GrowThere has been lots of brainstorming going on in our family lately, lots of reaching for the stars and discussing our ideal life. Frank and I have been knee deep in this sort of talk, which is definitely exciting, but not all together relaxing and calming. It feels really appropriate that I finished this new painting, Grow, just before we left for Florida...as I feel like that's what we were able to do a lot of on our trip. GROWING our dreams, bigger and with more clarity (there is my word for the year again) has been our huge topic of focus as a couple for a while now. A great catalyst for this has been taking the Together e-course, over at Creative Thursday that we started in January . The class is now sadly over but our discussions and breakthroughs that were facilitated by the course have just begun for us. More than ever we are focussing on our desire to both create our art for a living, and the changes in our lifestyle that need to happen to make that a reality!
We've got some big plans, but before I share that, I realised in Florida how much I need to slow down. The effects of stress, and it's wear on my body, started to show themselves in the week before our trip. To the point where I can not ignore them any more. So now that we are home there are some big changes....the biggest and most extreme one is that I have given up caffeine.
As a mama who really enjoys her cups of coffee this is a tough one, but already I feel more in control physically, and I can already sense that my body really needed this change. As I sit here sipping my new found drink, decaf Chai with foamed rice milk (yum!), it doesn't feel so bad, but talk to me at 3PM and we'll see how its going. I am still in the transition with that.
I have also started to take time to stretch my body, knowing how much my body longs for the old days when I could do hours of Yoga, and to take brisk walks again. It all feels so good. It comes down to the simple truth that I have been pushing myself too hard and I just can't keep going and going with out focusing on self care.
Happily we had a few little friends to greet us on our return to Brooklyn, all of these sprouting wonders in our backyard! The Crocuses, Daffodils and Hostas are are all starting to peek their way through. With the amazing warm weather that we are having here in NYC is feels like spring will actually arrive. I am ready, oh so ready. Let the growing begin!
6 comments:
Beautiful painting! I think it is great to change daily habits, let me know how the no caffeine during the day goes! I can't wait to see all your flowers fully bloomed! <3 Sonja
helloooooo long lost friend . . . I feel like you left town and I then I fell off the side of the Earth, so it seems like forever. I'm so curious and excited to hear about your dream scheming. Getting away really helps with that, doesn't it. I know what you are talking about when you mention needing that self-care. I was there in that same spot before I started yoga. . . I feel so much better now, even though there's still more journey toward being fitter. But I'm glad you are taking time for yourself. It is so important. This was a really pretty post and beautiful painting {those are some of my fave colors}. I'll be checking back to see how your story decides to reveal itself.
First of all, I so love your grow painting- even more after I read your post. It is sweet that you and your husband are both artists and can work on your dreams together. My husband and I often feel like we are pushing life too hard and feeling overwhelmed at times. Good for you for giving up caffeine. I'm sending you good "take care of yourself" vibes.
Your painting is quite lovely ~ very apropos with what you are feeling and the seasonal changes. I seem to always find myself going through a 'cleanse' of the soul/body every Spring. It is my way of shedding habits that I really do not find true happiness with. Wishing you much balance and peace as you embark upon this new adventure....
Dearest faith, i really adore your grow painting. It's soo beautiful. It's really so wonderful to be able to work together with your hubby on your dreams together. Wishing you lots of balance and peace too! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
I so love your painting, I appreciate all the little details you have included on it. You are making me long for spring to see your bulbs poking through the dirt. We are perhaps weeks away from that, they are still 2 feet under snow!
♥ Emily
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