The Big Q
My latest missive mentioned my belief in “(S)he who has the most fun wins.” I’m a huge fan of fun, have been all my life. Dropped many a project mid-stride because I had lost the joy of it and have been judged a quitter. “Great starter, lacks follow through” was one comment.
Personally, I was happy that way. My wrong turn was letting what others thought matter. A new idea sends me soaring, dreaming up possibilities, anticipating how it will take shape makes me happy. Although I do feel satisfaction when I complete a not-so-fun-but-mandatory task, it’s just not the same.
I found this on a restaurant ladies room wall just as I was thinking about my big Q.
Which has nothing to do, really, with what’s on my mind these days. I’m talking about the bright bubble of joy that comes from afresh new idea. One that lights you up inside, infects others near you, makes you feel buoyant and energetic and connected to everything - that “can’t wait to hit the ground running” sort of feeling, like the first day of vacation when you were a kid and the promise of a whole lot of summer fun beckoned.
Viewing it this way, I see I’ve been pursuing my life’s purpose all along. My real road wasn’t so much about making the expected and acceptable choices, although I did. I have found and still find satisfaction with pursuing a career, buying a home, falling in love. But by making most of my choices with an eye to what was expected of me, I lost connection with myself. Rediscovering Judy has brought insight and I really don’t regret the route taken (although I do wish I’d found the me I am today a bit sooner).
This one was accepted by the Hawaii Watercolor Society Open Show in April 2016
If you’ve ever felt like you were an alien among strangers, you’ll understand what I’m about to say: I was made to make art. I was created to create. I thrive on the rush that comes from a new idea for a painting or a sewing project or even a house make-over. It feels like, “Ooh! I’ve gotta go do this thing right now!”
That’s when I’m direct-lined to the deepest part of me, the part that’s always connected to the vast resource of the universe, to God, to whatever name you use. It’s all-inclusive. It’s magic, it’s electric, it’s me at my happiest. I love living in this space.
Not always can I be there, not in the manner I just spoke of. I think the magic of those moments can and should be found in the ordinariness of everyday life. And maybe that’s the answer to the big Q of why are we here: finding the magic in as many moments as we can; feeling joy; loving ourselves inside and out; appreciating others; making messes and trusting that from those messes comes great opportunity.
Maybe it’s as simple as being true to ourselves while honoring others whatever they are doing. To have courage, to trust in our connection to the universe and to have the most fun we can think of along the way.
Let’s all go have some fun!
(And Jean, drink your milk…)
Judy
PS. “The thing is to become a master and in your old age to acquire the courage to do what children did when they knew nothing.” Henry Miller
