couch potato. I don’t watch television; I don’t play video games or use the stumble upon endlessly on my computer. Rarely does it seem that I “vegetate” in a non-engaged way. So clearly this is a source of pride, right?
Hmm, perhaps it shouldn’t be.
While it is probably good that I don’t take a lot of slacker time, it is also true that I am not as engaged in life-giving activities as fully as I should be.
No- I am not suggesting that it would be wise to put my life in danger to gain some sort of exhilaration in my days, only that it might inspire a spark or two to take a few chances along the way.
A risk is an act of ambition- willingly losing control. I’d say I am not very good at that. Yet, I confess then when I do actually let go and jump off the metaphorical cliff I am better for it. My art is better for it. It is 99.9% of the time a GOOD thing.
Even though I make my best attempt to live outside the box, I find that I seem to gravitate, I suppose as most humans do, toward the safe. Safe is great- it keeps you from being hurt (sometimes), however it ALSO keeps you from breathing in that pure crisp air that life has to offer. You know that fresh experience when you have never attempted something before. You have a unique view, you’ve broken out of the routine – life is fresher, more pure- maybe even exhilarating!
So why do we self-protect so much? Why is it easier to hide in our routines and not breathe just a little once in a while? Safe- for the most part seems to be just that SAFE. It prevents you from pain (maybe) but also prevents you from living more fully.
On August 9th, 2011 I took a HUGE risk. I launched Create Art 4 Good. Now just about two months later, I can honestly say it has been one most amazing journey. (I wish there was a more effective word for amazing) This is the culmination of much of my life as an artist and hopeful humanitarian. It is an active role to support the arts, to support the people who breathe, dream and need art to sustain their souls, it is an active effort to give back to those in need by using our talents for their good. Because this is so close to my heart, you bet it is downright frightening. I am afraid to fail; I am even more terrified of letting others down.
So why do it? For me-there wasn’t another choice. I was merely existing- I wasn’t living. I allowed my talents to sit safely in a box locked in my studio that seemed to serve better as a store space then a room facilitating great work. I numbly crawled through each day. Create Art 4 Good is giving me the opportunity and the drive to do everything I have always wanted to do. To make a difference. No, I probably won’t feed the world’s hungry, but I will change my little corner of the world. I promise you that!
Create Art 4 Good seems to have its own drive, when I am weary or discouraged, I always find a new reason to dig deep for the energy to move on and work through any issue. I have learned incredible things in these last two months about the world, about myself, and about the facilitation of dreams. It is truly life giving for me.
So, why am I sharing this with you? You have a dream, I know you do. Today, I invite you to work towards it. I know it’s not always easy. I work a full time job, I have three amazing yet at times challenging children I am honored to be raising, a grandchild who reminds me that people are TIRED at fifty, a husband who works full time and goes to school…. You get the idea. I have PLENTY of reasons to not pursue Create Art 4 Good. But for me- in spite of my commitments, or perhaps because of them- I have jumped in with both feet. This risk- this effort is more than I ever dreamed it could be. I am excited to continue this journey- (I cannot wait to see what happens next!
So today- I extend the invitation to you, my friend. JUMP off the cliff. Find your dreams and touch them. They do no one any good sitting in a box on the shelf. No regrets refuse to be numb to the gifts of life- GET busy!
Get out there, GO FOR IT… DO.
In Peace,
Susan