I’ve discovered something interesting. I’m living in one of the most difficult economic times in my lifetime. Investments decrease, through no spending of mine. Prices keep going up and income keeps going down. At times, it seems the world has gone crazy. Then why has my mind erupted with energy, enthusiasm, and creativity?
I’ve known for a long time, when life runs smooth, and I’m happy and contented, I don’t make any efforts to change. Why should I? Everything is fine. It isn’t until things go drastically wrong, and my life turns upside down that I get motivated to make things better.
Life isn’t smooth now, circumstances have changed, and my happy, peaceful life has been turned topsy-turvy. I don’t like seeing my savings disappear, or the cost of living take a huge leap upward. I’m being thrown way outside my comfort zone. My instinct, when this happens, isn’t to fall into worry, or depression, or anger.
I’ve discovered something about my own nature. I like challenge. When life smacks me down, I fight back. And I’ve discovered something else. Anger, fear, and worry don’t cripple me. There is a lot of energy in those darker emotions. They are strong emotions that I can use to channel into positive responses.
My art has taken a big leap. I learned to throw away my photo references, and paint what I call Flights of Fancy. I put watercolor washes on paper and let the paint reveal itself to me. This is a very different way of creating for me, and it’s opened up my mind in most unexpected ways.
I’m downsizing my surroundings, de-cluttering my home. Getting rid of stuff. As my surroundings become more serene and peaceful, my mind explodes with new ideas.
Along with the art, I’ve started writing poetry. I never wrote a poem in my life, but suddenly, while doing dishes, I have to sit down, and save the words before I lose them. I go to bed, only to get back up, and write down the words that flood into my mind.
My novel? It’s written, not polished or ready, but it’s complete. Organizational skills that I never dreamed I possessed are popping up. Energy is flooding my body, ideas are moving through my mind with lightening speed. Confidence dominates my personality.
I don’t have a clue where all this will lead, but I love the creativity that is filling me, the peace that is surrounding me, finding the focus and direction that I lacked before.
I’m convinced this is in response to me being pushed out of my comfort zone. I’m scrambling for a new foothold, trying to find a new balance. In the process, I’m discovering new talents, redefining old ones, and taking uncomfortable emotions, and using their energy to fuel new dreams. Hard times? Yes, but also energizing and exciting. I’m moving forward.Life is an adventure and I’m eager to explore.
you make me want to explore the possibilities now too!
Becky, I hope I can inspire. Most of all, I wish everybody could discover whatever transports them to another place. That place where the world goes away and we feel utterly content and happy.
Thank you. That’s one of the nicest compliments I’ve gotten. I appreciate you stopping by and reading my work.
This is so inspiring, Carol. Stress and new situations make me want to curl up in a ball and cry sometimes. But refocusing that energy seems so obvious, now that you say it. Maybe I could spend the day redirecting that negative energy so my muse can keep me up at night, too. (She seems to think that’s the best way to communicate. Maybe she’s right.)
I speak from experience. I’ve had some horrid stressful situations. It’s tremendous energy that can drown you or pull you up to achieve greatness. I’m a fighter, so I learned to refocus the dark energy and use it to push me farther than I could go without it. Thank you for reading.
Rock on, Carol. I’m so thrilled to see you blossoming the way you have this past year. :)TX
And yes, it is inspiring to see.
Texanne, I give Holly and her Boot Camp classes a lot of credit. She gave me the tools I needed and her How to Think Sideways course helped me tame the wild muse and strengthen the left brain enough to be functional.
Thank you for stopping in and reading my blog. I appreciate you taking the time.