What a year!
December is almost over, and it is time for a review. In 2021, I have officially started my art business. I am so proud of all the work I have accomplished! Mother of three, Master’s degree student, teacher, artist and business owner; I’ve often told myself that living so many lives was madness! When I think about it, I feel dizzy… I had instants of pure joy along with dark moments of exhaustion. I humbly share with you some tools that have helped me live my passion during this trying year.
Planning: a necessary evil
I. Hate. Agendas. My life is too chaotic to bow to daily organization! But… having more responsibilities often means that carelessness and procrastination also have larger impacts. Like the time I found my 6-month-overdue tax bill under a pile of watercolor paintings waiting for varnish…
That day, I bought an agenda. I customized it, hoping I would be more inclined to write in it. It didn’t really work, but my students recognize it and slip it under my door when I keep forgetting it at the cafeteria or in the library, so it’s still a win!
When I plan my week, I treat all the elements in my planner like LEGO bricks. I allow myself to change the layout according to daily unexpected events. At the end of the week, the final construction doesn’t matter as long as all the bricks have been used in time. That flexible way of managing my time reduces stress while allowing me to add moments for moving or painting when I feel the need.
Getting help without asking
Asking for help and managing it can be more time and energy consuming than doing the task yourself. That is why it is best to arrange for help BEFORE you need it. Who wants to reduce mental load? Me please!
In my opinion, every member of a family should contribute to daily chores. This allows a fair distribution of family responsibilities, and helps develop self-esteem along with a sense of belonging. Everyone works, so everyone is important. My kids do chores every day. They chose them, and they are responsible for them. I do not manage chores. My son has learned that the recycling bin had a tendency to spill out when you forget to empty it, and my daughter had to go to school with mismatching socks several times! They have learned…
Since I have returned to university for my Master, grannies have often offered me help. A weekend without kids and cooked meals are nice when you are overwhelmed, but recurring little moments are much nicer! So, I offered the grannies to pick the kids up at school once a week, and to take them to lunch. That plan is awesome! My kids get to spend time with their grandmothers, and I get two evenings without lunchbox prep each week!
Combining pleasures
Being an artist and spending time with your family go well together. Watching me paint has developed my daughters’ interest in arts. We can often be found spreading all over the dining room among watercolor tubes, feathers and fairy dust. We have a sweet time chatting about everything, sharing ideas and giggling.
When I was little, my father used to bring me to his eye clinic every Saturday. While we were cleaning, I would pepper him with questions about his life and work, and he would let me look in his microscope. Now that he has passed, these memories always make me smile when I think of him.
My own children like to help around with my art shop. When my customers receive a parcel from Imagine, many young hands have contributed to the packaging and shipping. This my way to pass on what I have learned from my father.
Being thankful
Creativity and passion are extraordinary gifts. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for that chance you have of living a unique life. People who support you play an important role in your artistic journey. They are the reason why you find time to create in the first place. My husband, who starts the evening routine when I’m stuck with that hair that takes forever to paint… My mom, who is an artist too and supports me when I’m about to give everything up… My friends, who comment and share my art on social media… And you, who follow me and keep me going with my artistic venture… I thank you with all my heart!
Now, it’s your turn!
Despite all my efforts to find balance, I can’t always find time for painting when I need it. Sometimes, I have to study for an exam, grade my students’ work, file bills or fold the 7 loads of laundry that wait for me in the bathroom… and it’s OK. No one is perfect! I just hope that these ideas will help you find some time to live your creative life. Happy 2022 creatives!
Love,
Isabelle
Comments