Yesterday was an odd day. In fact, I actually had a different post scheduled and ready to go for today, but I’m putting it off until tomorrow, just because I want to share some thoughts.
Ever feel like you know the direction you want your life to go in, but you’re unsure how to make it happen? You know what you make you happy, but you have no idea how to incorporate it into your day-to-day existence? You know your destination but you don’t have a map?
I stumbled across this post on Life as an Artistprenuer about called For Everyone Not Yet Doing What They Love (Alternative title: A Tough Love Letter). It’s actually an old post (written in August) but it really spoke to me, and I must have read it three times in a row. I actually only discovered this blog about a week ago, but I’ve pretty much fallen in love with it. Becka has such a motivating, positive writing style, she’s funny, and her photography is just beautiful. She has a post series called Coffee Cup Chats that are just fantastic, and great inspiration for any creative person.
Then a while later I came across the video of Steve Job’s Stanford Commencement address Do What You Love. I know everyone has seen or read this a million and one times already (especially after he died) but for me, it remains just as powerful every time I watch it.
Then last night I was checking my email from my phone, and the first thing I saw was this article from Pikaland titled If Not Now, When? It’s like this message is written on a 2×4 and I’m being beaten in the head with it.
On top of all this, several other opportunities have surfaced over the last week that just seem a little too coincidental. It feels like I’m definitely being nudged in the direction I want to go. I’ve had that little voice gnawing at my brain for months now, getting a little louder every day. It’s getting so loud that sometimes it feels like it’s shouting over my other thoughts, demanding to be heard. Do more. Do it now. Start today. Make the dream happen.
I had a similar feeling when I first met my boyfriend. My heart fell head over heels, but my head told me I was crazy getting into another relationship so soon. But then…I saw these little signs all over the place. Sign that it was right. Maybe I just WANTED to see them, because I definitely am a person who believes in and looks for signs, but it was as if the world was screaming at me that I NEEDED to follow my heart or I would never be able to sleep at night again.
Following your heart doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your day job and investing your life’s savings toward your artistic venture. Sometimes it mean being brave, and taking that one small step closer each day.
Every time I learn the functions of my camera just a little bit better…
Every time I finish a new painting…
Every time I sell a piece of art…
Every time I take on another freelance project…
It feels good. Every time I take that one step closer.