Even Better

Yesterday, If you’d looked through the window of my studio, you’d have seen my serious expression—pursed lips and knit brow. A look of intense concentration and honest assessment. And after many minutes, you’d have seen me say a few words, take a deep breath, step toward my palette and begin mixing dark green paint, preparing to cover up what I’d had in place moments before. 

It’s always easier not to make changes. To leave the trees where they are even if they’d look better a few inches lower. Or to leave the bear in the background when he’d look better in the foreground. It can feel deflating to imagine painting out a perfectly good tree or perfectly nice bear only to have to paint it over again somewhere else. But I’ve found there’s something exciting about plunging forward into the uncomfortable process of change. Oddly enough, these days it often feels daring rather than daunting. It didn’t used to.

Have you read my 7 Mindsets to Awaken Creativity? If you have, you’ll recognize what I’m about to say. It’s the very thing that helps me to persevere when big, scary changes need to be made. I’ve learned to say to myself, it’s going to be even better! I say it out loud. Said it today, in fact! Not for the sake of positivity, but because I believe it’s true. When hard changes are required, I set my mind on the beauty ahead and jump in that direction. I’ve found time and again that it’s worth the discomfort. 

Is there anything you’re having to step back and consider lately, in your art or in your life? Changes that need to be made but that feel daunting? I’m praying right now, as I write this, that God reminds you that you’re not alone. Wether you’re staring intensely, assessing the situation, or feeling tired, ready to take a nap, or if you’re about to jump in a beautiful direction—no matter what—you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Truly! And most importantly, in all those places, God is near. And it is going to be even better. 

~Amy