The words that changed my life (and still do!)

Sep 30, 2021 | My Creative Practice

(NEW art, available here in a variety of sizes)

These wise words and questions changed my life 16 years ago when I decided to become a working artist. I had no idea what I was doing, and I had no idea of what was to come, but I did know what was calling me and what was calling me was to become an artist.

I often think back to that young, 30-year-old version of myself. I imagine myself hugging her and twirling in delight with her and then softly cradling her face with my now aging hands as I smile and say, “I am so very proud of you. Thank you for wrestling with the questions, for being afraid, for quietly tending your truth.”

(New sticker! Available here)

These days, I’m definitely wrestling with what is calling me now. I know it has to do with writing, and I know it feels pivotal, but the details of what it all looks like feels super disorganized in my brain. Is it a book? Is it a course? Is it simply writing more on my blog and in my journals?

And so. I’m working on allowing. Allowing it all to flow through my heart. Allowing small steps to lead the way. Allowing the quieting of my mind, the part of my human body that keeps me safe and contained from what is divinely waiting, from what is possible.

 

Here’s what Allowing looks like for me lately as I consider all that pulls on my soul:

 

  • I’ve been re-reading Infinite Purpose by Liv Lane & Lori Portka in the mornings next to our fireplace, with a cup of tea. This book is balm for my soul, a little awakening for the parts of myself that have felt a little dormant. So good. 
  • I’ve been reading Bird By Bird by Ann Lamott in the evenings. Gosh, I love her. So much. She sent me an email a couple of weeks ago that felt like a sign for my writing call/path. Speaking of books and writing, I recently canvased my bookshelves and was surprised to find many books on writing that I’ve collected throughout the years. More evidence, I suppose, of this calling that has been tugging at my sleeves for a long time.

  • I’ve been wandering in the woods, looking for hearts and feathers and other tokens of abundance.
  • I’ve been paying attention to my dreams – not necessarily what they were about, but how I felt in the dreams. Turns out I’ve been feeling a bit trapped in my dreams. So interesting! Last night, before falling asleep, I requested my guides and angels bring me dreams where I am flying. Those dreams feel so real to me, like I can actually continue to fly in my waking life. I hadn’t had one for a while and was longing for that feeling. And guess what? I had a dream last night that I was trapped in a foreign country with a passport to get home, BUT I could fly! I woke up feeling grateful.

  • I’ve been writing here on this blog a couple of times a week, (sometimes with my eyes closed!) as a practice toward the small steps. I’m noticing that all the tricks I play on myself to get out of my own way when I’m painting (painting with my eyes closed, painting while dancing, making bold moves, etc) can be modified for writing tricks! Who knew?
  • I signed up for a writing course, which has been fascinating for me. I’m taking it really slow.

 

 

Your turn. Tell me what pulls on your soul. What small steps are you taking, or could you take, to start waking up that part of yourself that wants to come out and play? I’d love to know.

XO!

Sending much love,

Show/Hide Comments (21 comments)
21 Comments
  1. George

    I’m sorry, I mis-spelt your name Kelly-Rae 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  2. George

    Hi Kelly 🙂 This is a really timely post for me, thank you. I am in a tough but very human place of messiness and uncertainty – when are we not, I suppose, but some periods feel a little clearer than others. In the past couple of years I have become so much clearer on what brings me joy – photography, nature, writing, creativity – but I am so unclear on what to do with these exactly. It’s such a hard place to sit. I would love to share with the world but I am scared. A part of me (hello, taskmaster!) wants to barrel ahead ‘get on with it’ rather than allow something bigger to unfurl. Your post really helped, just seeing how you let things unfurl at their own pace. It is so hard, but I know that slowness and kindness is so necessary. It’s easy to flip between going ‘all out’ and trying to create from an anxious, outcome-focused place, and withdrawing and doing nothing out of fatigue, but I am learning that trying small things is where it’s at 🙂

    Reply
  3. Victoria

    I am reading this post today with tears streaming down my face as I too embark on the journey of my soul. I’m 29 and finally following the inner pulling of my heart to follow my passion for art and spirituality. My spiritual mentor told me about you in a reading and said my spirit guides and angels said I would really connect with your energy and boy were they right! I’m so thankful to have found your page today. I have been moved and inspired by your words and thank you so much for sharing! You have given me such hope and peace in allowing. I can feel the gears turning and big things coming but not fully understanding how or when things will come together. Sitting in those moments are hard and uncomfortable. I’m also learning to allow and hearing your insight into what that looks like for you is immensely helpful. Again thank you so much for sharing your light. It has resonated with me immensely. Sending you love and light in return!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Nice to meet you, Victoria. Welcome to my little world on the net! Rooting you on as you listen to your heart whispers and find your wings 🙂
      A spiritual mentor – love that! May I ask who it is?

      Reply
  4. marcia sattley

    Kelly, you are such an inspiration…I love it that you share your experiences on your journey to the stars.

    I too, on rare occasions have dreamed of flying. Freedom + Exhilaration+Joy! Like you, it seems to set something free that carries on for years after, a cherished gift.

    I have no doubt you will discover the words to the book that are bubbling up in your heart.

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Thanks so much, Marcia. Your support warms my heart 🙂

      Reply
  5. Linn Norman

    Dear Kelly Rae,

    Oh my gosh!!! I posted a message a short time ago and have just discovered a new sticker which I absolutely love:

    “Have courageous faith in your dreams as they call you towards immeasurable joy and possibility”. – My favourite.

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Ahhh yes, that one is a new fave for sure. Thank you for your sticker love 🙂

      Reply
  6. Stephanie

    Hi Kelly Rae!!
    You have always had such a gift with your words, I’m sure diving deep into writing will feel very organic for you.
    Also, your curls are looking super healthy and it looks like you are growing your hair out . . . just darling!! Please tell me what products and routine you are using on your curls after wash.
    Take good care . . .
    Thank you,
    Stephanie

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Hi Stephanie, thanks so much for the writing encouragement! As for my hair, it’s hit or miss, and if it’s a good hair day, I’ll snap a selfie! Haha.

      I’m using strictly Innersense products. Shampoo, then conditioner. ANd then I scrunch a lot of their volume foam into my hair while i’m still in the shower and my hair is super wet. Then scrunch dry with one of those curly girl microfleece towels. THen air dry or difuse. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  7. Julie Clemins

    Thank you for sharing what you are feeling and experiencing authentically day to day and week to week. As we age and feel the whispers there is comfort and encouragement in hearing that others are hearing their own whispers and that it is okay to trust the journey and allow the unfolding. Your blog posts are a form of therapy and encouragement to all of us who strive to live our fullest life. Thank you! I look forward to seeing (and reading) what your own unfolding allows.

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      THank you, Julie! You’re so right – I think we need one another’s stories as we continue to let go of what no longer serves and fully embrace what is calling. Thank you for following along and for tending to your own unfolding as well as I know it inspires many.

      Reply
  8. Cindy Wahlstrom

    I found this inspirational. I have been drawn to creating art many times in the past. Last March I told myself “Now or Never.” I am a beginner soaking in everything I can and delighting in others’ works. Fear has held me back far too long. Writing was something I also had a passion for and most likely still do. I wish you further joy and success in your future path! Your art has been a light to so many and I am positive your words will be too.

    Reply
    • Amy Schneider

      Hi there! I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are to me and how encouraging your emails and your blog is and has been. Even though we don’t know each other at all it’s nice to know there is someone out there who gets me and understands the path I’m on. Currently most everyone in my world thinks I’m crazy to start a creative career but I can’t see any other way forward. So thank you for being you and keep shining that beautiful light of yours!

      Reply
      • Kelly Rae Roberts

        Hi Amy,
        BRAVO to you for following what is calling you. I truly can’t think of a braver, more aligned path to take. Keep going!

        Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      I love being in a beginner season. I’m in one myself and I love that you’re embracing your ‘now or never’ season. Something tells me some important gems will be revealed 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jen

    I have been following you since 2013 when a small yet very significant piece of artwork caught my eye in a little shop. The piece said, “Let it go, and be gentle on yourself (permission granted)”. I purchased that piece and many others since and they have changed my life and outlook. I have learned over the years to let go of those things that are not good for me soul and well being. Your soul work has continued to be a true blessing in my life and I am thankful that you willingly share your talent, struggles, and triumphs with the us. Many blessings to you as you continue in your journey of discovery. From one soul to another.

    Reply
    • Simona

      Awww I wholeheartedly echo your words on how I feel about Kelly’s work and words! I have her planner and taking it with me through my day. 🙏

      Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Jen, I love that our paths collided all those years ago. I can’t thank you enough for your kind note to let me know how you found me. Here’s to the continued soul work of letting go. I’m right there with you.

      Reply
  10. Simona Burla

    Dear Kelly,

    I am definitely called to dance and paint and create more in general. I am also called to write and gather with like minded women. Currently I gather with a nourishing group of brave and inspiring women who are writers. I am taking frequent steps to nurture my jewelry biz, enjoying creating. I took some intuitive painting classes to celebrate my 50th and I joined an awesome course to support me in my future expansion as a coach. What else could I be doing to invite myself to play? Definitely move move move my body more, let her move to MUSIC to express, experience and release what longs to be expressed, experienced and released and can’t do so in any other way. SB 🧡🧡🧡

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Simona, I love this! Here’s to dancing and releasing and experimenting and small steps that nurture :)))

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t want to miss a post?

Get my posts sent to your inbox as soon as they’re published!

Hello + welcome!

I’m Kelly Rae Roberts

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my creative whispers, and today I’m an artist & Possibilitarian. I’m passionate about creating meaningful art and experiences that awaken and inspire our spirits.

Get the FREE

Possibilitarian Manifesto

+ a 20% off coupon!

 

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

Featured Freebies

VIEW ALL