Day 20: What I've Learned



Well.   It's early in the morning on the final day Day 20 of Wiping the Slate Clean.   Saturday will begin 31 Days of Art, following along with The Nester's campaign for 31 Days of Change.   And here's one of the things I've learned in my 20 Days of Wiping the Slate Clean.

  1. It is not possible to completely wipe the slate clean in 20 days!
  2. But doing something is better than doing nothing. 
  3. Buying more things when I'm not ready to use them gums up the works.   This includes art supplies, books, and fabric and frozen broccoli. 
  4. Getting rid of things that are not needed opens up pathways for living life and making art - literally and figuratively.
  5. I need 2 hours of flex time for doing what is needed for my family.   Every day there is an errand that needs to be done that is not art related.  I need to plan for the unexpected.
  6. It would be better to make art every day for one hour than every 3 weeks do a marathon of 40 hours.  I think.   I'm going to try that.  
  7. I will make some good art and I will make some bad art.  
  8. I will give up guilt.   Sometimes when I'm doing one thing (laundry) I feel guilty that I'm not making art.   Or if I'm making art I feel bad that I'm not doing dishes.   This is unproductive and adds to stress.
  9. It's okay to have a wide range of interests.   But I need to be realistic about what I can actually accomplish.    If I want to make slipcovers for furniture that means I will not be doing something else. 
  10. I need to do more autism research at this time.  That takes time, too.  



starts on October 1st! 

Well, that's it for now.  Saturday is the beginning of my 31 Days of Art.   I'm going to work on art every day, even if it's only for one hour.  I'll be taking pictures and sharing the process.  :-)




3 comments:

JDConwell said...

Wise words, and well earned. I think you spent a valuable 20 days.

Cheryl @ Bingle Bears said...

I've enjoyed reading your journey these past 20 days and am truly looking forward to the next 31 days. Thank you for sharing--I know your words have helped more people than just yourself.

Warmly,
Cheryl

Dixie Redmond said...

Aw, Cheryl and Jan - thanks so much for leaving a comment of encouragement. Cheryl, it makes me feel good that my own searching might help someone else. :-)

Tomorrow is the big day. I've been sick but come what may I *will* make art tomorrow.


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden