Today, inspiration for my work comes in the form of an idea, rather than color, form, texture… Like art, words may mean something to you, something completely different to another, both being equally important and enthralling. I came across this African proverb and I have been thinking of it ever since. I should say, I’ve been LIVING it ever since. If you can’t see the image above, it says, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you”. To me, it is about self-knowledge, self-respect, self-care. In my life, meditation and reflection allow me to feel that my time here means something – even if it is just a little something to a handful of people…that there is intention and on most days also progress amongst all of my foibles. In that, all the rest of the worldly anxiety and chaos can really take a back seat. I appreciate the amazing people who let me be flawed and nervous and who also let me grow and learn to be calm. To enjoy this short life and accept the less-than-enjoyable. In an epic twist of fate, the people around me just happen to be both slightly insane and infinitely brilliant so they totally get it – lucky me! My husband is the first person in my adult life who really inspired me to be proud of myself. Not what I stood for in an outward way but for my quirky, seemingly contradictory thoughts and history and personality traits – many of which I had perceived as faults. All jumbled together, in fact, they are poetry. In the process of acceptance I begun to truly find my authentic self. Someone who can’t be easily explained or underestimated. (Way more fun than trying to be something ideal.) This quote helps me remember. And with that power I can work harder and with more grace.
Take it for what it’s worth…share your thoughts if you’re so inspired.
To family, friends and Mood and Spaceys (they are also family), and especially my Uddy. You are amazeballs.
