It’s Just Not For Me

When you hear me going on about embracing your inner silly goose waddling your way through life with a paintbrush in one hand and blowing kisses with the other, do you ever find yourself thinking, 

That all sounds great, Mary, but it’s not for me. Dealing with life is enough for me. It’s plenty. 

If so, I get it.

I used to say “That’s not for me” a lot. 

And it helped me tremendously. 

It’s not a bad approach if you’re highly sensitive and overwhelm is a needy toddler that follows you around wherever you go.

Two things happening at once? 

It’s ok, sweetie, come here. There, there. 

You just learn to accept your limits. You adjust your expectations. No big deal.

“It’s just not for me,” became like a mantra for me.

It took off the pressure and gave me some peace. 

You know?

And then I looked around and everything felt small and boring and lonely. 

Hey, where did everyone go? 

Joy? Where you at?

Once again, she wasn’t having it.

Joy requires saying YES to something and actually DOING it. 

It doesn’t have to be big. It can be a little thing. 

That’s how I started painting. 

I wasn’t trying to do art. Or a craft. Or something creative. I knew too well those things weren’t for me.

No thanks. Can’t do it. Two left hands. Can’t even write my own name pretty. 

Then I got curious about art journaling to access a different part of my brain.

I started playing around with color and shapes and I noticed how these two dance together. How they somehow keep finding each other in endless wondrous patterns and formations. And I was hooked. 

Suddenly there was openness and wonder where before there had been smallness and self mockery. 

In that open space I started listening in a different way.

I heard others talking about doing art as an everyday part of their life. How that was the thing that made them feel most like themselves. 

And it hit me. That could be me after all! 

Art is not some magical thing done by magical people. 

Wait. That’s not it.

No. What I realized was, I too can be magical and do magical things!

And so can you.

Are there things in your life that make you feel magical? If so, I would love to know what they are. If not, great news: It’s never too late to start exploring. What’s one thing you’re drawn to? What’s one small step that can get the ball rolling?

Drop me a line to let me know. It truly makes my day to hear back from you. So please, keep it coming. Also, if you know anyone who would find my newsletters supportive, please forward this email on to them. I want to inspire more people to live a more joyful, creative life. 

With love and support,

Mary B. 

P.S. Our next Journal Doodle Circle is this Wednesday, March 13. It’s an intentional space for practicing the life-giving skill of noticing and being open to WHAT ELSE is wanting our attention. Join any time. We’ d love to have you. To ask a question, hit reply to this email or click here. 

P.P.S. Work with me 1:1 to Reignite Your Art and Your Life. If you want to turn your anxiety and insecurity into powerful art or a creative project, I’m here to guide you through. To ask a question, hit reply to this email. Read more here. 

P.P.P.S. If you’re local, stop by my office at the Benton Plaza and share your thoughts the slow, old-fashioned way on my community wall.