Wabi Sabi

 So, let me start this off by saying. I am not a blogger... or well I guess I technically am now, though I've never been one before. I have zero expectations for this blog, other than to use it as an exercise in articulating myself and as practice in "putting myself out there". 

Maybe it's the pandemic and end of the world as we know it that has spurred me on, but I've recently felt this... pull... to not hold myself back any longer. I imagine it sounds a lot like the voice that sings to Elsa in Frozen 2! lol. Like many other creatives out there, I tend to be the only one in my own way. Whether that's painting, writing, socializing, emoting, sharing, etc... the list goes on and on. I'm the one that holds myself back, no one else. 

Recently, I had a chance to open up to someone that I've had feelings for for a very long time. Long story short, the feelings weren't mutual. LOL, but that's ok! I was bummed, of course, but after a good cry I feel nothing but overwhelmingly proud of myself for truly representing ME and voicing my feelings. It's an amazing feeling! And it got me thinking, what would it look like if I applied this same authenticity into every aspect of my life? The quote on my homepage is, 

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.  - Henry Van Dyke

I have loved this quote for most of my life, yet I feel like I've lived most of it as a quiet little bird. I know I am creative, I know I'm driven to learn and keep improving, I know I'm not the best but I know I'm worth putting myself out there. So, here we are! Giving this (along with many other new endeavors) a go! 

Being authentic is messy and hard and might even open up more doors with more messes hidden, but I'm ready to tackle this Spring cleaning. The Japanese have a term for finding beauty in imperfections, it's called Wabi Sabi. And the basic principle is to accept your imperfections and make the most of life. So here we go, and let's see where this Wabi Sabi life takes me! Or better yet, where I take it! ;)