This So-Called Life

Life has been astounding lately. Simply delightful. Yesterday I walked around just telling everybody how delightful of a day it was. During therapy I decided that was the word of the day.

The Act of Creating is Inherently Good

A red background with words repeated across the canvas saying “create without compromise. Art has no limitations” set in a shop window of a gray brick building.

I was walking in the Crossroads in Kansas City, Missouri today and saw this in a shop window. I saw this right after having a conversation with my sibling where I brought up the idea that any art you enjoy making is good. Full stop. It doesn’t have to sell. It doesn’t have to be “approved” by any certain person in order for it to be good. Just by enjoying the act of creation, the art is good.

I sat down and traces lines of India ink across a piece of paper. I drove through the Crossroads and West Bottoms and looked at the shape of buildings. The windows and doors that were used in the design of the building. Why did they make those choices? What kind of building would I place that door in? What feeling comes up when I see that door or window?

Inspiring Events

A man sitting next to me drawing an art deco style bookmark. A friend giving me a tour of the art in her home. A friend showing a picture of a favorite tattoo she made that day. The shape of a red door with blue square decoration set into the side of a building.

A drawing of a woman done in pencil with flecks of black ink spread across the image.

The things we come across in our life can be seen as mundane. They can be seen as boring.

However, we only have one life.

Intentions

I am going into this year with the intentions of “I will grow steadily.” Today my intention is “eat food that energizes me.”

Seaweed painted in ink and watercolor in a spiral bound notebook, laying atop a paper towel with watercolor paints sitting to the side.

An app was recommended to me where I get to set a daily intention. It’s mainly a meditation app. Meditation aside, for the first time I am not feeling guilty if I don’t login each day. If I don’t set an intention each day. When I choose to use the app, I do. When I do not want to, I don’t.

To me this process of thought has been inspiring.

I don’t create because I’ll feel guilty if I don’t do it daily.

Who ever said we have to complete a task daily for that task to be worthy of your attention?

Final Thoughts

What are your new years intentions?
What inspired you today?
What time of day inspires you the most?

As you go forth with your day, try to doodle something. Take a picture of something that makes you smile. Eat something that feels delightful.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life.

~Kiera J. Gerety

Kiera Gerety