CONFESSION: I hate the word hustle. I say this, all while admitting that I used to live by it. I've come to strongly detest that word and everything it represents; more ✔️'s on my checklist, more accomplishments, more, more, more!
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I don't think it's coincidence that all of my best work has been born out of periods of rest. Every aspect of my painting process requires careful thought and patience. Rest allows for reflection. Working out of rest helps me to listen, stop, take pause and observe. My painting practice is deeply meditative. Hustling, on the other hand, gave me permission to let 'my' needs supersede anyone elses - not exactly the best recipe for a marriage or motherhood, am I right?! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not against hard work (just ask any of my peeps!). But I think most of us hustling eventually start asking, 'isn't there more than this?'. I certainly did.
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I found that if you really want more, the answer is 'less'. I'd rather paint less paintings, but have kids that feel loved and known. I'd rather make less money, (did she just say that?) but be rich in friends and invest the time needed to build a strong marriage. I want more beauty, more sunsets, more time spent staring at then ocean..: this is the more that I crave. So I'm curious, do you love the hustle? Do you hate it? Are you needing to carve out more time for rest in order to sustain your creativity? If so, do you have ideas or suggestions for us? Let me know your thoughts! I'd love to hear from you!