I cannot believe my first art show in my entire life is one week away.
I am so excited, so happy, so greatful…and at the same time, I’m a nervous wreck.
I feel like I’m going to puke!
At age 39 I decided to let go of my fear, anxiety & perfectionism and walk through the fire. I’ve always wanted to declare myself to be an artist, but I was truly afraid of criticism, failure and good old-fashioned not being liked.
17 months ago it got to the point that not living my dreams felt way worse than any fear I could ever imagine.
It was enough to get me to jump off the cliff and into the unknown. I guess you would call it a “coming out” of sorts.
My personality is not one to be subtle. I am sure I could have dabbled for a year in my basement. Locked the door and not let any one know my thoughts and feelings. But, if you are going to jump, you should JUMP BIG. right? Why not make a public decree that you are going to create a creative work every day for a year and share all of your creative angst about it at the same time? You know, share my imperfections, my mistakes, my lessons, my triumphs, my successes…
But through it all, I still kept wondering… why?
I know now. Why would I share this?
It’s because I know I’m not alone and I wanted to shed light on this.
I know there are many of us out there afraid to tell our inner most secrets. Who we are and what we truly want to be.
My husband sent me this quote:
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
A return to love
Be Creative Mary 
FABULOUS, Mary! your works are stunning! I love the vibrant colors. The framing IS perfection. Fantastic Paintings! And great photography, too. And wonderful insights! I am a fan. Good luck!
Everything looks wonderful Mary, Have a brilliant time at your exhibition!
Thanks Caren!
I betcha you feel better now. Congratulations! I so enjoyed it! Love, pml