Growing Older, Still Unfolding

I am still unfolding as a artist. Everyday is something new to learn. Today we finished the modern organic renovation of my old studio in Cashiers, NC, 2015. As I was basking in our efforts with architect extraordinaire, Dan Duckham, to unify this space for painting and renting out to other creatives to use for short term rentals, this message revisited me in a timely moment. It is written by columist Regina Brett, 90 years old at her time, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. She has unfolded into a wise woman and I hope to follow her strengths as an artist as an ever-evolving person. My favorite quote that relates to my art is, "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up." I always try to dress a little nice when I paint, I discovered mentally it works for me, I  just cover me all up with a full body wrap apron made by a friend, it makes me feel like I am really ready in my cottage/studio, prepared to make good use of my creative power. AND professionally ready if a client shows up. And I paint better if I am mentally feeling good about myself, prepared and organized. 

(Yes, I rent out my one bedroom cottage/studio to creatives seeking respite, views, walking trails on our 47 acres, with an easel. See my Private Bookings page on this website for more details). 

Once a friend said to me, "you change so much." I wondered if that was a comment toward my art as it is ever-evolving, but it was about embracing newness, a new home, a new tool, moving, learning a new game, visiting an unexpected place, talking to a stranger, opening or closing a door. One must embrace change as we grow. It gives us courage. It maintains the lack of fear for evolving. If we don't allow ourselves curiosity and openness, we stay in the same place, mentally. It may make some pause, but it makes me feel alive. We must stay in each moment each day, embracing it, sometimes not worrying so much about the ones that say in place and don't change. It is their journey, not for us to say. When I met my husband, the common denominator was, we agreed to ever keep moving toward a goal or an opportunity to put ourselves out there to explore and learn.  I call us life artists. Life is a canvas. if not painting it, live it.

So, back to Regina, here is her wise words: 

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget. 

27. What other people think of you is none of your business. 

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."