Resolve

RESOLVE
verb - To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something).
noun - A resolution or determination made, as to follow some course of action. Firmness of purpose or intent.

That beautiful painting, or piece of hand-thrown pottery you own... the one you discovered while strolling among the vendors at an art fair, the one that stood out among all the other pieces, was made by someone who could no longer deny their need to create. They chose to embrace the artist in them selves. It would seem that some have been doing it their entire life. It didn't occur to them to even question whether it was the right path. It was like choosing whether to breathe or not (at least early in their careers). I envy those people. For many musicians, dancers, sculptors, painters, photographers, and so forth, their art is their identity.
And then there is the other type... like me. I have an artistic drive, and a very real need to create. But unlike those who have made their art their life, I have always taken a much more conservative approach. Other than the years that I played my drums for a living, my artistic endeavors have been made in baby steps... uncertain of my abilities, and always mindful of reality and my responsibilities. Though often admired or even envied, pursuing a career in the arts is not what most would consider to be a "stable" way of life; and I think you could probably get 9 out of 10 working artists to agree with you on that. The only reason the last one was a holdout was because sales on her Etsy site were particularly good that week (ha).

I think what I really need, is someone to just give me a big shove right off this safe rock I've been perched on for so long.

That was something I wrote just a couple of months ago, in a post I titled Nudge. It was about finding inspiration in other peoples' art, and the need to actually make time to explore my own creativity. Give it it's due. I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions. I have found over the years that they really don't have much substance. But I am actually going to give it a try this year. We never know what tomorrow will bring; that is a given, so the best we can do is set our plans in motion and hope that fate is on our side. I have resolved that I will take this coming year and use every opportunity to honestly and earnestly explore my artistic talents. I realize that the only one who can shove me off of my safe rock, is me. I'll never know unless I try, so this year I am going to focus on my creativity, and see what comes of it. I especially enjoy making pottery, and painting in acrylics. That's where my focus will be, for now.
I think I'm ready to leap off of that rock. But carefully... I don't want to twist my ankle.