Permission Granted to Embrace A New Beginning
When I was in my late 20’s, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time with zero training and started to play. I was a medical social worker at the time, but I had long admired painters, and well, I thought I’d give it a try. Ha! Let’s just say I had no idea what the heck I was doing. I was nervous just walking into the art supply store, and felt very much like an imposter.
I wanted to make GORGEOUS paintings that were soft, sophisticated, and like, really good. I could see these gorgeous paintings in my head….
But what came out looked like this:
This is one of my earliest attempts at painting. It didn’t match what was in my head at all. Definitely NOT sophisticated. In fact, she’s awkward and embarrassing, but she’s also wonderful, beautiful, and telling. And she represents a brave starting point toward a mysterious calling in my heart.
And so I just kept going, like we do when we’re learning a new language or skill. One small attempt after the next, and soon I had a well developed painting language of my own, with a shop full of paintings that finally matched what was in my head.
The same is possible for you, too, whatever new beginning you may be embracing. Small, brave steps + heaps of self-kindness will guide your path.
Nothing is wasted
An important part of my journey was realizing that I hadn’t abandoned my former social worker self. I was still listening, sharing, healing, navigating messy emotions, making an impact — except I was now using my art, classes, and retreats instead of a clipboard in a hospital. Same message. New medium.
I deeply believe that all we have learned and experienced along the way serves the very moment we are in. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is wasted.
My wish for all of us is that we embrace the sacred gift of being a beginner, even if it means we’ll look back with a tad of, “What was I thinking?” And that we practice self-kindness along they way.
I’m rooting for you. And I’m with you, whether you’re new to your creative journey, your self-care journey, or even your creative biz journey.
I believe in you. And your possibilities.
How can I support you?
Are you longing for a creative wellness retreat? An ecourse on painting? A creative business tribe? I’m open to all ideas and I love hearing from fellow Possibilitarians!
Here’s are a few ways I can support you right now:
- You want to explore or deepen your creativity – both on and off the canvas – even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or consider yourself a ‘creative’ person.
- You want encouragement, inspiration, and guidance on how to silence the noise, develop a self-kindness practice, and bravely care for your whole self, like you’re the guest of honor in your own life.
- You want a meaningful art print to encourage your journey.
Sending love, Kelly Rae
Hi Kelly, I somehow lost the email you sent with the picture of the patchwork wall you created using wallpaper scraps. Would it be possible for you to send me another? I so wanted to forward it to my friend. Thank you! The wall is beautiful!!!
Hello! You can find it right here: https://www.kellyraeroberts.com/gasp-patchwork-wallpaper-wall-for-the-win/