Whether mother, teacher or just good friend, how often have you given that encouragement to others? Of course you believe it because you know it to be true. But do you believe it when it comes to your life? Can you really be anything you want to be, do anything you want to do? Or do you believe that your circumstances limit you?
As a child, my favorite game was playing pretend. I could be a singer on stage, an astronaut in space, a super heroine, a beauty queen, doctor, or housewife – all in one day! Let yourself go, play pretend and imagine your wildest dreams come true. You are the star in your movie. What do you see?
The happy things you imagine, the scenario of your perfect life, is all about feeling and not so much about doing. Often times that becomes painfully apparent when we achieve a goal or dream, and it’s not at all what we thought it would be. Such as the time I landed the job of after-school tutor. I thought I would be working one on one with students, expanding their young minds, helping them learn and improving their academic performance. It turned out to be an over paid baby sitting job. It didn’t feel the way I wanted it to feel.
So the question to ask yourself is, “How do I want to feel?”
If a 30 something woman with children at home and a full time job tells me she dreams of being a ballerina, I would be either a fool or a cheat to tell her that with coaching, she could make her dream come true. The questions I would ask are how she sees herself as a ballerina, how would she feel and what most appeals to her about that life.
Suppose she says that as a ballerina she would appear tall and willowy in light, airy clothing of pastels soft prints. We would go to work on achieving that image – or as close to it as we can get.
Perhaps she tells me that on stage she would feel appreciated because of the immediate feedback an audience gives, and a sense of satisfaction at providing their entertainment. Can she create those feelings by joining a local theater group, or starting her own dance troupe to perform at community venues?
Finally she tells me that what appeals to her most is the self focus required in a ballerina’s life. I might suspect that she is feeling a little tapped out from all the caretaking in her own busy life and suggest she make time to attend adult dance classes at least one hour a week.
The very first lesson I learned in beginning art was that artists never make mistakes; they only make changes to their design. Art is all about the way it makes you feel, the emotions it reflects to those viewing it. In crafting your life, be open to changes along the way and stay focused on the overall feel of your picture.
Explore your passions and craft a the life you love
Visit
