Took me ten years.
Starting, quitting, starting again.
Learning to face my fear.
Learning to persevere.
Drawing daily.
It’s finally a habit for me.
When I first sat on the couch of my home with toddler by my side, and read that to paint beautifully, I should develop the habit of drawing daily, it was like the shot of a gun at the beginning of a cross-country race. I was off. I didn’t get to walk the course before – never dreamed how long it would be, that time and again I’d slip on the muddy banks, stare at my art not wanting to pull myself up, not having the strength to try again.
I never imagined I would be developing more than just drawing, I’d be facing a lie that said I was not enough.
For ten years I’ve fought this fight, at times believing I’d given up completely, but at the close of 2018 I could finally say, “I’ve drawn nearly every day.” For one year I faced my fear and declared, “I will become all I’m meant to be, no matter what others say about me.”
What made the difference? Ironically, it was what people said about me. The very thing I feared fuelled me. Not condemnation but affirmation, your comments and encouragements lifted me up. They told me something I was desperate to hear.
It’s the true me you want to see.
To be known and to be loved…so wonderful! As is your art and your perseverance. Thank you for facing your fear and sharing with us throughout the year.
Thank-you Sylvia, for your touching comment.
You’re right, it is the true you we want to see! Always. You are more than enough.
Spoken with a mother’s heart 🙂 Thank-you so much!
Charity, your art work is beautiful. I really like the picture above. Keep it up.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Betty.
The very thing you feared fueled you…food for thought right there. Congratulations on drawing nearly daily last year! Here’s to another year of success!
As I look ahead, I’m intimidated by this year. Thanks for your encouragement, Pearl!
Great!!! Jia you!!!!
K
Thanks, K. And love the Chinese term, Jia you, there’s just no English replacement;)