Looking Back

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since I stepped out of a Corporate Career to pursue my Creative Calling! A year of pursuit ... taking stock, counting the cost and as they say,

'Living the Dream!'

As I look back and reflect on the year I’ve had, and how things have changed, I not only reflect on the journey, but realize how much I’ve grown, and renewed my mind. People would say, "so what do you do all day now that you're retired. You must be so bored."

In the beginning I felt the need to defend myself, as if pursuing my creative calling was a crime. I still use an agenda, set goals, meet deadlines, weekly, monthly, and annually. The biggest change is I've doubled down on my identity and living out who I think I've been created and called to be. I have no interest, nor business, pursuing who I am not. We all have different callings, talents, and purpose. Some folks are better at designing and manufacturing inventions, where I have talents to create and draw that others don’t.

For me, it's time to walk the talk. We've all seen the movie, Dirty Dancing, no longer will I be put in a corner. It's time to dance! I've never worked harder, except maybe growing up on the farm, and I love it! Don't get me wrong. It’s nice to manage my own schedule with freedom to choose my own projects. It's been very much a mindset change. I am now the artist, entrepreneur, marketer, receptionist … well, everything. I’m it. It’s a challenge, yet also exhilarating.

I’m grateful for many amazing people I’ve learned from along the way. I was inspired by a great friend and mentor that said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." Using that as fuel to dream, I walk through the open door ahead into the bright unknown.

I’ve learned, too many people look back too long, only to get stuck, never pursuing what lights their path. Getting bogged down, stressed, and the wind sucked out of their sails by the mundane pressures of life. I’ve been reminded all we need to do is face forward and step, by faith-filled step, explore the sweet sunrise. Each new day brings new possibilities and challenges, both keeping us alive and sometimes humbled. I’m learning more and more as I take delight in My Creator, the Ultimate Artist, He will give me the desires of my heart as promised.

As I head into the possibilities of tomorrow, I hope to encourage others to take a step of faith to step into their destiny. We’ve all been created with a specific purpose. The world needs what you have to offer. I challenge you to explore your gifts and talents and figure out how you can use them to bless others. Community is key and the more we use our skills, talents and giftings together, the more we can achieve to make this world a better place. Dust off those dreams, explore your heart and mind, then pursue your version of “Every Creation Begins With Imagination.”