Embrace the Mystery

I admit it. I have mixed feelings about surprises. My Wild side craves  adventure, the latest challenge, trips into the unknown. However (and this is a BIG however),  poor little Much Afraid who also inhabits my skin likes to plan carefully and is more than comfortable with the predictable and tame. Sometimes my Wild side wants to throttle Much Afraid, but the feeling is completely mutual.

So the other day as I was considering the upcoming Art Journaling 101 class I was to teach, Much Afraid and my Wild side did heavy battle. Much Afraid predicted failure piled high and deep. The Wild One insisted it would be educational, inspirational and fun. When I worked in my journal that day, both had a voice as you can see...

EMBRACE MYSTERY

I'm finding that both voices bring something to the table. I can appreciate both the caution and the desire for adventure. It is my job to moderate these inner battles. Sift through all the information and make an informed and healthy choice. One governed by both wisdom and truth.

The class was a success, by the way. I met some incredible artists who had an enjoyable play date with their creativity. And they were inspired. I am so glad I did it, and I hope to do it again.

So, precious ones, remember:  we learn and grow through experience. Fear of failure can keep us from stepping up to that unknown task, but no one learned anything without a little bit of failure. Give yourself permission to do that new thing today. You know I'm rooting for you. Always.

Because I love you. Bunches.

Body Image Blocks

This past week I finished a project for my friend, the Psychologist. Her work in the area of one's unhealthy relationships with one’s own body and food is inspired. She takes a strongly sane position between the "Fat is fab, eat it if you see it" ladies and the "Strut your skeleton, starve yourself" girls. She's created a body of research on the subject that is remarkable. I thought I'd heard it all, but after 15 minutes listening to her input on the topic, I was surprised to have learned a few things. (Did you know, for instance, that every cell in the body is renewed in a year? So, who do I want to be next year?) I've put attending her Clean Eating Class on my Bucket list. Wise beyond her years, she is a knowledgeable and a caring therapist. (And she'll blush if she reads this.)

My task was to decorate some Jenga blocks with statements regarding body image. She called them cognitive disconnects, I believe. Her plan is to use them in a game she has created for her Body Image Workshop. Sadly, many of these statements have been my foundational truths. But as I carefully chose lettering, color and design for each individual block, I also had plenty of time to meditate, often squirming with discomfort I might add, on the statement.



As misery loves company, I thought I'd share a couple of them with you:








Bunk, wouldn't you say?

What have you created this week?