Love Your Life
Big Sur - Jan 7th 2024
Hello world! And Happy 2024 to you, dear reader! Did you have a strong start to the year? If not, why not? Honestly, the start of my year was full of surprises, unexpected setbacks, delays, weird moods, low motivation, and uphill challenges. I’ve learned over the years to take pressure off of myself. When I hear, “New year",” the old me would immediately give myself crazy, unobtainable goals which I would inevitably feel guilty and disappointed for.
I’ll safely say that SOME pressure is okay. Like respecting yours and others time to stay in time frames and time lines. Striving to be well-prepared in all instances. Having a healthy drive to move forward in your creative processes NO MATTER HOW YOU FEEL. Usually I give myself resolutions to be more disciplined in certain areas which now, when I think of it, feels so vague…I think I would tell this to myself because I just thought it was the right thing to say or want this time of year. The truth is, we are all working on bettering ourselves everyday. At least I hope so! I’m releasing myself from unnecessary pressures that aren’t producing better quality work, achieving goals or even making me a better person. Some of those pressures were artistic ones. And there’s really no need. If you’re reading this and you’re an artist, remember why you love it, don’t compare, and don’t be afraid to experiment without judging yourself so harshly.
This year I stopped to think, “What do you really want, Holly?” I surprised myself because I didn’t list the usual, predictable things. To sum up everything that encapsulates this, I want to love my life. This was the reason I changed careers. I didn’t want to spend the next 20 years being a zombie, living the same Groundhog Day life. Art has violently pushed me out of my comfort zone! What a leap of faith it’s been!
To love my life and walk in my blessings, I have embraced simplicity. Quiet times of art making, happy home-making, cooking those countless recipes I’ve saved, reading those books on my shelf, going out and seeing the world! And don’t forget those empty spaces where God can speak and get a hold of your heart. I love these different priorities I’ve set for myself. Let’s be different this year. Search your heart and seek the Lord. I’m pretty sure His will wasn’t to complicate and stress me out more than I already can be! His heart for you and me is strength, grace and peace, goodness, healing, restoration and newness.
