Introduction:
Hi everyone I have been away for a while, and you might be wondering where I've been. Well, I was on vacation, where I unplugged from the online world as much as possible. I did extend it a little further to give me that extra comfort and recharge my batteries. Also, I have been working on some new projects; they're not quite ready for the spotlight yet, but I promise to share more when the time is right. In this blog, I want to reflect on my vacation and the return to the daily grind.
Vacation Bliss:
My vacation was a much-needed break from the routine, a chance to recharge and rediscover the beauty of life beyond the screen. Disconnecting from the constant buzz of notifications and social media allowed me to appreciate the simpler things: the soothing sound of the animals and water splashes at the lake, the taste of delicious local cuisine, and the joy of exploring new places.
Back to Reality:
As I sit down to write this, the thought of returning to work looms on the horizon. It's not always easy to switch gears from leisure to productivity, and I confess, I'm not quite 100% ready for that transition just yet. You see, a while ago, I made a deliberate choice that has shaped my life's path. I prioritized the quality of life over the sheer quantity of things or work hours. So I took a part-time job, which gives me a certain income, and this would give me the time to pursue my passion, drawing.
In the early days, my artistic endeavours often gravitated towards larger projects, but I didn't find the same level of inspiration and fulfilment in those as I did in assisting smaller organizations and local businesses, such as mom-and-pop stores. Because these commissions were more personal, all the people involved were fully invested and not working for a bigger company where it was just part of the daily grind. The work itself felt more appreciated.
Over time, this led me to explore a different path. I sought to craft pieces that people might want to hang on their walls simply because they connected with the work on a personal level. This led me to participate in art fairs, where I could share my creations with a broader audience, and actually connect with people on a personal level.
One remarkable aspect of this way of life is the time it grants me for reflection and presence. I'm not perpetually distracted by the demands of a traditional full-time job. Instead, I can be there for my daughter, and she never had to experience going to childcare because my partner or I had to rush off to work early in the morning. My partner made a similar decision in her own life, and this also grants her that same amount of freedom. So between the both of us, there is always someone there for our daughter, and this means that she gets us instead of us needing to earn more money to have someone we don't know take care of her.
It is important to mention that this way of life has it's advantages and disadvantages. I try to create as much of a steady income as I can through my part-time job. This gives me a good life; we aren't in need of anything, but there are limits. I do often find myself deep in thought about something I am working on, but then I have to pause it, put it in a box, and go to my job, so it does create it's own rhythm. While I dream of sustaining myself solely through my art, that day hasn't arrived just yet.
To some, it might seem like I'm always on vacation, but that's not quite the case. This way of life has allowed me to step back from the relentless cycle of productivity, detach from the constant barrage of online notifications, and simply savour whatever each moment brings. And I must admit, I love the freedom this gives me and the creativity that can flow from it.
A Brave Start:
On the home front, my daughter embarked on her school journey once more as the holidays came to an end. Starting a new school year can be filled with anxieties and uncertainties, especially when faced with new teachers and unfamiliar surroundings. However, I'm incredibly proud of her courage and resilience. She quickly identified her feelings, bravely describing the initial overwhelm, and acknowledged that it might take some time to adjust. Her ability to communicate her emotions shows growth and maturity, assuring us that everything will fall into place.
Conclusion:
Vacations are like a pause button in the fast-paced symphony of life. They offer us moments of introspection and relaxation, allowing us to return with renewed energy and perspective. As I contemplate heading back to work and my daughter embraces her new school year, I'm reminded that life is a journey of transitions. With each change comes growth and adaptation, and by acknowledging our feelings along the way, we find the strength to face whatever lies ahead. So here's to vacations, to reconnection with ourselves, and to the beautiful dance of life's ever-changing rhythms. Until next time!
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