2010...


A whole new decade lies ahead! What an exciting time to embark on new artistic and creative adventures and redefine who we are through personal expression and self-discovery.

I'm not big on resolutions. I've never managed to keep any I've made in the past, so why bother. The new year is more a time for me to reflect on where I am -- take a personal inventory, so to speak -- of what's working, what's not. It's sort of like gardening. I have to pull out the weeds so new seeds can take root, grow and flourish.

The weeding process can be scary. It may mean stepping out of our comfort zone to part with those things which no longer serve us.....relationships, jobs, self-limiting thoughts. The rewards, however, can be glorious!

Such as been my artistic journey. One of the boldest (some would argue stupidest) decisions I ever made was to leave the comfort of the mainstream work world to dedicate myself to my art and teaching on a full-time basis. It's been a lot like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride....ups and downs, twists and turns, and too often, terrifying. But I wouldn't change it for nothin'! And in the bigger picture, on my good days, I'd say I'm happier, more gratified, and more at peace with myself than if I'd taken the Path of Least Resistance for the sake of health benefits.

I'm incredibly blessed to be a teacher. So many marvelously talented people pass through my life. Students and artists from all over the world have enriched and expanded by vision through their creative optimism and artistic enthusiasm.

Yes, the economy sucks! It's put a bad spin on our ability to freely play, travel, create, explore, and spend. And you're probably as sick as me of hearing about how bad things are! I have so much faith, however, that things are getting better.....or perhaps we are being Divinely inspired (or forced?) to rethink, rebuild, renew, re-CREATE our lives by peeling back the layers of false comfort and security.

This is an amazing time to cut loose with those old self-limiting beliefs that tell us it's safer to stay where we are and put up with what we have been dealt than to want or expect something better. I think we stand at the cusp of something truly wonderful and Divinely liberating...the craving of the human soul.

So instead of health benefits, spiffy clothes, and a flashy car, I have the joy of inspiring, teaching, and watching people create. I get to hear and feel their happiness when they make something beautiful. I get to make a difference in their lives. How blessed am I?