Be Gentle with Yourself!

This week’s tip comes straight from the front lines here! Be kind and gentle with yourself!

The last couple weeks have I have been given several technical challenges. First, a computer one step from dying, which means it is totally non-functional for any accomplishments. The back-up plan doesn’t even have any of my photo files, nor do I have a way to download any currently. Frustrating to say the least, but I cannot stay there. I am reminded that I need to be kind to myself and be gentle in my expectations. Big plans for the blog postings, new plein aire sketches, newsletter requests, etc. etc. were to happen over the last 2 weeks, and the first half of this new month. But aren’t plans made to be checked and have the ability to be reconfigured as needed? Readjustments are necessary so I can keep myself on the realistic, right track and to keep me healthy emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The pressure is on to accomplish certain things, in a certain way, and at a certain time. But if I cannot pause enough to recalculate to the current picture I set myself up for overwhelm, burn-out or larger problems. It isn’t fair to myself, nor anyone else, in the short term nor long term to approach life with such inflexibility. Some have said, “blessed is are the flexible for they shall not be bend out of shape.” Being flexible means taking time to be kind enough to myself that I don’t allow life’s curve-balls to change who I am. Because of who I am I will take care of what is important and that includes me. Choose to be kind and gentle to yourself!

And thank you for your patience as the Studio wades through a few technical difficulties over the next few weeks. In the mean time, Take thyme to explore, sketch or paint, and take time to wonder!

Read More