I had a couple of interesting conversations this week.
In The Dark ~ Oil on Panel 16” x 16” ©Linda Hough
[Private Collection]
The conversations went something like this: I’m so unhappy right now. Life sucks. My work sucks. I’m bored and done with it all. That was their part.
My part: I’m really sorry to hear that. I know you as someone who has so much life in you, so creative and enthusiastic. Maybe you just need a change of scenery? Perhaps a trip would do you good.
Other person: I’ve got no money to go anywhere.
Me: Hmm, why not pour all that energy into some art? Go back to your roots and create something.
Other person: That takes money AND space. Can’t do that.
Me: Really? Could you not eek out some space on the table to sit down and draw? Or even just brainstorm some future ideas?
Other person: No I can’t. Why did I even call you?
Me: Because you know I know who you really are.
Not deterred for a minute, I continue to offer up possible ways to get this downward-spiraling energy interested in something besides spiraling down.
Maybe you can see where it led.
That’s right….nowhere.
There was an excuse for every idea, a counterpoint to every point. These people were committed to their path of misery.
Even if you can’t relate to this in the moment, I’d imagine there’s been a time or two when you could. I know I’ve been there myself: don’t bother me, I’m suffering.
The Decision (detail) ~ Oil on Canvas on Panel 13” x 20” ©Linda Hough
[ Available ]
So, here’s the good news and the bad news.
The good news first: You are completely in charge of yourself. You have the ability to change your trajectory. It takes a couple of things. First, feeling bad enough that you want to change. Second, making a decision that you will take at least a little step forward to turn your energy around.
The bad news now: You are completely in charge of yourself. You have the ability to change your trajectory. Why is this bad news? Because with this information, you cannot blame someone else. You cannot give responsibility to someone else. You cannot wait to be rescued.
Well you can…but ultimately you are the one in charge of determining how you want to live. Victim or creator, it really is your choice.
This is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make in your life. The perspective from which you look out into the world will determine how you experience it. Quantum physics has proven this beyond a doubt. See the world as a victim and you get to be right. See the world as a creator and unlock the power of your creative expression. Then watch how impossible it is to be miserable.
Do you want to lift yourself up to the kind of life you WANT to live? Whether you believe it is possible or not, you’ll be right.
The Dance of Crazy Wisdom ~ Weaving 16” x 20” ©Linda Hough
[ Available ]
Here are 5 important points that any creator will want to activate:
– Find the one thing that is absolutely worth living for. EVERYONE has something deep within that is calling out for expression. Often our frustration and dissatisfaction is a symptom of not expressing our gifts and/or authentic self. If we are hiding our talents and true self, we are bound to be some degree of miserable.
– At some point, you’ll want to make a good solid decision about how you want to live your life. Do you want to be in the driver’s seat as creator or do you want to continue to sit in the back seat while someone else drives you where they want to go? You get to decide.
– Bring your body and mind into a physically healthy state. What you put in affects what you get out. It takes energy to move life forward in the direction of your choice. Having a stable, healthy physical state is helpful for any aspiring creator. Your mind gets healthier as well, the more positive, inspirational material you feed it. Again, you get to decide. When your mind is on your side, no telling what amazing feats you’ll accomplish.
– Create a supportive environment. Both physically and emotionally, a supportive, friendly environment helps to keep your perspective positive and your energy high. Nothing beats misery more than a beautiful space to inhabit, the right tools for your creation, inspiring music, and the support of people who believe in you.
– Surround yourself with positive influences. This is similar to the above with an emphasis on people. Who is doing what you want to do? Who are your inspirations and what do they give you? They’ve walked your path and can show you both the pitfalls and the pleasures. Whether they are living or not, surround yourself with their wisdom.
Fall is just around the corner. Often Fall is more of a time for renewal or new beginnings than New Year’s. We can look forward to shedding what is no longer needed and moving towards a life where misery is just a memory, where we are creating something that is meaningful to us, and a life that makes our hearts sing.
I’m all in. How about you?
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