In November my boyfriend goes hunting for 2 weeks and I use this time as a retreat for myself. I organize everything I can to get ready for the new year. This morning I was organizing my stash of bead and listening to Jim Brown’s podcast Removing Your Mask (Oct 29, 2013) and I realized that I am still living in “my should’s”.

I have lived most of my life trying to be the “good girl” and for those that know me I, I don’t do that very well. I am not good at living up to the standards I think I need to do, that brings a lot of guilt into my life. I’m getting the feeling that this is going to resonate with a lot of women!

And then I end up like this page I did because I will fail every time I try to be something I’m not.

What’s the remedy? Getting to know yourself and what brings you energy & contentment.

How do you do that? Spend quality time with yourself and treat you like you are your best friend.

My plan for Your Inner Art in 2016 is a year of helping you get to know yourself better so you can hear your intuition loud & clear. I want to help you get organized so you have a fresh mind & space, lead you in a year long practice of slowing down, getting creative, and loving yourself more.

One thing that really hit me in Jim’s podcast was if you’re doing something and it’s really hard because it’s something that isn’t really you – listen to your gut. Get out if you’re not getting anywhere.

The thing that really isn’t working for me is trying to produce art as a product. There has only been 1 weekend that I sold my jewelry and was “easy” successful. I just don’t feel “right” when I count on my art (and art classes) to provide me my living income.

I graduated in 2013 with my art therapy degree and have been climbing up hill trying to make money and at every turn it’s hard & frustrating.

Last night I was thinking and I want to take a year off of trying to make my living as an art teacher & artist. I’m going to free myself from that heavy bondage and do my blogging, altered book directions, and a healing art journal for free. I feel better all ready!!!!!

I’m tired of trying to figure out what to charge for and what to “give away” because I just want to help people love themselves more through the creative process because it’s been such a magical activity in my life.

I am still going to do my art just because and if anyone wants custom pieces that’s great but I’m letting this go for a year!

I hope you’ll join me this year because it’s going to be fucking amazing!!!

Love and creativity to you all – Cathy