Here we go; words of encouragement for the almost new year. Yes I know it is February 2, 2012, that is why I included almost and all I have to say is, "What &%$! box?" Have you ever seen it? I haven’t, so what is there to step out of?
Being a religious or spiritual person, if you will, I am usually a big believer in having faith in things unseen. In this case, however, "The Box" is just a figment of our insecurities. It can't possibly, remotely or even slightly be attributed to the imagination because it is simply too mundane to be from a place so magical or divine. Even the word is beautiful as she escapes your thoughts and floats around the room taking you to wonderful realms only possible in her company.
Have you ever seen a mime try to get out of his “box”? Apparently, so I’m told, watching this can be annoying, since, as I understand it, no one on the planet likes a mime. (I’m not really sure why; and if no one likes a mime why do mimes still exist?) … Anyway, "The Box" we are in is about as real and probably more annoying to ourselves and especially to our loved ones, as the "beloved" mime’s. Personally, I think the mime is getting a raw deal; at least he is trying to get out of his "box".
So, here are my words of complete and utter wisdom (I know I don't buy it either.) for the year. Just quit being afraid of literally nothing, a non-existent box! Do "It"; whatever "It" is that you want to do. You will find that not only are the sides of the box easy to break through, you will find they don't exist anywhere but inside your own head. Once you clear that ridiculously large dust collector out there will be so much more room for all the wonderful simple, complex, silly, serious, life changing, trivial, non-earth or earth shattering things you have been dreaming of doing. Oh by the way, you don't have to know how to go about doing any of it. Just start. Sometimes my lovely little family wishes I would step back inside my box. Too bad it disintegrated long ago.
Are you ready for the magic spell, those few words that will rid you of "The Box"? I have repeated them a thousand times and I know family and friends are tired of hearing them, but they make up the most freeing, insignificant, little giant phrase ever spoken to me. Are you ready? Drum roll please!
While studying watercolor with a wonderful watercolorist, Donna Barnes Roberts, I was worried about ruining a piece I had been working on for quite some time. After all if ruined, it would be gone, time would have been wasted and I would have failed. It was at this moment of frustration when Donna spoke those magical few words. "If you are not throwing away ninety-eight percent of what you do, you are not learning." It was as if the heavens opened that day! I could hear a chorus of angels singing. (Okay, Okay, very slight exaggeration.) ….but, if those words do not make for the most liberating phrase you have heard in a very long time, I’ll start eating candy again. Don’t tempt me now!
Go for it!!! I don't see a box, do you?
Until next time...
