I wanted to have a recipe to share with you all. Except for a few rare occasions, I always share a recipe when I post. It’s something I’ve been stubborn about. I’ve been hearing a lot about perfectionists in recent days, and didn’t think I was one.
I’ve changed my mind. I think we all are. Anytime we think our house is a mess, any time we feel guilty for not going to “that thing” and stay home instead, anytime we beat ourselves up for not doing the task we said we’d do three months ago — these are little bits of perfectionism, rattling around in our heads.
I’ve been paying more attention to themes in my life these days, a lovely result of taking the Soul Caller Training with Amy Oscar. A few of the themes I’ve noticed that keep popping up for me are:
power
alignment
opening the heart
vulnerability
growth
It’s interesting, because when you start paying attention to something, and giving it room in your heart and mind, it starts to pop up more often.
I’m absolutely in love with this recent TED Talk from Brene Brown. The best quote from it:
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Brene Brown
She is so right. When it comes down to it, that’s all being human is. You can’t have anything worth having without vulnerability.
Following my theme of opening my heart, I launched my print newsletter this week, Veggie Love. I made a real mess doing it, cutting and pasting and cursing at my printer. I loved it. I finally spent some time in my office, creating. And while I sit back and wait for the first person to subscribe, I remember this:
"Why wait to be paid to do something that you love? Make art for the love of it and money generally follows." -- Julia Cameron
And I’ve learned something else. One creative act leads to another. And another. And another. Sometimes, all we need to do is take the first step.
I’ll leave you with one last thing. In my Soul Caller class, one of our ongoing assignments has been to make a “More Of” List. Such a simple idea: write down the things you want more of in your life.
Here’s mine. I’d love to hear yours.
time spent with Curt. time spent with family. time spent with friends. time spent creating. playtime. art. cooking. outdoors. listening. making. organization. reading. learning. biking. exploring. adventuring. following whims. wandering. surfing. by the sea. traveling. trying new foods. painting my nails. getting massages. acupuncture. vintage/retro clothes. a house that is an extension of my soul. a thriving vegetable garden. singing. playing instruments. meditating. writing letters. listening to records. watching. community. face time. time spent at home (minneapolis, northern MN, california, new zealand, paris & new orleans). old things. graciousness of Spirit. comfort in my own skin. confidence. moxie. sex appeal. belief in myself. math skills. writing skills. photography skills. role models. connections with other like-minded people. physical activity. sex. live music. theatre. dance. walks. tea. music. productivity. rest. qigong. movement. tennis. not driving. scootering. clothes that reflect who i am. sewing. baking. TED talks. lectures. farmers' markets.
Best Of
One comment
Thanks for a lovely article, Nicole! It seems to me that the habit of creating things (or not) has a lot of inertia. It takes a lot to get rolling, but less to keep it going.