Helen Keller
I like to begin the week with a quote that inspires me or reminds me of something important. Reading Helen Keller's words always reminds me of what is important. Believing in ourselves and our dreams is the beginning of achieving what we set out to do. It is natural to be scared when starting something new. It is natural to have doubts but remembering who you are and what you have already accomplished is one way to overcome your fear.
There are certain online groups that I am very comfortable sharing my pastels with. I have received many kind and encouraging comments from the artists in these groups and sharing my work with them has become easier and easier over the years. I recently joined a new group. I didn't know most of the people and the old uncertainties began to rear their head. My work couldn't compare. I didn't have the knowledge or the training that they did. I would look silly. But I asked myself, "What did you do when you first began to share your work with the groups you are now so comfortable with?" And of course the answer was, "I just did it" I shared my paintings and the result was wonderful. So I took the plunge and the result was the same. People are kind. They made me feel welcome. They are leaving encouraging comments. And I am learning from them as I have learned from all of the other artists I have met over the past several years.
My message to everyone this week is to believe in yourself. When you start to doubt your dreams or your ideas remember what worked for you in the past. Keep a journal of ideas that work for you. Keep a vision board in front of you that remind you of what you want to bring into your life. Remember your word of the year and where you want it take you. We all have ways that help us to remain optimistic. Find what is right for you and use it to help you stay confident and hopeful each day. Life is ever changing. It can be hard to predict where the road ahead will take us. But if we stay confident and hopeful no matter what stands in our way, it can be a little easier to make a way around those barriers and continue on the path to where we want to go.
I would love to know what helps you stay optimistic and hopeful as you follow your dreams each day.
You don't need diamonds to make your light shine brighter and brighter. It comes from knowing who you are, what you love to do, and sharing your dreams and your talents with the world. Then it is easy to sparkle. Ginny