My year began with this quote...
"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams, Oprah Winfrey"
When I look back to 2019, I am impressed how intense this year was. Both sides. It literally was an adventure. I had the most inspiring and creative time of my life. On the other hand, it was also kind of a difficult, courageous period of time, in which I had my greatest realization though.
I became fully aware, that things can happen if you allow it. I actually know that, but putting it into practice is still a big, big challenge for me. I am constantly looking into the future and finding reasons why I can't do certain things or why they are not going to work.
Thank you 2019 for...
My Blog www.kattybussepaitings.de went online in February!
You know what? I have never could imagine that I´d be here writing to you or even that I could have my own blog. The first thought I had about that, was when I did my Social Media Managerin Certificate. But I had no motivation to write, and writing about social media was definitely not my goal. It changed approximately one year later, when I started to paint. Although, I am not an expert on writing texts, specially in English, I felt this inner strength to share my experiences and my creative voice with you. Life ist full of surprises. It makes me so happy!
My new job in April. It was a temporary position. This job really fitted some o my values.
It was a challenging, but a nice period, at the same time. It was also nice to have colleagues again:-) and to lose the fear of driving in my car, it´s a long story:-).
I learned a lot about me, my priorities and how to bring my new routine into my new schedule. Everything was actually almost perfect. But, It was not what I was looking for. I realized that I needed to make a change in my direction, at least for a few months. I decided to invest more time in painting, because I am working on my dream of becoming an artist!. It´s funny and weird to hear me saying that. It sounds naive, like something impossible to accomplish at this stage, that I´m feeling like wanting to erase the whole sentence. But I also know, I am the only one who can believe it, no one else.
Once I heard, that we need to speak our dreams OUT LOUD, so that they can materialize and come true. Well, what if we believe there are no limits, I think that makes life so exiting!. By the way I am teaching Spanish again, and if you hear about a part-time job in the creative area. Please let me know!
Prague, Prague, Prague. It was soooo fun and inspiring. I share with you here a few thoughts that I wrote.
My yoga routine. I was practicing yoga every morning, before going to work for almost sechs months. It was so great. But the last months, I must say, that my energy have dropped a little bit, I was not doing yoga anymore. I will definitely give it a try again. This 2020 I will be focus on more yoga exercises and healthy eating.
My first big canvas, in a winter landscape, and my first video inspired by it. It was a really long process, while I had my new job. I am so proud of it!! I could never imagine that I could paint something that big one day.
*The Creativity Habit Podcast. This podcast accompanies me throughout all my creative journey. So many meaningful, deep conversations about creativity, personal growth, vulnerability, authenticity, great thinkers. If your creativity is calling you, I recommend it to you with all my heart.
Music inspiration. Lady Gaga and Brandley Cooper moved me so deeply, with their song Shallow (A star is born). Did you see this movie? I fall in love with their music. Music awakens my senses and reminds me of the most beautiful moments I've lived. I cannot remember how many times I was singing this song, everywhere.
My paintings and the endless possibilities to learn, through the books I read and the awesome online courses that exists. Can you imagine? Long time ago, it was only possible to learn in institutes and universities. Now I can learn the techniques of painting portraits online as if I was attending an art class live!. Plus I am learning now digital painting, yay!. I am so thankful for that. Learning is very important for me!
What did really matter to me last year?
Letting go. Yes. Letting go, helped me to go through my decisions with ease. There were a few challenges in my life. I think I´d better say, a few "more" challenges, that scared me a little bit. I´ve never had to take so many decisions regarding, which direction I should take, in such a short period of time. Letting go of control, gave me more ease in everything I went throught in 2019.
To be aligned with my values does not mean that it was going to be easy, or that I will find precisely what I am looking for, but very close. It is always ok, to change your direction. If it feels good for you. It is the right decision. Your values are your compass.
To commit with my creativity again and again, taking action to make my dreams come true
Which books did inspire me?
"Find your Artistic Voice" by Lisa Congdon. I learned that everything happens with ease. That is the indicator, I am developing my creative voice. It made me feel that freedom to be creative, even if I don't have much time for it. Wonderful book!
"Conscious Creativity" by Philippa Stanton. This book made me realized, once again of my commitment to create, of how important is painting and creativity for me. Well, painting changed everything in my most difficult moments of not knowing what to do, when I was permanent searching for what defines me as a person, for the right job, that suits with my skills and strengths. Now I know that creativity is a huge part of my life.
Another good book is "Keep going" by Austin Kleon. For the difficult times!
Art Inc. The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist. Lisa Congdon
I would be very happy to hear from you, what things did inspire you last year? What were your highlights?
Many Hugs,
Katty
*Beyond, Daphne Cohn
*The links I share are not cooperations, only recommendations and personal inspiration.