Take a look at the photo down below of a tree I encountered on my walk a few days ago. The first thing I thought was, This tree looks crazy! It was half-filled with pink blooms and half-filled with green foliage, not quite one or the other.
Things usually aren’t very pretty when we are in transition. We probably look like a hot mess too when one thing is on the way out and a new thing is coming in. Or when we're trying something new. But we’re in process, we’re not done. We can’t be worried about what people think or what things look like during a transformation season. This type of perfectionism often stops us from trying new things but we can’t be afraid to get messy.
I love remembering Julia Cameron‘s advice in the Artist’s Way that to be good at something, we must first be willing to be bad at it. I also love the reminder that we can try something and if for whatever reason we don’t like it, we don’t have to make ourselves continue on in misery. We can pat ourselves on the back for trying something new and if it isn’t for us, we can move on and explore something else.
If we never venture out of our known circles and established abilities, how will we ever know what else we’re capable of? Or what else we might enjoy? If we can't allow ourselves to look like a hot mess now and then, we're going to miss out on a lot of new experiences.
I avoided the urge to paint for almost 20 years, telling myself that it’s a waste of time and money because I wouldn’t know the first thing to do. The fear of not doing it right kept me from even trying for decades. I couldn’t let everyone else know I didn’t know how to paint. I couldn’t be seen as average or even worse, as a beginner.
I’m so glad for the gentle encouragement from an artist friend and instructor who finally convinced me to let myself take a painting class with her. Turns out I loved it and yes, I also had much to learn.
Half of the obstacle to doing anything is having a heart to do it, the passion. We can learn the rest. I had the heart for art. I just needed the courage to give myself permission to start.
Are you willing to get messy, to look like a hot mess for a while as you embark on a new chapter or try a new hobby, or maybe a new business venture? What is that beautiful voice inside prompting you to do that you have not yet honored?
Will you take a risk and give it a shot? Your true friends won’t judge how everything looks while you are in process. And most importantly, please don’t judge yourself. Give yourself the grace to try new things imperfectly.
I think we should create a whole tribe of hot messes. If this resonates, I want to hear from you. Reply back and tell me you’re a hot mess because you’re going to try to ___ (fill in the blank)__. I look forward to hearing from you!
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Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share this with a friend. Until next time...
To your gifts!
Angela
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monthaven Art Society Spring Art Exhibit
Our Spring Exhibit will open this Friday, April 19 and run through Sunday, May 5 at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, 1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville. Over 29 artists participating with over 100 works of all styles and mediums.
The opening reception will be Sunday, April 28, 2 to 5 PM with good eats and live music. See you there!
Speaking, Art and Book Event
On April 30, I will be speaking at a community event to kick off a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. Coffee starts at 9 am and my talk will start at 10 am.
Books and paintings will be available for sale and I am also donating a painting which will be auctioned off that morning to raise funds for improvements to their historic cemetery. Hope to see you!
P.S.
FTG Readers Group Rocks! I'm so grateful to walk this journey with you all and I love reading your comments in our
Facebook Readers Group. Please join the conversation if you're not already a member. Your voice is important!
Book Reviews Help So Much!
If you haven't already, would you please leave a book review on
Amazon and/or
Goodreads? Thank you in advance for taking a moment to do this and much appreciation to those who already
have!
