Too many mass shootings have happened this year. One is too many—and any number is dizzying and makes everything else seem unimportant. Issues of life and death put everything else in perspective. Sometimes I don’t feel inspired to write. Sometimes I have so many feelings it is impossible to write about them. Why bother?
As I looked outside this morning, I could not ignore the beauty in the awakening foliage and flowers. Try as I might to look away, to remain in a somber mood, and believe that all is lost—I could not stay in that mental space. Spring can’t be ignored.
I mentioned in a previous blog, “Momentum,” that I started composing every day. Here is an update on that endeavor. As of April 1, 2023 I am on day fifty of daily composing. This small bit of creativity is a priority. I wish I could say I jump in each day with joy and vigor. Well, I am joyful on some level, but it also brings hesitations, questions, and insecurities. During the week when I work at my day job, I have little energy left. Sometimes it is not physical, but rather I feel that I have used up my brain power—my ability to think clearly or creatively. One idea that has come to the forefront in my daily composing is the idea that our limitations might be our strengths.
Maintaining interest and momentum in artistic endeavors can be a challenge. Life gets busy. Interruptions happen. Regular daily chores take longer than expected. I find my forward progress when working on a blog, a music composition, or any other creative project is easily sidetracked or even stopped.
On my drive to and from work, I enjoy taking pictures of interesting buildings, signs, colors, bumper stickers, or anything that catches my attention. This helps me be in the moment and notice things I might otherwise miss. In a previous blog, To and From Work: Part 1, I shared pictures from my drive to work. This blog shares pictures on my way home.
Driving to and from work four days a week is monotonous. I often remind myself to be in the moment and enjoy the ride. Here are ways that help me avoid boredom in the routine.
. . . the professor said, “you should keep composing.” His words kept echoing in my mind. Just who was this person? What did he know? Why should his words change my life?
There have been years when I had little to be grateful for. Yes, I know that ultimately is not true . . . but when everything you have worked and hoped for is taken away, well, honestly, it is hard to be grateful. Your life is turned upside down.
Is imperfection a gift? Imperfection hardly seems like a gift. In fact, it seems undesirable. Something must be flawed if it is not perfect. But is that true?
The world right now is not what I would wish it to be. I will be the first to admit that the last two years have been challenging, scary, disheartening, and maddening. Yet, I am alive. I have survived and endured. I hope for a better future and am glad to say, “Welcome!”to the new year.
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