Thursday, October 27, 2016

An Ode to Rejuvenation

© amacvean Helmsley Castle Walled Garden

Do you ever feel a bit weary at times? You know, plugging along from day to day, feeling like you need a bit of something to refresh you within, but that mean ol' monster of guilt creeps in making you feel unworthy of taking any sort of break? I'm sure all of us feel this way at times. I certainly do. Being an illustrator requires a lot out of one both physically and emotionally. Throughout my creative journey, I've learned many things and one is making sure to take time out of my often busy schedule to simply care for me - and to be OK with it! Rejuvenation is important for the creative heart and soul. One cannot simply function (creatively) in this world without it. Learning to give ourselves permission, that gentle nudge to step away for that much needed rest from time to time is so important to live life to its fullest.

Taking in the small things around me every day has pretty much become a daily ritual for quite some time now. However, it can be easily forgotten or taken for granted when buried knee-deep in deadlines of various sorts. With a major book deadline completed and behind me, I'm now spending some time enjoying more of the little things in life. We've only a few weeks left here in England, so cherishing every morning at the coffee shop with my husband in this quaint, seaside town is even more important to me. Since being here, I've discovered everything and every place has something unique and often, beautiful to offer. Thus why I desire to soak it all in as much as possible.

I've also started a new routine of planning out each day more accordingly, including making a special list of everything I'm utterly grateful for - like family (near and far), old & new friends, a safe place to lay our head at night and so much more. This has been truly refreshing, bringing to light how I can better manage my day as an artist, wife, mother and friend.
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15 comments

  1. such wonderful advice you have given us all to take time, thank you for sharing this,

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  2. How quickly your time in England is passing by, sigh.

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  3. You have your priorities in place for sure, and an inspiration to all of us.

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  4. Excellent post, and I agree not only should we allow ourselves such time but by doing so we are better people and as such better able to support those around us. I hope you enjoy your last few weeks in the UK. I have really enjoyed finding your blog and viewing your art.

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  5. beautiful words with flow of true spontaneity .to say what heart wants to say is an ability that has less because it is also an art of presenting a painting of your inner world with so simplicity and effortlessly .
    that is i see here
    agree with each bit you said and adore

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  6. I know it all too well Alexandra. Especially this time of year with the schedule of making that we keep. PLEASE enjoy every moment there while you can!!

    I think one of the reasons I became the sort of wandering spirit I am is that while there are certainly beautiful aspects to "becoming part of a place", and calling it home, I have always tried to maintain the outsiders vision. Not getting too close to the inner drama of the towns and people I live in, with and around. Then, when I've moved on, I never keep contact with too much of the past with the exception of a few very special souls. . . There will always be people to fill the time I have in the future.

    With Sofie, we can do that together and it creates a lovely bubble from which to exist and maintain that distance. It allows us to not get caught up on things like the current election, the news, the general drama of the world around us and to focus on the small, the beautiful and the magical. I like maintaining a "stranger in paradise" feel as much as possible, even where I live. :)

    So DO indulge init all you can while you have it at your beck and call there!!!! :)

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  7. yes, I agreed with you, we all need some time out to just simply wander or just do what relaxes us.

    enjoy your day.

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  8. I love the idea of making gratitude list ♥

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  9. Such a lovely post and important sentiments...I need to remember to not get upset when I can't find time just for me when I'm getting pulled in all directions...love your illustrations. :)

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  10. Lots of lovely thoughts here, thank you. Yes, it is so important to enjoy and notice and appreciate the little things in our life as well as the big things.

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  11. I am so busy, taking a break is becoming almost impossible :p one because I don't want to fail uni and two, yep I feel guilty taking a break :/

    very pretty spot in the photo :D

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  12. Very wise words my friend!!! Thank you! Keep being you! Big Hugs!

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  13. this post came at a perfect time! i needed the reminder that it's ok to take an artistic break to refresh yourself. i've been feeling guilty for doing things that are not art related. it was time to recharge myself!

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  14. How sweet this post is and very wise. I'm glad you take some time for you.

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  15. Enjoy the rest of your stay, Alex. Make every moment count! Lovely post as always.

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