Sometimes the most extraordinary things in our lives begin in the simplest of ways. A little curiosity, a desire to explore something new, or simply following a feeling that tells us to keep going.
We often imagine that accomplishing something meaningful requires a carefully laid-out plan, a clear destination, and perhaps even a little bit of luck. But I’ve come to realize that sometimes the most beautiful transformations happen when we stop worrying so much about where we’re going and simply give ourselves permission to begin.
I’ve experienced this in my own life in a couple of unexpected ways.
With meditation, I began as someone who simply wanted to learn. I wasn’t working toward a career or imagining myself guiding others. I was exploring something that resonated with me, practicing, learning, and gradually deepening my own understanding. Eventually, I was asked to teach. It wasn’t something I had planned or pursued; it was an opportunity that grew naturally out of something I had come to love.
Before I really had time to recognize the transition, I had gone from someone learning to meditate to someone teaching others how to do it.
And now, I find myself experiencing something very similar with art.
For a long time, I wouldn’t have considered myself an artist in the traditional sense. I was someone who enjoyed creating, someone who dabbled in different mediums and followed creative interests when the inspiration struck. But recently, my relationship with art has grown in ways I never anticipated. I’ve found myself creating more, exploring new techniques, sharing my work, and now preparing to teach oil pastel classes.
If you had told me a while ago that I’d be doing this, I’m not sure I would have believed you!
When I look back at these experiences, there’s another common thread that I find particularly interesting: I never set out with the intention of becoming a teacher.
Neither journey began with a roadmap. I wasn’t chasing a particular title or trying to turn a passion into something more. I was simply showing up, doing something I loved, and allowing things to unfold.
Perhaps that’s another part of creating our own magic: being open to possibilities we never would have thought to plan for.
A few minutes of meditation can become a lifelong practice. A little sketch in a notebook can become a collection of paintings. A willingness to learn something new can open doors we never knew were there.
And perhaps that’s the most wonderful part: we don’t always know what we’re creating when we begin.
So, whatever it is that calls to you, give it some space. Be curious. Practice. Make mistakes. Follow the things that bring you joy. Put your heart into them, and allow yourself to grow along the way.
You may look up one day and realize that the thing you once only imagined has quietly become part of your life.
That’s the magic. And sometimes, we’re the ones creating it all along.
And speaking of following those little sparks of inspiration, I’m excited to be taking another small step in my own creative journey this January by teaching an oil pastel class on January 10th.
We’ll be exploring the beauty of a limited palette, learning how to work with a carefully selected range of colors to create depth, blend tones, and bring a painting to life. I’ve chosen a painting for us to create together, and I’m looking forward to sharing the process and a little of what I’ve discovered along my own creative journey.
It’s something I never set out to do, but an opportunity that grew naturally from simply allowing myself to explore and enjoy creating.
If you’ve been curious about trying something new or exploring your own creativity, perhaps this is an invitation to do just that. I’d love to have you join me!
Interested in exploring oil pastels? Join me January 10th at Mohawk Valley Art Shoppe for a limited palette oil pastel class. Class time and additional details coming soon!