It does feel as if the year has been less illuminating than hoped, as if it is still trying to load like a slow computer program. It is all part of life unfolding I guess even if it doesn’t makes things clearer.
I spent a long time away because work was overwhelming. I’ve been able to now create what I love and share it (mostly here because algorithms suck!). I don’t know who my audience is anymore, but a year spent exploring sacred geometry, mandala, and color has me so so happy. I think we need some time for ourselves to get out of the trap of ‘if people don’t like this, can I pay my bills!’ (Also this is Samie...I changed my name this year!). Can’t wait to see what you come up with!! I know I’ll love it! 💜
Kira - so good to hear from you! Social Media really is such an ambivalent thing- it is a great way for artists to share their work to a broader audience but also such a vacuum device, sucking all joy out. I love that you took agency back to create that brings you joy and on your own terms- I love what you do!
What a great post! Inspiring. I love the single word summary and glad you have it - Confidence that is. Can’t wait to see/hear more about what’s ahead for you. And when you’re back in N’Burg to do a proper catch-up. :)
Thank you Jill! I cannot wait to see you soon again - I miss N'Burg - it is good for the soul! Happy New Year and I cannot wait to see how the In/Out List holds up - loved that idea-
Happy New Year, Nat! Your sabbatical was so full of exciting projects. It was (and is!) unique and inspiring and a joy to hear and read about. And it doesn’t have to be (completely) over now. You can take that joy and the learning and the curiosity with you beyond the sabbatical! 💚💚
Yes in some ways. Honestly it was a focusing time and afterwards i was able to move forward in a focused manner instead of feeling like I was running on a treadmill where i didn’t know where i was heading just was running on empty with my head down. I would love to talk to you about your sabbatical experience! I will send you an email and maybe we can chat about it on the podcast. So glad you got to take some time !
Fantastic post and end of year reflection after a long sabbatical. I also think we expect a lot from a sabbatical but we waited too long to take it. Often at the time of sabbatical I am wiped out. I am so excited for your volunteer work and the inspiration and your workshop and your book and new work!
Thank you Diane! So good to hear from you! That is so true, I was completely wiped out when I started it but alas I feel I would not have taken one otherwise. How were your experiences after the sabbatical..did you feel that things just fell into place ?
Interesting isn't it that we never seem to get what we want, but we do get what we need? There's a song here... ;)
I cannot wait to see where all this takes you!
such a great way to put it and hey ...that is a song! Thank you for your support always my friend- you are a huge inspiration to me!
It does feel as if the year has been less illuminating than hoped, as if it is still trying to load like a slow computer program. It is all part of life unfolding I guess even if it doesn’t makes things clearer.
such a great analogy - it does indeed feel like a long loading computer program!
I spent a long time away because work was overwhelming. I’ve been able to now create what I love and share it (mostly here because algorithms suck!). I don’t know who my audience is anymore, but a year spent exploring sacred geometry, mandala, and color has me so so happy. I think we need some time for ourselves to get out of the trap of ‘if people don’t like this, can I pay my bills!’ (Also this is Samie...I changed my name this year!). Can’t wait to see what you come up with!! I know I’ll love it! 💜
Kira - so good to hear from you! Social Media really is such an ambivalent thing- it is a great way for artists to share their work to a broader audience but also such a vacuum device, sucking all joy out. I love that you took agency back to create that brings you joy and on your own terms- I love what you do!
What a great post! Inspiring. I love the single word summary and glad you have it - Confidence that is. Can’t wait to see/hear more about what’s ahead for you. And when you’re back in N’Burg to do a proper catch-up. :)
Thank you Jill! I cannot wait to see you soon again - I miss N'Burg - it is good for the soul! Happy New Year and I cannot wait to see how the In/Out List holds up - loved that idea-
Happy New Year, Nat! Your sabbatical was so full of exciting projects. It was (and is!) unique and inspiring and a joy to hear and read about. And it doesn’t have to be (completely) over now. You can take that joy and the learning and the curiosity with you beyond the sabbatical! 💚💚
Awe- thank you Marsha. You are right, taking the lessons learned and the joy with me to the new year, is the best outcome of the sabbatical
Yes in some ways. Honestly it was a focusing time and afterwards i was able to move forward in a focused manner instead of feeling like I was running on a treadmill where i didn’t know where i was heading just was running on empty with my head down. I would love to talk to you about your sabbatical experience! I will send you an email and maybe we can chat about it on the podcast. So glad you got to take some time !
Great way to put it in regards to the treadmill' I would love to talk with you about that - I will look out for your email! Have an amazing New Year!
Fantastic post and end of year reflection after a long sabbatical. I also think we expect a lot from a sabbatical but we waited too long to take it. Often at the time of sabbatical I am wiped out. I am so excited for your volunteer work and the inspiration and your workshop and your book and new work!
Thank you Diane! So good to hear from you! That is so true, I was completely wiped out when I started it but alas I feel I would not have taken one otherwise. How were your experiences after the sabbatical..did you feel that things just fell into place ?