The Artist's Journey

The artist committing himself to his calling has volunteered for hell, whether he knows it or not.  He will be dining for the duration on a diet of isolation, rejection, self-doubt, despair, ridicule, contempt, and humiliation.

- Stephen Pressfield

Not really a comforting thought.

Yet...

While the life of the artist is filled with heartache and difficulty, the alternative life of ignoring your passions and serving the "supposed to" is simply unlivable.

Your pursuit of living the artist within you will take you to the end of yourself.  This journey will strip away the things that make living the artist's life impossible: the need for conformity, approval, and a 'fan club'.  And this is percisely the journey you need to take; it is a shedding of an old self.

It's time to get lean, get resourceful, and discover who you truly are.

Journey on.

Avoidance Is the Problem

Peace will never be achieved by pretending everything is “okay”.  It cannot be ushered in if you avoid difficult conversations.  “Wishful thinking” does nothing to jump-start the movement of peace.  Peace will never return if you keep running away from conflict.  Relationships will never be mended if you decide to “mind your own business”.  Peace cannot be experienced by others if you are unwilling to let go.  Darkness will continue to dwell heavily until you decide to turn on the light.

There is no easy way to usher peace.

Maybe today is the day for you to face a difficult situation.  Maybe today you need to discuss something with someone you love or maybe you need to begin by taking a deep look into the mirror.

May you be given the courage to face what lies ahead.  And may the Peace of Christ rule your days.