Giant Steps!

I love the week between the winter holidays and the New Year. It slides between the cracks of obligations and new beginnings. It’s open, like a door- just wide enough to look through and peek at what’s coming.

This week wasn’t quite long enough for me. It’s now suddenly the new year and I feel like I should hit the ground running. But wait, I’m still contemplating my path and planning my way into this new year. Right now, I feel more capable and serious about working on my new goals than ever before and hopefully more clear about the actions I need to take to get there.

The first thing that pops into my mind is ‘baby steps’ but, I’m prone to taking a small step to two, congratulating myself, and then easing off and settling down. This makes for very s-l-o-w progress. Maybe I need to take some GIANT steps!
During this doorway week, I’ve been evaluating how last year went, what I accomplished, and where to go next.
I came up with three big goals: get gallery representation, make a big, significant wall piece, and submit at least one public art proposal.

One thing I really want is more art community. Don’t get me wrong, I love my existing community but I’m feeling the need to be part of a larger experience in real life, not just on social media! This of course means I need to meet new people, go to shows, and approach and talk to strangers comfortably and graciously! Aaawwckkk!! This sounds terrifying!
It’s easy to think of a million new projects and pieces to work on but putting myself in unfamiliar situations and conversing naturally with people I don’t know is so much harder. I’m sure it will help me in both the short and long term. So I’m going to do it!

Winding my way through the choice of an art career is challenging. I have to chart the course, figure out the steps to get there, and review the progress made. While there are a lot of great resources to help me do this, I have to be the one to do the work.
So this year–GIANT steps! I’ll work on all these new challenges and make them fit into the wonderful life I already have and love.