2013 Lesson

“Our culture made a virtue of living only as extroverts. We discouraged the inner journey, the quest for a center. So we lost our center and have to find it again.” Anaïs Nin
I'll be honest,I'm a loner, a homebody.I enjoy some interaction but for the most part,I prefer to be with my family.  I don't like to share much about myself and in social settings,I would much rather crawl under a rock. I'm most definitely NOT a social butterfly,in fact I often say the wrong things and when introduced to someone new I overcompensate my shy demeanor with a loud and often times ridiculous hello.I like to work hard and go after my dreams, but in my soft spoken way. I like to do things on my own, in my own way, in my own time

This past year, on this road of self discovery,I realized at last,that I'm ok with all of that! Thankful for the journey and the lessons, I've identified who and what I am, and I am no longer trying to hide it. But through the process I somehow managed to come out of my shell and realized that I had a second whisper that slowly crawled it's way up into my heart. The need of stepping outside my comfort zone...something that as an introvert I find very difficult...but none the less I knew it had to be done and it could only be achieved by stepping out from behind a computer screen.

So when deciding to step out of my comfort zone this year by teaching live, this was a very big deal for me. In doing so I realized the shy quiet person inside me,also needed to see and feel the kindness of others,the hand holding and encouragement building....that it's ok to feel awkward in social settings,that, even though I want to throw up when people are looking at me,...it can also be so very rewarding when sharing, laughing, and understanding with like minded individuals. Stepping out of my comfort zone,has given this quiet little soul courage to continue even when all I want to do is turn back. From my quiet place, I can still shake the world in my own gentle way, but by stepping out every now and then my voice becomes clear from the inside out and the shaking becomes a vigorous quake,creating ripples in the ocean of my spirit.

 My quest for 2014 is in finding balance.  My strong need for the inward journey as well as the open traveler,often making mistakes and saying the wrong things but learning as I go. 

May you find peace and balance in this new year.

"Long ago God drew a circle in the sand exactly around the spot where you are standing right now. You were never not coming here. This was never not going to happen.” — Elizabeth Gilbert

Here's to making every minute count,

Comments

Maria said…
Wishing you all the balance you need for 2014! Happy New Year!
Chris said…
Ahh little Art-Sister-friend, it's been a giant joy for me to follow your progress into a huge life of creation, growth and teaching. You've been brave enough to "own" your creative passion and fly with it. Flying all through the scary atmosphere to unknown lands, new friends, new expectations. It'll be fun for me to witness your new adventures in 2014!
Unknown said…
Love this post! I am the same kind of person! I look forward to seeing more of your art in the new year . :)
Happy New Year !!
Hope Amen said…
Wonderful post Cat. I fall into the same group. Thanks for sharing from your heart. Love all you do and want to wish you a blessed New Year. xo
kj said…
A second whisper: that is a powerful image

Cat, some of this made me smile because extroverts tend to think that inteoverts would rather be extroverts :-)

Some folks get their fuel from other people; some from solitude. For some sociability is a learned skill, and mastery feels good. Just like embracing moments alone feels good

I'm rambling. I'm delighted you are delighted.

Love
kj
Anonymous said…
isn't it marvelous when the higher self reveals in that quiet way....I found teaching so incredibly rewarding, that it was equal parts learning too. I am sure you feel that way too. You are blossoming because you have stayed so true to yourself, the only way to go. Love ya. xox
Amanda Summer said…
I am an introvert who can do the extrovert thing as well. Good for you dear Cat for stepping outside your comfort zone and learning more about who you are and what you are capable of! Sending many blessings to you and your family for a very happy and healthy New Year and may all your creative wishes come true.

xoxo
Amanda
Cindy said…
Cat, I think we share so much - surprisingly I'm not an extrovert either. I love being alone while I do enjoy the company of friends. I have found my boundaries - social media like FB really isn't for me, while Instagram I love. I taught for the first time in person this past year as well and though it is not the main path for me, I really enjoyed connecting with like-minded jewelry designers in a small class setting. You have truly taken your creative talents and soared in 2013 - I have watched one success after another! I'm looking forward to seeing where you go next - you will surely touch many people with your art and big heart.
Terry F said…
I am so glad you are teaching live! You really do a wonderful job! You are so incredibly talented. I hope you contine to feel more and more confident!
Xoxo.
Mystic Indigo said…
Wonderful focus word, Cat....looks like this year is getting off to a beautiful and balanced start for you!!

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