12 Things Bringing Me Joy Right Now
I’ve been in a bit of a creative funk. I know it’s just a natural part of the ebb and flow of my creativity. It’s taken me years to be able to recognize this and let the funk happen.
I’d been on a roll. Finishing a personal painting followed by a commission. I loved the process for both pieces. But sometimes an ending like that can leave me feeling blah.
It’s been hard to get started on my next projects. I’m struggling with a new painting and with putting together my next class. And you know what? That’s ok.
Beginnings can be hard. Easing into something new isn’t bad. Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Making mistakes is how you learn. And going slow (and inviting EASE) gives you the chance to experiment and imagine and try something you maybe wouldn’t have otherwise.
But a funk can be uncomfortable, even when I know it’s a natural part of the process. It’s hard to be patient with the slow times and the low times. I’m learning to be extra gentle with myself in these times, to nurture myself and my creativity. Especially when the world outside is feeling hopeless.
I’m glad it’s summer. I can turn to my garden and relish all the joys of my favorite season.
As you know, one of my favorite ways to nurture and savor and make it through the tough times is to write a Joy List. So today here are 12 things bringing me joy right now.
(Maybe you’d like to make your own list, too?)
picking and eating handfuls of cherries from my tree (and there being enough for the robins, too)
mini road trips with Matthias and the girls
reading novel after novel (a few I’ve enjoyed recently: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub and French Braid by Anne Tyler — I’d love to know what books you’ve been enjoying)
daily salads from the garden (and the first tomato!!)
ice cream!
colored pencils
yoga even when I don’t feel like it
a delivery of back-ordered art supplies
constant companions
knowing that when a painting doesn’t work I can start again
flowers, always flowers
a sweet new sketchbook
No matter what’s going on for you right now, I hope you’re able to be gentle with yourself. That you’re making sure to nurture yourself and remembering to savor the beauties of the day.