Legacy

Today has truly been a day of inspiration and thought.  I started with a walk in the sunshine.  Nothing begins the day like fresh air and determination to be dedicated to giving myself time for healthy choices.  

My studio time was blocked off today for a podcast.  The two most lovely individuals started a podcast to share peoples dreams, visions and legacy.  I was honored to be asked and enjoyed sharing my journey.  I started my adult life on a different path than I am currently on.  I was happy in the corporate world working hard hours.  Doug had a demanding job chasing crime.  We passed each other, supported each other and found time for memories.  Life was stressful and different.  Pottery was a hobby - one I enjoyed.  Then we had a baby and we decided there were more important things than working full time.  I walked out of the corporate world.  

It took several years for me to adjust to motherhood because I was caught up in my fear of failing to support my family if I did not work and what people thought of me for 'wasting' my education.  As much as I wanted it, change was hard.  I finally let it go. We had to believe we would be where we needed to be when we were ready to be there.  It is how we parented and how I adjusted to change and challenges.  Being at home I found time to create.  It was healthy for me to have a creative outlet.  As Espen got older, I was able to dedicate more time to my hobby and it has become my business.  I have worked really hard to get where I am.  I have proven my abilities in a multitude of ways until I realized I did not have to prove anything - I can just be.  The studio journey has been possible with help and inspiration from others.  

There has been so much change and growth.  Some of it is scary.  Some of it we cried through.  Situations, people, places - it all changed.  But through all the change I kept true to what I wanted in my studio - for it to be a creative place for people to have fun and learn, for it to be affordable to participate in and to own and for the studio to be a place for engagement and idea exchanges. My fortune is to have a husband who is my best supporter and cheerleader.  My fortune is that I work on our property and don't have overhead beyond electric and water.  My fortune is to keep my business fun while still being solvent and for that I am thankful.  

My legacy... to leave creativity.  To live my life with purpose and that purpose is to share my knowledge about clay arts with anyone who wants to learn.   

My afternoon was blocked off to glaze and to listen in to The Art Of Livin' live with Matthew McConaughey.  I was inspired to invest in myself.  I listened to the entire live stream (it was a very large chunk of time) and here is the amazing take away ...

• To have more often requires less. 
• Change mindset from "I can't" to "I don't". 
• Take control of your calendar and say no. 
• Be selfish with yourself, your time, your love, your interests.
• Stop comparing, don't just be a 'watcher' of social media.  Live your own life actively without care of likes.
• Choose to do the work and find your directions.
• Trust others and yourself honestly.
• Be selfish in choosing yourself and keep living. 
• Embrace change. 

I ended my day sitting in the car with my thoughts watching my son at the skate park.  He inspires me.  I am blessed beyond measure to be his mom.  He does hard things every day.  For example, school is so hard for him and yet he rides his bike with the masterful approach of an advanced rider.  Sometimes he fails.  I see him keep trying with determination.  He adapts and has such a sense of humor.  Watching him while I finished listening to the live stream really allowed me to be thankful for where I am today.  Of the growth & change.  Of the determination to do things.  Of my reminders to do less, engage more and be present in quality moments.  

I will go forth tomorrow and do hard things like my child.  I will engage in quality moments.  I will be creative in all the ways I can imagine.  I will live with purpose.  What a great day of ideas.... share yours with me :)