You Look Happier
In June, I was fired from a job that I'd had for a little over ten years. It was part of me, and I'd given it my whole heart - but in the past six months, my life has opened up in ways I've long dreamed of.
My husband and I recently started watching an Australian show about a probate and estates lawyer who moves from Sydney to Melbourne after a series of Big Life Things to start over. It's a laugh-out-loud, heart warming show and the season 2 finale had me in tears when our protagonist, Helen Tudor-Fisk, realizes that, after everything she's been through - she's finally happy.
In June, I was fired from a job that I'd had for a little over ten years. It was part of me, and I'd given it my whole heart. I love tea as much as the next person, and I'd love to spill it - but I think in this case, less is more. In the past six months, my life has opened up in ways I've long dreamed of. Everyone who knew me before that sudden upheaval tells me that I look happier. Lighter. Relaxed. Joyful.
I don't dread looking at my phone anymore. Opening my inbox doesn't trigger a stress response. I don't end my day angry anymore. I feel seen, celebrated, and appreciated in ways I never did. And - I'm stretching my creative practice in ways that felt unattainable before.
I am happier. So much happier.
I'm working part-time somewhere I love, where creativity is valued and is part of the job, and building my art business. I'm hosting Bad Art Parties, taking art classes, deepening my friendships, making lots of art, writing, and healing from ten years of feeling undervalued and overworked.
I know that I'm fortunate to even have the opportunity to take this time to heal and create while maintaining security and stability in my life. It's been a tremendous gift, and I intend to continue making the most of it. This year is going to bring a lot of growth. It's going to be beautiful, uncomfortable, challenging, and so rewarding.
There's going to be lots of bad art, musings on the seasons and on the creative process, spooky creatures, behind the scene looks at my installation work, and different ways to connect and work with me. I'm so glad that you're here. Stick around - things are going to get witchy, weird, and wonderful.
An assortment of joy, growth, peace, and creativity over the past six months.
