I've been mulling over this post for a couple weeks now, and today seems like a good day to share it. A little peek into my head; where I've been, and where I hope to be going.
My hope in writing this is to encourage you. I really hope this doesn't come off sounding like a 'yay me' post.
Do you have aspirations of starting a creative business? Maybe dreams of having a booth at a show or shop? Maybe you're not even sure where to begin!
My hope in writing this is to encourage you. I really hope this doesn't come off sounding like a 'yay me' post.
Do you have aspirations of starting a creative business? Maybe dreams of having a booth at a show or shop? Maybe you're not even sure where to begin!
Two years ago I was desperate to regain my creativity. Desperate.
As in, verging on depression. I really felt like a part of me had died, or shriveled up.
As in, verging on depression. I really felt like a part of me had died, or shriveled up.
I had lost my creative mojo. Have you ever been there?
I thought I wanted to get into home decor....somehow. I thought interior decorating was where I wanted to be. But I wasn't ready to jump into school- I felt like I should test the waters on my own before laying down a bunch of cash and then deciding I really didn't like that career. Or maybe get back to fine art- painting.
Finally, I gave myself a kick in the butt.
I thought I wanted to get into home decor....somehow. I thought interior decorating was where I wanted to be. But I wasn't ready to jump into school- I felt like I should test the waters on my own before laying down a bunch of cash and then deciding I really didn't like that career. Or maybe get back to fine art- painting.
Finally, I gave myself a kick in the butt.
I took a painting class at my local community college.
I was so excited at finishing a piece of work. I literally was grinning from ear to ear all afternoon after the class! It's no Rembrandt, but I couldn't have been more proud. Mostly because I'd done something to get the ball rolling. And it didn't totally suck!
From there came blogging. Then my first "official" decorating job. Disaster.
I am so glad I didn't jump into design school, because that little voice in my head that said "maybe you just like decorating for you" was true. I took criticism too personally. But despite that, I felt like my interests, strengths, and direction have been slowly crystallizing into my dream job over the past year.
I am so glad I didn't jump into design school, because that little voice in my head that said "maybe you just like decorating for you" was true. I took criticism too personally. But despite that, I felt like my interests, strengths, and direction have been slowly crystallizing into my dream job over the past year.
Over the course of my life, fear has played a major roll in deciding my paths. I've let opportunities pass me by because I was too afraid. Because of that fear, I've always listened to what other people have thought I'd be really good at. But you know what? None of those suggestions were anything like what I'm doing today! And most of those suggestions were 'safe'. Not utilizing my creativity. One thing my dad said to me when I was in high school really stuck with me:
"Welcome to the real world, Denise."
That phrase related to me not wanting to get a job during the summer, and instead wanting to lay out by the pool.
A good knock on the head for a high school student, for sure. But, it also stuck with me. Being in a 'job' to pay the bills and letting go of dreaming.
"Welcome to the real world, Denise."
That phrase related to me not wanting to get a job during the summer, and instead wanting to lay out by the pool.
A good knock on the head for a high school student, for sure. But, it also stuck with me. Being in a 'job' to pay the bills and letting go of dreaming.
I've said before that this book
...played a huge role in figuring out what I love to do and turning it into my job, my business.
One of the questions this books asks is, what activity could you do all day?
For me, I love home decor and I love to shop! I didn't know how to incorporate that initially, but these days I get to do both on a regular basis. I blog about home decor, I sell things relating to home decor, and I get to shop for it regularly! I also have a love of painting and art. I also get to incorporate that into furniture and product.
For me, I love home decor and I love to shop! I didn't know how to incorporate that initially, but these days I get to do both on a regular basis. I blog about home decor, I sell things relating to home decor, and I get to shop for it regularly! I also have a love of painting and art. I also get to incorporate that into furniture and product.
Right now I feel so fulfilled. I am happy that I am starting to make money in a way that brings me joy. I'm excited to get up in the morning. Do you have something that gets you excited to get up in the morning? What would that mean for you?
Even though I have found what I love to do, I am also like many of you. Trying to find balance. The next step I am looking to will hopefully alleviate some of the overload I am feeling at the moment.
This journey has been every bit a spiritual one as much as anything. I've prayed a lot over the choices I've made. And if anything, it has taught me to pray specifically for what you want. I don't treat God like a genie in a bottle, but I do believe that He wants us to be happy, to use the gifts and talents He's given us, and to talk to Him.
Even though I have found what I love to do, I am also like many of you. Trying to find balance. The next step I am looking to will hopefully alleviate some of the overload I am feeling at the moment.
This journey has been every bit a spiritual one as much as anything. I've prayed a lot over the choices I've made. And if anything, it has taught me to pray specifically for what you want. I don't treat God like a genie in a bottle, but I do believe that He wants us to be happy, to use the gifts and talents He's given us, and to talk to Him.
So, again, I say if you have a dream, go for it. No one can tell you what your dream should be- only you have the capability to make that happen. Go with your gut. Ask yourself what you think about 24/7, what you are passionate about, what you would most love to do all day, every day.
Now go do it.
I promise you will feel fulfilled and happy.
