The art of…
taking a risk
Get out there,
go for it… DO.
So, I admit to
you that I actually pride myself in NOT being a couch potato. I don’t watch television;
I don’t play video games or use the stumble upon endlessly on my computer. Rarely
does it seem that I “vegetate” in a non-engaged way. So clearly this is a
source of pride, right?
Hmm, perhaps it
shouldn’t be.
While it is
probably good that I don’t take a lot of slacker time, it is also true that I
am not as engaged in life-giving activities as fully as I should be.
No- I am not
suggesting that it would be wise to put my life in danger to gain some sort of
exhilaration in my days, only that it might inspire a spark or two to take a
few chances along the way.
A risk is an
act of ambition- willingly losing control. I’d say I am not very good at that.
Yet, I confess then when I do actually let go and jump off the metaphorical
cliff I am better for it. My art is better for it. It is 99.9% of the time a
GOOD thing.
Even though I
make my best attempt to live outside the box, I find that I
seem to gravitate, I suppose as most humans do, toward the safe. Safe is great-
it keeps you from being hurt (sometimes), however it ALSO keeps you from
breathing in that pure crisp air that life has to offer. You know that fresh
experience when you have never attempted something before. You have a unique
view, you’ve broken out of the routine – life is fresher, more pure- maybe even
exhilarating!
So why do we
self-protect so much? Why is it easier to hide in our routines and not breathe
just a little once in a while? Safe- for the most part seems to be just that
SAFE. It prevents you from pain (maybe) but also prevents you from living more
fully.
On August 9th,
2011 I took a HUGE risk. I launched Create Art 4 Good. Now just about two
months later, I can honestly say it has been one most amazing journey. (I wish
there was a more effective word for amazing) This is the culmination of much of
my life as an artist and hopeful humanitarian. It is an active role to support
the arts, to support the people who breathe, dream and need art to sustain
their souls, it is an active effort to give back to those in need by using our
talents for their good. Because this is so close to my heart, you bet it is downright
frightening. I am afraid to fail; I am even more terrified of letting others
down.
So why do it? For
me-there wasn’t another choice. I was merely existing- I wasn’t living. I
allowed my talents to sit safely in a box locked in my studio that seemed to
serve better as a store space then a room facilitating great work. I numbly
crawled through each day. Create Art 4
Good is giving me the opportunity and the drive to do everything I have always wanted
to do. To make a difference. No, I
probably won’t feed the world’s hungry, but I will change my little corner of
the world. I promise you that!
Create Art 4
Good seems to have its own drive, when I am weary or discouraged, I always find
a new reason to dig deep for the energy to move on and work through any issue.
I have learned incredible things in these last two months about the world,
about myself, and about the facilitation of dreams. It is truly life giving for
me.
So, why am I
sharing this with you? You have a dream, I know you do. Today, I invite you to
work towards it. I know it’s not always easy. I work a full time job, I have
three amazing yet at times challenging children I am honored to be raising, a
grandchild who reminds me that people are TIRED at fifty, a husband who works
full time and goes to school…. You get the idea. I have PLENTY of reasons to
not pursue Create Art 4 Good. But for me- in spite of my commitments, or
perhaps because of them- I have jumped in with both feet. This risk- this
effort is more than I ever dreamed it could be. I am excited to continue this
journey- (I cannot wait to see what happens next!
So today- I
extend the invitation to you, my friend. JUMP off the cliff. Find your dreams
and touch them. They do no one any good sitting in a box on the shelf. No regrets
refuse to be numb to the gifts of life- GET busy!
Get out there, GO FOR IT… DO.
In Peace,
Susan
No comments:
Post a Comment