THOUGHTS FOR AUGUST
A Season of Reflection
Welcome to my August blog. I’ve always written in a journal to organize my thoughts. It’s where new ideas for illustrations and paintings begin. It’s also where I work through problems or simply celebrate life and the world around me.
The Heart of Summer
Now we enter August — the eighth month of the year. Some call it the peak of summer, a time when families take vacations before school begins, savoring the last pleasures the season offers…It’s also a gentle wind-down, as brief hints of fall appear in harvests and subtle cooling temperatures. Of course, that’s if you live in the northern hemisphere. Here, we’re still getting the brunt of the heat, while the southern hemisphere enjoys winter’s cool air. No matter where you live, August marks the beginning of seasonal change.
I’m posting today because, although I’m not slowing down, I’ve learned to embrace the life that’s been given to me. I’m no longer chasing the big dreams the way I used to — instead, I’m satisfied with where I am now.
When I look back on my life, I see all the people who have entered and passed through, just like the seasons. Each one for good, bad, or indifferent, helped shape who I am today.
Regrets & Lessons
Do I have regrets? Yes. Mostly, I wish I had taken more chances. I could blame this person or that, but in the end, it came down to me.
Self-sabotage? Absolutely.
Why? A lack of confidence.
Have I learned from it? Without question.
Finding Balance
Now, I feel like things have finally balanced out. I’m still ambitious, but instead of trying to please others or make a name for myself, I’m doing it for me.
I focus on the whole rather than everyone else’s expectations. I listen to my subconscious now and understand that I need to take care of myself first — only then can I help others. It’s a new practice, and a constant battle, but I’m getting better at setting priorities. I’ve slowed down enough to breathe, to sit and think each day, even if only for five minutes, and let my mind flow.
What’s Ahead
A new book is launching in September, Autumn Days and Spooky Nights. Thanks to my dear friend and digital creator, Rosie Tovi. I wouldn’t have succeeded in this latest literary venture without her.
A Final Thought
I have finally realized, my art moves and grows with the seasons. I have tried to learn to have a quiet moment to give myself the time to breathe, to go into my subconscious and my creativity follows. My thoughts end with this. If you are struggling with creativity or anything in your life, take a step back, sometimes even 2 steps back. Sit down, bring a pad of paper, have a cup of coffee or tea, to write or sketch. Sometimes I will sit, as I did the other day at the local diner, with my sketchpad wide open and just stared at it for a longest while. I thought, I don’t have anything to say… then with a sentence about my garden, a whole story began. Try it, don’t force it… and see where it leads you.
Signing off until next time,
Kim
