The End of an Adventure

It is so easy not to do the things that make us feel uncomfortable. To make excuses and stay home and avoid venturing out into the world, and putting yourself out there. I struggle with this so much, finding it so tempting to convince myself not to do things, but somehow I usually manage to take the leap.

I should be clear though that it’s not as if, once I am doing the workshop, or the residency, or the trip, or whatever it might be that everything falls magically into place. I find myself feeling incredibly shy, inadequate, and lonely. Every day is difficult because every day I am growing and pushing myself which is really hard.

This residency gave me the opportunity to reconnect with Italy in a way I have been longing to do for some time. To be here for two weeks, speaking the language, meeting new people and working on my art has been an incredible gift. I have felt excited, elated, but also at times lonely and have missed my family terribly, but…
I am so glad I came.

My work has grown and so have I. I wanted to write this now, so that the next time I am doubting myself and going on one of these trips, or I’m at the midway point and wishing desperately to be home, I am reminded that this will be the feeling and the reward at the end. The satisfaction of working through something difficult and making it our the other side with a joyful heart, ready to leap again.