 |  |
Looking back on this past year, it was a year of growth and committment for me.
Health-wise, my body was learning a new way to function after two surgeries the previous year, and my immune system felt like it took a big hit. The first part of the year, my body was catching everything that came around. Instead of feeling like myself, I felt a deep fear wondering if I wouldn't get better or if this was the state of my body going forward. Being determined to give myself the best chance I could, I made a vow to myself to uphold my pampering routines. I also wanted to improve so I added in some new routines as well.
My morning routine always involved personal habits like stretching, yoga, quiet time, but then I added in the task of centering my soul and faith by listening to two different Podcasts each morning. I did that first thing before the day got busy. I also challenged myself artistically to draw people every day. I combined the two and listened to my podcasts as I drew.
I do love to challenge myself, and that was a big one for me. Too often I'd reach for my phone first thing, and then the rest of my day would be busy reacting to news and tasks that need to be done. But instead of grabbing my phone to surf, I'd head to my drawing table, switch on the podcasts and beginning sketching. It felt really good to complete those tasks. If those were the only tasks I completed that day, at least I felt like I accomplished something.
Health-wise, my body was learning a new way to function after two surgeries the previous year, and my immune system felt like it took a big hit. The first part of the year, my body was catching everything that came around. Instead of feeling like myself, I felt a deep fear wondering if I wouldn't get better or if this was the state of my body going forward. Being determined to give myself the best chance I could, I made a vow to myself to uphold my pampering routines. I also wanted to improve so I added in some new routines as well.
My morning routine always involved personal habits like stretching, yoga, quiet time, but then I added in the task of centering my soul and faith by listening to two different Podcasts each morning. I did that first thing before the day got busy. I also challenged myself artistically to draw people every day. I combined the two and listened to my podcasts as I drew.
I do love to challenge myself, and that was a big one for me. Too often I'd reach for my phone first thing, and then the rest of my day would be busy reacting to news and tasks that need to be done. But instead of grabbing my phone to surf, I'd head to my drawing table, switch on the podcasts and beginning sketching. It felt really good to complete those tasks. If those were the only tasks I completed that day, at least I felt like I accomplished something.
 |  |
I feel really good that I completed my yearly goals, and sketched people and listened to my podcasts every single day. I never missed one. I learned a few things about myself along the way. I learned that a routine is healthy for me. I need it. Making a habit cushions my life from the tough spots, and makes it easier since I don't have to think or plan...it just is a habit.
Listening to the podcasts connected me to a community of people that were doing the same thing. People I don't know, or would never meet, were listening and commenting on the same thing. We were connected to each other.
On my quest to get better at drawing people...I don't know...I feel like my final drawings weren't any better than my first drawings. I was hoping that after drawing people for 365 days straight, that I had improved. I don't feel like I have. But, if I had to, I'd say I am more comfortable drawing people. I realized that when people say we all have 'good days and bad days', that includes drawing as well. Some days I'd draw, and it is as if someone else is drawing through me. My drawings would be simple and strong and they flowed. Other days, picking up a pencil was clumsy and felt strained and I was not happy with what I was creating. That surprised me. I thought if I did it day after day, I'd just keep building skill. But I guess as with drawing as with other things..I guess that's life.
Listening to the podcasts connected me to a community of people that were doing the same thing. People I don't know, or would never meet, were listening and commenting on the same thing. We were connected to each other.
On my quest to get better at drawing people...I don't know...I feel like my final drawings weren't any better than my first drawings. I was hoping that after drawing people for 365 days straight, that I had improved. I don't feel like I have. But, if I had to, I'd say I am more comfortable drawing people. I realized that when people say we all have 'good days and bad days', that includes drawing as well. Some days I'd draw, and it is as if someone else is drawing through me. My drawings would be simple and strong and they flowed. Other days, picking up a pencil was clumsy and felt strained and I was not happy with what I was creating. That surprised me. I thought if I did it day after day, I'd just keep building skill. But I guess as with drawing as with other things..I guess that's life.
Another thing I realized is that when I forced myself to draw people, that made me want to draw other things so much more. I wanted to draw landscapes and animals and anything else other than people. There is still a hesitancy to draw people because I don't feel like I am good at it. Or the drawings don't come out like I picture in my mind.
So with that year complete, my goal for this year is to have no restrictions on what I draw. I will listen to whatever podcasts I want, whenever I want, and draw whatever inspires me. It is freeing. But I still have a habit of not picking up my phone, but to begin the day with gentle movement and stretching.
That past year, I challenged myself, and got through it. My body feelings stronger as well as my immune system. I am blessed with another day and another year. I do have some goals for this year. My goal is to teach what I love at every opportunity, so others can enjoy themselves too. And my other goal is to get my website up and running to sell my prints and artwork. I do my artwork for myself, and if others enjoy it too, that is a bonus.
So, here is to another year... I'm working on it.
So with that year complete, my goal for this year is to have no restrictions on what I draw. I will listen to whatever podcasts I want, whenever I want, and draw whatever inspires me. It is freeing. But I still have a habit of not picking up my phone, but to begin the day with gentle movement and stretching.
That past year, I challenged myself, and got through it. My body feelings stronger as well as my immune system. I am blessed with another day and another year. I do have some goals for this year. My goal is to teach what I love at every opportunity, so others can enjoy themselves too. And my other goal is to get my website up and running to sell my prints and artwork. I do my artwork for myself, and if others enjoy it too, that is a bonus.
So, here is to another year... I'm working on it.
RSS Feed