SOME THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR

Hi, Everybody-

As I gather my thoughts, a feeling of vulnerability sets in. So much time has gone by since I’ve posted a monthly blog! Where do I begin? Do I fill in in the blanks, or just resume as if I’ve never been away? How have I been creating, all this time? Have I grown, emotionally and spiritually?

I imagine that any kind of artist, at the outset of any kind of fresh start, feels a mixture of dread and anticipation, the alchemy of which enlivens the potential energy in that field of any kind of creative endeavor. “Any kind of artist” could mean a chef, a dancer, a sculptor, a musician, an architect, a fashion designer, a painter, a poet, an actor, a landscaper...you get it. Here’s another thought: Do not limityourself to being an artist in one field. There are Dancing Chefs, Singing-Architect-Poets, and Florist-Sculptors who are Fashion Designers. I consider myself to be a musician, an artist and a writer, in varying degrees.

What will make you stand out from ‘any kind of artist’? Your purpose. “The way you do ONE thing is the way you do everything”. Years ago, I came across this adage and often quoted it to my students. In 2024, this will be my personal mantra. This is a new year, I have a new website, I’m in a new relationship, I have a new lifestyle, but my purpose is still the same: to bring joy and inspiration to others through sharing my own process. If I make just ONE “thing” the purpose for bringing joy and inspiration to others, well, then, everything will become better, for just having made that ONE thing as good as I can make it. Conversely, if there is ONE area in my life, or ONE act that I perform carelessly, with anger or resentment or with a negative association, then am I not affecting all of my life, across the board? So

basic, right? Who knew that taking out the trash could be elevated to an art?

You’d know, if you could have met Jose, an elderly gentleman in the community where I once lived, who thoughtfully put back the trash bins in the driveways of every neighbor on his street, after the trucks emptied them. Impeccably dressed, soft-spoken, Jose performed this very kind act with regularity and a humble grace. I have never forgotten him and no doubt, Jose inspired kindness in all who knew him.

What that his purpose? Only Jose knew. Judging by the way he did that ONE thing, I’m pretty sure that he was good at a lot of other things.

In my reflections while writing this blog, I realized that I could have touched upon any number of fears and stressful events that are crowding in on our precious lives right now.

That is the ONE thing I will not do, lest everything will start to synchronize to that and I will be dancing to another purpose.

Dare I hope that I might become a better dancer by improving my lasagna recipe? Only if it will bring you joy and inspiration! That remains to be seen....(there is a difference between joy and amusement!)

Let the Light find you! Xoxox Annie