Embracing the Artistic Journey: Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose

From 9-5 to Freedom: My Path to Artistic Fulfillment

My daughter and I living it up at Meow Wolf!

I am a person who is blessed with the opportunity to live my life pursuing my passions instead of being stuck in a 9-5 job. I love being able to wake up every morning and leisurely plan out my day—from working in the garden to building my art career and spending time with my family. That being said, this life was not just handed to me. I did not marry rich or inherit a large sum of money. I was not set up by wealthy parents or win the lottery. So how did I get here?

Finding Meaning Beyond Material Wealth

My husband and I at my first art show

I am the first to admit that I am not religious in the traditional sense, but I am spiritual. I believe that we are all meant to relish our time here NOW and that our goal should not only be to grow and improve ourselves but also to share this life experience with others in a way that can enhance our collective consciousness.

Life and the world will continue to go on long after we are gone, and I want to be a part of making it better for every living creature that comes after me. I believe that the universe, creator, God (whatever you want to call it) rewards those who do just that.

So when I left my job as a teacher and focused on healing my soul and creating paintings that had never existed before, I began to notice things just falling into place for me.

It’s kind of like when Christians say God helps those who help themselves.

Lessons from the Universe: How Trusting My Journey Led to Opportunities

A beautiful piece of our world

My creativity and soul growth led to opportunities like getting into my first gallery, being offered to pilot a program that teaches artists to market themselves, paintings that sell when I need the money the most, the opportunity to live rent-free at a drop zone where my husband can work the job of his dreams, and being accepted into several art exhibitions in Dallas!

These are just a few examples of the many instances where the universe has provided for me in order to keep me creating. It’s how I know I’m on the right path.

Overcoming Creative Lulls: Reigniting My Passion for Art

One of the paintings that got me going again! (in progress)

That’s why, when I stepped away from dutifully painting every day this summer, I saw a lull in all of my progress. I began to feel a little depressed about it. Who wouldn’t? I went from making all of this progress and getting all these dopamine hits from accomplishing things to a depressive disappointment in myself. Which makes sense, right?

When the kids all went back to school, I finally dove back in. I cleaned old paint palettes, reorganized, and made a game plan. Most importantly, I started painting again. And wouldn’t you know it? When I checked my email, I found an offer to be interviewed for a story on local entrepreneurs in an Austin magazine! The universe answered again!

The Power of Saying Yes: Embracing Opportunities and Taking Leaps

A glimpse of the property i'm blessed to live on.

You may think I’m a little lofty or sounding a bit hippy. You may think I’m ridiculous because, of course, if you work hard, good things will come. But never in my life, while working a draining 9-5, did life just seem to unfold for me. It really does seem like magic sometimes.

I challenge you to create and follow your passion, whatever it may be. See what the universe throws at you. But make sure to answer its call and take the big chances and leaps. Say YES! Because if you don’t, how could you ever continue down the path of a creative? What will your artistic journey be?