I left it all behind. I went on a 5 day cruise, just me and the husband. We've done it before, three times over the last 5 years, cruising with the Barenaked Ladies. BUT- this was the first time- I left it all behind. No worries about the kid- she was safe and happy with the Grandparents- in good hands. No worries about work - I had turned in sketches for a book with realistic expectations for the feedback to come when I got back. I had an offer to work on an App, so I knew there were opportunities around the corner. And - the SCBWI conference was over and left me feeling secure that I am on the right track.
She said of "A fulfilling creative life": "It gives back. It gives back to you and to others. As you're engaged with your work and your world you'll be a better spouse, friends, sibling. You'll be more self-actualized."
Truer words were never spoken. We need to be a whole person to reach at least the point of tenuous balance. That balance you feel when doing yoga - you stick that foot up to the inside of your other knee in "Tree" pose... wobbily....wobbily..... Yessss!-Look at me! I'm a tree!....5,4,3,2,1.. WHOOPS! But you were there- and you'll get back- it's all in the doing and trying and being. - let's all breathe and sigh, then next pose. (next job, next kid's class party, next holiday...) (you get it?)
Her speech was all about not getting caught up in the long look ahead to what you want and what might be. I do it. Always wondering when will "It" happen for me.. a big break, a big book - When will I break through into Kid Lit Wonderland?... Instead of getting caught up in that long look ahead- look around you, be a part of your "now". If you can do that- you can enjoy the work, your family and yes- even the school trip you take where you are put in charge of 3 children to teach them book keeping.(I did this yesterday- never ask an artist to keep the books in an imaginary $250,000 enviromental non-profit. I have scarred these kids for life and they will never balance a check book)( I had fun in a weirdo, chicken with it's head cut off kinda way.)
Basically- The secret of life is - enjoy the now and always try to get better at all aspects of who you are. That's it - and 42. That's what I think it means to be self-actualized.
I'd like to say to Sara Zarr :"Baby, you're the greatest"
7 comments:
Cutest self portrait EVER! So glad you had a great time!
LOVE the self-portrait! And congrats on leaving it all behind, Kelly. That means you were able to fully recharge and come back with gusto!
Great post, Kelly. Well done on taking some 'real' time off and living in the now. It's always so hard not to look to the future and think 'what-ifs' but enjoying what you have right in front of you is probably the best way to avoid that. Great advice.
Thanks guys- it's important to keep the "eyes on the prize" and strive for that big goal, it's what keeps us going. We just have to remember to smell the roses and the fruity drinks too along the way....
Lovely illo:)Everyone needs to relax to see things in the right perspective.Happy you had good time:)
Love the illustration! I feel like I'm on the ship with you.. very clever.
Ditto to the other comments - totally adorable illustration. Just awesome.
True relaxation isn't always easy to achieve but SO worth it. I know, I spend most of my time in pursuit of it!! (I'm lazy.)
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