Motivation is a fickle emotion. Either it’s there or it’s not. The sun could be shining…or not. The house could be running efficiently…or not. Sometimes don’t you just feel *blah*? I do; some days I feel like I’m just going in circles (which make for short steps in this little cabin!). Some days it’s hard to make even those smallest steps. But I read a quote someplace about how the track record for getting through the hardest days is thus far 100%, so that made me smile.
Art journaling has a way of prodding me along. I know that my goal has been at least a page every week, so I just open my book to the next blank page and stare. Sometimes I paint. Sometimes I make lists. Or copy an idea from Pinterest. But I try to do something, and at the end of it, it usually makes me happy that even if the motivation wasn’t really there, even if I treated it as something to check off of the “to do” list, it still ended up as something special. I can turn the pages of my art journal and read into the pictures that my heart drew. I know what I was going through, or thinking, or lamenting, or dreaming of.
Every now and again I read a how-to book, or take a class, in some sort of art. From weaving to botanical drawing to stitching to watercolor to quilting…I’ve done a lot over the years. I’m just the kind of gal that needs *HOMEWORK* to push me through those un-motivated times of life, and thankfully there is no lack of opportunities to learn to create. One of my favorite artists is Junelle. She calls herself a “Jesus-smitten nun in disguise”. Don’t you love that? She has a lot of online classes. I’ve taken a couple and have enjoyed her charming giggly personality. I would d.i.e. (well, almost!) to go to Italy with her next year to do ART!
Anyhow, these are some pieces in my book I’ve been working on through her Pilgrimage class.
Are you lacking motivation anywhere? Could you use some *HOMEWORK* from someplace to help get you going? You could take a class, or even use a book, such as a cookbook (assign yourself 10 new recipes in 30 days!), or ask a friend for a little advice. *HOMEWORK* sometimes gets you through the lack of motivation–just to do the thing with a deadline attached.
Blessings,
If you go to Italy, take Abigail with you. I trust you with my baby. My husband and I were just talking about your family and how your children seem really close, like our own children. It made me come and check in to see you!
Kinda jealous of your painting efforts. On a good note you make it sound like you don’t have confidence and I lack that severely too. Would that be a good note though? Blah. Some friend I am. You know what I mean.
I been loving the Instagram post. Your art makes me happy. These days that has been more and more difficult to do. Well, until Sunday. That was a breakthrough for me. God works in mysterious ways.
Ouida Gabriel
Keri Mae,
I understand completely. I lack motivation as well. I look at my raised beds that were neglected this past summer. As I get older, I feel less motivated to do things I use to enjoy, like painting rooms a new fresh color or getting a book from the library on how to do strip quilting, or learning to knit. Now, it seems all I do is see the “chore” in it.
Well, I just signed up for the Christmas class with Junelle. Thanks for the PUSH to get going on something! 😉 Thanks for the “homework”, Keri! I lack vision with Art Journaling. All I see are huge, blank, white pages staring back at me…….intimidating. 🙂 So wish me well! (I don’t believe in luck. )
Blessings to you,
Kim
Oh! I’m smiling! I am signed up for her holiday workshop as well! It will make it extra fun for me to know you are doing that, too 🙂