While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness. – Gilda Radner
I was thinking today about the things we give up at points during our life. These are the parts that cause small areas of us to die inside. We have a million excuses; too busy, too tired, raising a family, work, errands, too busy, not good enough, someone else will always do it better, too busy, not enough money, didn’t finish school and too busy.
Shortly after my daughter was born, I stopped playing guitar regularly. That turned into even longer periods of not playing the guitar or music at all. 20 years later, I wondered where the time went. I kicked myself because I would be in a very different place musically and creatively if I had continued to play for those twenty years. I used most of the excuses I listed above. What I discovered was that a part of me had “died.” I had shut off a portion of who I was inside. Funny thing was that I felt a “hole” in my spirit but didn’t put two and two together.
I know people who love to paint, draw or pursue other creative endeavors, but they aren’t doing those things. Many times I sense something is missing in their lives. I typically give gentle encouragement to try and push them along. But, ultimately, it’s not my responsibility. We have to make those decisions for ourselves or they don’t stick. I can only be support when they need it.
Well, I get it now. I won’t let that happen to me again. In fact, I’m making sure that I pursue all the activities and creative pursuits that I feel define who I am. I’ll even try others to see if they fit. It’s been a very interesting experience to go through. I started playing guitar more seriously and all of a sudden I found two others to play with. Now we have a band. The more photographs I take the more opportunities to take photos seem to pop up. It really is a self fulfilling prophecy.
So, if you love to draw, start drawing again. If you love to play music, play! If you love to take photographs, get out there and take them. If you love to paint, take some time and start a painting. I believe in the concept of paying yourself first. This small act of self-love will transform your life and the ones who care about you.
There’s nothing like right now to get started in living your life to the fullest.
Michael
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