Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I took a little step back this morning as I sat and watched the world go by out my window. I saw a man carrying two freshly made pumpkin pies down the road, balancing one on each hand on his way to a Thanksgiving dinner no doubt! I started to think about all the friends, family and fabulous creative souls I have met and how thankful I am to have them in my life.
Then I realized something. Something really significant happened last November. At the time, I did recognize a shift and that the universe was telling me, nudging me to go ahead. To make a decision. Only now, thinking of how that decision then created new connections and my own life to unfold, I realize how significant it was
Many of us know the artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Well I dont think I ever explained that finding her blog summer 2010 and reading her book, was the first thing that really helped me realize I too could follow my passion. When I found out she and Mati McDonough were then due to run a class at An Artful Journey (AAJ) the following February in California, I jumped to read all the details, but those little doubts inside me stopped me signing up straight away. Then when I finally decided I was going to go for it and attend a retreat for the first time, I discovered the class was full. Crushed, I put myself on the waitlist and decided to cheer myself up by registering for another retreat – Artfest in Port Townsend for April. Mondo Beyondo talks about the “Art of Forgetting” when you have a dream. So that’s what I did about AAJ. It had upset me so much that I didn’t act faster to register initially. I “forgot” about AAJ, I “forgot” that I wasnt going to meet Kelly Rae or Mati, I “forgot” how I didn’t act and therefore missed an opportunity. I “forgot” for a few days, maybe even a few weeks.
Hungry for more, I decided to push the boundaries further by signing up as a sponsor on Kelly Rae’s Blog to take that big step and “get myself out there”. The very day I decided it was ‘time to start’, I received an email to say a spot had opened up on the class at AAJ! Amazed at the “coincidence” I got excited, then realized….. I was now going to Artfest. What do I do? Do I go to both? hmmmm cant really afford to do both and ill be flying to the west coast in both Feburary AND April. Yes that little voice inside was doing a good job of talking me out of this…..logic told me it was too late. But my intuitive side was screaming at me that this “coincidence” was too fantastic to not be a sign.
I followed my intuition and found a way. Attending An Artful Journey, my first art retreat was one of the best decisions I made and instincts I followed. Being on the brink of making that decision this time last year, really brings home how different my life could be. The kindred spirits I met at AAJ and Artfest (and later in 2010 at Squam), who I am honored to call friends, continue to be one of my important energy sources to keep me going as I have seen my 2010 goals and dreams happen one by one. I now know I was meant to be there, on that retreat, no matter what.
So, I wanted to take this moment, on Thanksgiving here in the USA to say Thank You. To the universe for the big sign and second chance, to my friends and family who offer ongoing support and to the amazing creative community I am so fortunate to be part of.
What are some of the significant moments you are thankful for? Any particular decisions you can pinpoint as being life changing? Is there something you are talking yourself out of now, unsure of what to do?
You know deep inside what you need to do.
PS. Talking of life changing retreats, I’m excited that Beth Nicholls – one of my lovely creative friends from AAJ just announced her creative business venture and wonderful “Do What You Love” Retreat for May 2011 in England. I cant wait. 🙂
Hi, I'm Louise and thank you so much for visiting me here. I am a mixed media artist, who is passionate about combining the healing energy of nature and color with the meditative process of mandala making
Hi Louise
What a beautiful post. Thank you for reminding me to be thankful and to look at the positives at a time when I have been losing that ability very slightly! This has reminded me that I can make good things happen if I focus on them instead of the little 'setbacks'!
Happy Thanksgiving xx
Such a sweet post. The universe is so smart. It gives you what you need when you need it as long as you are willing to listen. You are the queen of listening to the universe. I am thankful to have come across your blog this year and rub elbows with a little bit of that Louise magic. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am signed up! I woke up this morning and did my morning check my e-mail and saw your e-course reg. So excited to Dream Big with you!
Such a big year for you – this is a wonderful post. And I can't believe we both posted about that retreat experience on the same day, that is so funny! I guess it was a turning point for lots of people there, and a natural thing to be thankful for this year. So excited about all that is to come.
And I just signed up for your e-course!! It is going to be awesome – so little time, so much dreaming to do 🙂
Beth
How wonderful this story is, so full of serendipity and hope and love of the spirit! You are exactly where you need to be, sharing your art and passion with the Universe 🙂
Louise—it's so heartwarming to hear how AAJ played a role in your own creative Journey. There's no doubt in my mind that you were (we were) all meant to be up in those redwoods together last Feb. I can't wait to see all of you again in just a couple of months—I'm so honored that you're returning! Big holiday hugs!