It's 2020 Baby - The Future is Here!
As a child of the 60’s, the year 2020 was science fiction to me back in the last millennium. Like something from Star Trek’s “Captain’s log - Stardate…2020”, so far in the future to make it unbelievable. It was all haha, as IF people could talk on cordless flip phones and doors would open all by themselves!
But here it is - 2020. And, well, I’m thankful that I’m here to witness it.
So now, on the cusp of the new year and decade, I’m looking back to look forward, and recommitting in new ways to my calling - art and travel and the Epic Quest.
But there is a difference between a resolution - “I hereby resolve to exercise more/use less carbon/stop eating so many danged potato chips”, and a commitment (going the distance for better/worse, in sickness/health).
So what’s worth being resolute about and making a commitment to? Really all good things are worthy of commitments, but some will become just resolutions, meaning they might just get overridden by life.
RESOLUTIONS: lofty goals that I aspire to.
To practice artmaking every day - there is a movement called “Not a day goes by without a line”. This is the practice. Every day, make some kind of mark. Doesn’t matter what it is.
To keep pushing into new creative territory - no idea what that means because all of my best work happens without thought or planning. So I’ll just keep bushwhacking in the moment and seeing what arises. Hopefully with some amount of courage.
To not limit myself by physical and emotional comforts. Let’s face it folks, we are a soft lot. We complain about 7+ hour plane rides, when our hardy fore-bearers endured weeks and months of stormy seas and wagon ruts to reach new lands. The great explorers didn’t have wicking baselayers or Goretex waterproofing. Hell, they didn’t even have maps much of the time. So I must remember to buck up and not complain when my temp-controlled life doesn’t always hit the mark.
COMMITMENTS: This is when you really mean it.
To be more kind: While I’d always love to make more money, lose a few pounds, and generally have more ease, mostly I want to find my way to be kinder, more patient, and smile more often - one ripple at a time. Lord knows the world needs more kindness right now.
To let go of my anchors and spend a year on the road. Ok I’m already well into this one. My year of residencies started Nov. 1, 2019 in Newfoundland. This one was easy in dreaming, and more than tricky in planning. But I’m on my way and no turning back now. More about this on my blog.
To always be learning: This is non-negotiable for me. Learning is life. Taking a class - online or in person. Last year I took online classes for iphone photography, marketing, and blogging. I studied writing from Margaret Atwood and Aaron Sorkin, directing from Jodi Foster and Martin Scorcese (through Masterclass), and watched countless Youtube demos to learn art and marketing tips. Of course, in-person classes are best for experiential learning, but when you can’t make it in the flesh, Internet University is the next best thing. (Check out my coaching page HERE if you want personalized one-to-one help with your art life)
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So what are your creative resolutions and commitments you’ve made over the years and maybe can take further action on in this new year/decade? Defining and articulating these plans and visions can be the first step to creating a habit/practice to make 2020 the year of becoming your greatest creative self!