If only you could see the mess on the floor :D
Sometimes things are just a mess for quite some time. You may, understandably, think that I am talking about 2020, but today I am talking about my current in-process painting.
The details aren’t all worked out, there aren’t any colors yet, I’m still trying to make it do this thing I want it to do, and all the unknowns make it feel like a big ‘ol mess that I can’t explain to anyone.
There is always a little voice here that wants me to quit. Although I rarely completely give up on an art piece, sometimes that voice keeps me away a bit. And it has been keeping me away this week.
So I am taking a moment to reflect on the mess and how I got here. It was just this little idea that I followed. I went out with a mask and hand sanitizer and got materials (several times). I started something and then ripped half of it off. I added something else and then completely covered it up…
With each failure, I got a new idea. And with each new idea, I got the courage to start again. Furthermore, I have been learning to work with a new material. I have been learning to work while juggling lots of other work that often seems more important. I have been learning to work in a new phase of my life in a new home.
It seems the mess has brought me new ideas, courage, and many lessons. Even though it doesn’t look pretty yet, I am pretty darn grateful.
Recognizing these messy gifts inspires me to think about what I want to practice letting go of so I can embrace the mess more and stay away less. I want to let go of needing things to go a certain way. I want to let go of trying to impress others. I want to let go of any perfectionism and comparison. I want to let go of unnecessary pressure and timelines…
Even as I imagine letting go of these things, a lighter feeling enters my body and mind. I feel the joy of creating return and I feel compelled to head to my studio right now to make a little more mess!
As 2020 comes to a close, I invite you to look at your messes. What have they taught you? And what can you practice letting go of so you can embrace the beautiful mess of creating?
Our Creative Wisdom Doodle Deck can help you wade through lots of messes! Check them out here.
Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram for our January Creativity Challenge! If you prefer to be emailed the prompts, sign up here.