One of my abstract paintings is called Everchange. I made it at the end of summer when fall was around the corner, and I was thinking of that change to come, and dwelling on changes we go though all the time in our lives. And I think this painting has a happy tone to it…like it’s happy and accepting of this change.
When someone who saw this painting at the Art Tour, and liked it and asked me for my inspiration behind this piece, I told them about embracing the change that I was thinking of at the time. And then I told them the name of the piece.
That person was taken aback. I was surprised that they were. So I had to ask them why it was surprising. And they said, well, change is hard. And people generally dread change. So the person did not expect such a happy looking painting to be about change.
Then I was thinking, yes, change is hard. But it could also be exciting. Not every change needs to be full of dread and nervousness. When we know change is coming, why not embrace it and lean into it.
A small change we all go through everyday is wake up and get out of bed, and face a whole new day without knowing what’s in store for us. The way I make getting out of bed easier for me is to think about what is the most exciting thing that I am going to be doing or participating in today. It could be trying a new exercise, or going on a coffee date with someone, or starting a new book (or finishing a great book), or knowing the weather is going to be amazing…anything really, small or big. And it’s that exciting thing that makes getting out of bed a treat for me. Because unless I am ready for it, that exciting thing won’t happen right?
And similarly for the seasons. Yes, fall does turn into winter, and we can do nothing about it. Maybe we can go on a vacation, but that only lasts a few weeks to a few months of winter. But hey, I get to wear my cozy sweaters, and make mulled wine, and read lots of books- how exciting! And then there’s Christmas and Holidays to look forward to.
Life goes on, with or without big changes. But changes give us a chance to be creative, to try on different things, different identities, to learn new stuff. How can I make the best of this change that has fallen on my lap? It sure is scary, but it also is a new way for me to grow. To become more me by discovering what I can make of this change.
COVID lockdowns was one of the big changes of our recent lives, for most of us. It made an artist of me- not a dabbler, but one who wants to live doing this stuff everyday. It was a gift of that time at home, and space in my brain. I am forever thankful for it. Yes, I was lucky to not have to deal with death, or burnout working in hospitals or any of that. And I am thankful for that. But I am also thankful to have made good use of that time to move my needle in life a little bit forward with welcoming that change with excitement and working towards a new growth in my life.
And so, change can be super scary and lifechanging in the worst ways. But short of that, change can also bring a whole new meaningful directions in our lives.