Having abandoned my “poisonous checklist“, I sat down to write a new one. My intent was for everything on this new checklist to be something that could happen right away, and that is in my control. I am done waiting around and being disappointed.
When I sat down to write, I was surprised to discover that actually, there is no new checklist. Instead, I am giving myself one simple purpose:
Enjoy myself.
This is truly the only objective that is entirely my responsibility, and that can happen right now. If I’m having fun, career advancement and financial return don’t matter. Creating a wonderful experience for myself ensures that everything I do will be worth it. Unlike most things in life, this is something I can guarantee for myself.
To fuel this goal, I am investing in two primary actions:
1) Make changes.
I’ve decided that if I don’t like the way things are, then I need to take action to change my situation. Over the past few months, I’ve been taking baby steps, and it’s been invigorating. (at this point all I can say is that things are percolating, hopefully I’ll be able to tell you why soon!) If things don’t work out, at least I can say that I tried.
2) Savor little victories.
A few weeks ago, a student wrote to me: “You really respected me to make my own choices and to create my own drawing style. I felt valued and respected being an artist in your class.” Teaching can be tough at times, but gems always manage to emerge that I have to remind myself to hold onto.
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Clara Lieu 
Thank you for post. So true!
This is wonderful, Clara. I wish you the best in staying on this new track, because it sounds perfect for the now. It is easy to forget to celebrate the little victories and achievements when you have a bigger list looming.
Thanks for your thoughts Gina!
Just being able to create something is a BIG and GREAT achievement in itself. So I think one should never lose hope and keep enjoying our precious creative skills.