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Tuesday 25 September 2012

Something I've Learned About Success


I LOVE art.  Actually, I LOVE anything creative.  It give me happy shivers up and down my spine when I witness a creation by someone else.  It doesn't matter if its a painting, a song, a greeting card, a poem, or graffetti on the side of a train. I experience it and I want to do the same thing.  Or something like it. Or something totally different but share in that creative process.  I want to be PART of it. 

The creative world has tugged at me since I was a child.  I loved drawing and glueing and coloring.  Somewhere along the way though, I let it fall to the side.  It became something I did when I had time, which in this day and age, is hard to find.  I put others things first, telling myself that art was not important, just a hobby when I had time.

Every once in a while, the need to make something would pull at me and I'd try something new.  One year it was quilting, another it was sketching.  I've tried writing, piano, scrapbooking, drawing, macramé necklaces, scrimshawing on found deer antlers for earrings, watercolor, acrylic, and the list goes on.  I loved it all but nothing kept me rolling with it.  Nothing told me that it was worth spending my time on.  Other things had to be more important, I told myself.  I thought it was because I hadn't found my passion yet; that one thing that would hold me so close that I couldn't live without doing it- the thing that would make me successful.

In the e-course I've been taking with Kelly Rae Roberts, I get to chat with and read stories from hundreds of other people at all different stages in their creative lives.  I am truly amazed and inspired by what I've learning from them.  What I get from Kelly Rae, and what I get from all these wonderful people is ...

Success is not in the sales, or the recognition, or the fancy awards, or the money or the number of tweets, hits or pageviews. It's not about how great you are.

Success is in the doing whether it be paintbrush to paper, words on the screen or stitches in fabric. It's in the sharing of ideas, hopes, dreams, laughter, problems, and connections with others.  It's in your growth as a human being- by facing fears, taking risks, learning from your mistakes.

Success is letting your soul sing to the world with your creations. It's looking inward to find you, and letting that you shine for all it's worth.

This is a sketch I did of my dog back in 2002.
This is the one that whispered,  "You may have something here.  Keep trying."
 
What I've learned?  It doesn't matter what I do.  All that matters is that I do it - with all my passion, committment and courage (thank you Kelly Rae).  Those last three words are the key for me.  These have been the missing ingrediants from my work.  I'm ready to put them in the mix!

This was not the post I set out to blog about today. You know what?  This not-knowing-how-things-will-turn-out-and-not-being-perfect is part of creativity.  A wonderful artist taught me that one day.  (Okay, I've learned it but I still need lots of practice!!)  Anyway, this is my post for today.  I guess I'll have to talk about the eggshells another time.

Thanks for tuning in.








6 comments :

  1. What a beautiful blog post. Thanks so much for sharing, you have a wonderful and inspiring voice so please continue to let that shine.

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  2. Apart from scrimshaw, we've done pretty much the same things Leah, a bit of this and a bit of that. I always thought that being described as a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' was a bit of a put-down but now I realise that my ability to turn my hand to most things and do a pretty good job is a real bonus - I'll try anything - I'm versatile.

    Who says we need to just create in one field when there is a whole world of creativity to explore? Not me!

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    1. What a great perspective! I'm going to keep exploring too and do what calls to me. I enjoy reading your blog. You have a wonderful way with words and I love how you share.

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  3. This is wonderful Leah, I love how you have shared your heart. I just loved kelly raes flying lessons too. I should review the pdfs and get recharged!

    PS Even though I knew you needed it I still feel guilty about torturing you that day! I still talk about it. As a matter of fact I spoke of it in an interview, didn't name names just what I did to you!!!!! BUT....... what an empowering feeling isn't it, letting go and learning that you can figure out how to make it work.

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    1. Thanks Roberta. Don't worry about feeling guilty. I needed that "boot in the pants" and still go back to that day to push me through whenever I start getting fussy (and I need it a lot still but I'm practicing!) I can't tell you enough how you have made an impact on me. Keep doing what you are doing. It is wonderful!

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