Leap of Faith
I believe that opportunities will be presented to us when we are open to receiving messages. The energy you put out into the world comes back to you. Like attracts like. At those times, it is our choice to entertain the idea in front of us, or say “no thank you” and let it pass us by. This applies both to receiving opportunities in life that we desire, as well as the ability to give to others.
Self care is such an important thing to remember, especially at this time of the year. ‘Tis the season of giving…BUT we can only give what we have, and if we are not taking care of ourselves first, we have nothing left to give. I have a terrible habit of giving until I am depleted, forcing myself into self care until I am replenished, and then repeating the process. I am on a mission to break this cycle, by creating and following daily self care practices that fulfill my basic needs: physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. So, I have been attending classes weekly that include guided meditation, and even took an amazing three-week self-hypnosis course to help combat stress and anxiety, in order to help deepen my connection with myself and source. I am working to make it a regular, daily occurrence rather than something that I have to work and spend a lot of time doing.
Art is a form of self care and expression for me. It can even put me into an almost meditative state. But sometimes I have trouble overcoming perfectionism and fear, and I get blocked, or in a “funk” as some say. In order to get out of a previous funk, and to try to prevent them from happening, I am meditating and using self-hypnosis. It is through the hypnosis class that I was gifted the courage to share my art with the shop owner. She loved it, and felt that the people who frequent the shop will resonate with my art, as it is so deep and meaningful. So I have an arrangement to sell my paintings through this shop starting in the New Year!
This shop is having a silent auction to raise money for the local food bank. At first, I thought I would participate by just bidding on their items. But then, it occurred to me that if the people in this shop appreciate my art, I could do something more! So, I took in a 12×12 canvas print and donated that to their auction. And it is doing great!!! In fact, the bid is much higher than the amount that I would have thought to give if I gave money or food myself. People love it, so I am ecstatic! So through me seeking help through self care, and in a place to display and sell my art, I have also been able to support the store AND the local food bank with my passion…my art is resonating with people and helping people in many ways! What a perfect fit!
I have learned this year to think outside of the box; to use my talent to connect with people, and show them that they are not alone in their feelings. We can all relate, even though our stories are different. But what is really a gem of a lesson is that my art can also help and touch the lives of people who are struggling. By donating this piece, I have done more than I ever would have otherwise. This gesture has helped so much more, and it warms my heart. I may not have much money this year, but I can still help.
What are some other ways that we can give “outside of the box”?
Written by Liz Chamberlain; Lizzie Lou Mixed Media
