The Transition from Toddler to Newborn

I don’t wake up on New Year’s day optimistically bursting with energy. For me, the transition from the old year to the new one is an uncomfortable slog of reflection and a deep dive into organizing my thoughts and feelings. Even though I KNOW the way out of this period is straight through, I don’t ever take that path. Instead, I vacillate between slumping to the ground in a limp pile and mounting full body toddler-style resistance.  It’s not cute, and definitely not my favorite place to be. It’s worth it though, because once I do finally get through all the questioning and thinking to that place of “knowing”, I’m rewarded with a sense of lightness and excitement. Instead of lurking in the past or guessing about the future, I get to do the RIGHT NOW part - the DOING part - which for me, usually looks like learning and connecting.  YAY!

Knowing January is already a hard time for me to make decisions, I gifted myself 2 classes to give myself the structure and ease of creating without having to think too much. I’m taking a drawing fundamentals class, a beginner’s oil portrait class and I’m connecting with other artists in my community. 

And I’m pretty much IN HEAVEN. 

There’s no pressure to produce something beautiful, or even to finish anything at this stage.  It’s a time when the goal is to make messes and mistakes - because these highlight the path to learning. It’s a gentle time of acceptance, trying new things and making in the moment - such a happy making place for my soul! And so, with my toddler brain out of the driver’s seat,  I invite you to come along on one of my favorite rides - the process of becoming a beginner again! 

Stay tuned, I’ve got some big plans ahead.  February will be a time of integration and moving forward but for now, I’m going to be busy in the studio being a newborn artist again!