I recently read the book “Year of Yes”. If you haven’t read it, seriously, go read it. I avoided it for a long time because I kept thinking, ‘I don’t need another book on how to to say Yes more. I say yes plenty’. This book surprised me quite a bit though.
It made me realize that I have made A LOT of excuses in my life. Painting keeps me sane. So I paint. But due to some contract work, I quit booking shows for fear I would be on the road. I have been a little intimidated to apply for some other opportunities that have been sitting on my desk. I use excuses like, “I probably won’t be around to do them” and “this pays better”.
I realized I have used the contract job in a lot of areas in my life. Yes, it does require a lot of travel time. Turns out this year, I put all my eggs in one basket. I planned my entire life around a job that didn’t come to fruition.
Here’s what I’ve realized about myself this week. I no longer have a social life. I use to be quite social, but when you travel a lot, you are happy for any moment at home with your family. I have stopped leaving the house, being involved in social settings, and being active in my community. When I am home I’m painting alone in my studio or doing something with my son.
I have let myself go. Health wise, I am not at an optimal place. This one sort of snuck up on me. Again, I used the excuse of travel. It’s hard to eat healthy when you travel (though it can be done with a little effort). It’s hard to have a routine, therefore I don’t work out. I use to hike a lot, but Kansas winter halted that.
This week trying to do pretend Ninja Warrior on a course my son and I set up on playground I realized just how bad it had gotten. I finished the course, but found myself really struggling to climb and throw my legs over top bars, do monkey bars, etc. That was my wake up moment. When did this get so damned hard?
And insert book, “Year of Yes”. I’ve been busy making excuses. So this week I decided to stop. I sold 2 paintings this week because I got my ass in gear and started painting and marketing. I am approaching 4 galleries this week. I also signed up for a mud run challenge with my son and said yes when asked if I wanted to join a sand volleyball team. Seriously, exercise and social activity? Who am I right now?
So expect to see lots more art. I have inspiration oozing out of me and it’s time to focus. No more excuses. I have been handed the time to run with my art and to take care of me. What excuses are you making?
Stroke of Red Studio 