Start with what you have
I am a dreamer, which used to lead to hours of me fantasizing about the life that I want, becoming overwhelmed by the journey and ultimately paralyzed by the enormity of it all. In the last year, I have slowly re-trained myself by rewiring my brain into small steps towards big goals. The progress didn’t seem evident at first, and there was always something else to do. But, reflecting back to where I started, and what I wanted to accomplish – I can now check some pretty big things off my list!
Exhibit A – This blog! 8 years ago I came up with the idea for DoodleOntheStars to be my lifestyle and wellness blog as well as a house for all my artistic endeavors… 7 years later I had tons of writing, loads of ideas, and no blog. I spent so much time researching domain hosting, SEO optimization and other successful bloggers; but when would I start? Finally, something clicked, and I begin by making a decision, to just start! So what if it was the wrong hosting site? So what if I hated everything about what I created? I NEEDED to start, to gain some momentum and to have something accomplished that fueled me to keep going. The hardest part is always starting & treading in those unchartered waters. If we don’t, we will never know what we’re up against. I needed a body of work under my belt and a place to send prospective clients, grant makers, and any & all prospects. I needed to feel that I could create something and follow through with executing my own vision. And so, we are here, still a work in progress, but here. I am still learning and dreaming but I now have something to say for myself and a place to house my work, while being a resource along the way for other aspiring creatives.
Exhibit B – My home. When I first moved to Los Angeles and into my boyfriend’s apartment, I hit a slump. Yes, it was beautiful to walk around and see the palm trees, to feel the warmth & sunshine of LA spring, but I felt less than inspired by our space. I envisioned an artistic home with loads of plants, artful hangings and a reflection of what I imagined our whimsical LA dream life to be. Without a job and less than ideal funds I didn’t know how I would beautify his simple man cave into a home for two. Our very different lifestyles were often the cause of household tension. So many times, I felt disparaged and unable to execute my cozy dream and resented him for not being on board with my every vision. Little by little I began making progress in small spaces. I learned to communicate with him and incorporate his environmental wants & needs into my vision. It was a huge lesson in communication, but also follow through. We both had to shed things to make room and figure out the best way to showcase our personalities in a shared living space. Eventually, he began to trust my instinct for functionality and aesthetic and allowed me to take the lead. Now the next hurdle was financial. I didn’t have a huge budget to do a total revamp of furniture and décor, but I started where I could, with plants. Each Trader Joes trip I purchased a small plant for a specific area of the house and begin to fulfill my wish, even propagating those plants to get more bang for my buck. The visual quality of our home began to improve, and I could also feel the change in us. I started to repurpose art work, greeting cards and old picture frames. I spray painted lamps and even redid his old wardrobe giving our bedroom a notable upgrade. The more he saw, the more enthused and accepting he became; now we were building a home together. The dream continues, but the lessons in creativity and communication have given me a clear path to execute my vision and live in a creative, cozy space for two. I had to start somewhere, and I am so happy with the progress in our home.
Looking at these two major changes gives me faith for the future and appreciation for myself and what I already have in my life. Having an online arts hub and an inspiring home are blessings, and I am proud to say I worked for them. A year ago, I was lost – mapping out this very road and feeling overwhelmed by the steps ahead. One small accomplishment at a time and we can achieve anything. So, I encourage you to dream, envision, and then map it out! Don’t get overwhelmed by the seemingly daunting journey. Just take one step, and then another. You may stumble at times, and even slow down; but then you re-route, and move beyond. Hold onto the intention and desire. Be creative in solutions and START. The rest is making its’ way to you!
