A continuation from this post; I just wanted to add a little and touch upon a few more things. First off I was so elated by the comments and the emails I received from talking about working on your own; the isolation; and the moments of feeling a bit too alone. Honestly after my children left home, I thought I would be so excited to leave the nest and get a big grown up job; I did do this for awhile; and then my heart yearned for the comforts of my own schedule, and my creative juices wanted to flow. It's great to be free of someone else's schedules and demands; however I found myself feeling really isolated, with no children about and having to be structured enough to work on my own. It's been a year now since my last outside of the house job; and honestly I am still settling in and getting to know myself.
Something very important I have learned while being in this independent life, is keeping your mind alert and strong. It's very essential to keep your mind stimulated. While working on art, it's very draining, you put your whole body and soul into your craft and it can be quite depleting; however it isn't exactly what I would call mind stimulated. Some of you may disagree, but with me it's such a detached feeling (creating), that my mind is somewhat mushy after working on a piece. So to keep focused and alert, I try to maintain some sort of intellect about me. I not only have vintage sheet music for working on art pieces, but also actual use it to play some tunes on my keyboard. It makes my mind study and focuses on rhythms and beats and counting.
Whether you are a stay-at-home artist, mom, creative soul, writer, etc., take time out of your day to enlighten your brain. I enjoy doing crossword puzzles every now and then, wow talk about making you think, and you will always learn a new word. If you live in an area that has a Toastmasters, that would be a great outlet. Bible studies are always so very good. When my kids were young I volunteered in their classrooms to help the teacher with tasks. Back then I was just as smart as a fifth grader, now not so sure! :) This is election time, lots of political things going on, I try and keep up with current events, and one could always volunteer for their local political groups. Just in case I have to carry on a conversation I want to know my p's and q's of what's going on in our world. Take music lessons, or once I took a Interpersonal communications class, great way to chit chat. Anyway, you understand how important it is to stay smart. Please leave you suggestions too. We are here to network and ideas are so wonderful to hear.
My prayer for you is a dream
big enough to capture your heart,
bright enough to illuminate your mind
and deep enough to satisfy your spirit
May you find the strength to pursue it
and be enriched by it across the years.
Author Unknown
