The first step requires courage. Each new adventure demands stepping out and confronting fear. Artists know the familiar feeling of apprehensive dread looking at a blank, white canvas. This happens often after one has created a successful piece of art that was well-received. Now, the canvas presents a new challenge: the artist must produce something of excellence. The artist looks at the canvas fearing failure. 

The biggest obstical to any beginning is the unrealistic expectation of perfection. No artist can ever begin work with these self-imposed standards.

To begin, accept the reality of imperfection. Humans live within the confines of this world. Art cannot perfectly copy the wonder of the earth. Accepting this limitation is critical in allowing the first step to take place.

Live in courage. Believe the truth: you are not perfect and will never create flawless art. Then, start something new. It may feel terrible at first because of the inadequacies you have on the inside. However, these lies must be confronted. Believe the reality that you really can create something well done.

Start.

Dear friends,

It is time to dream! Do you ever find yourself ready for new adventures and possibilities? I am excited for the coming year, but waiting in the meantime. The periods of silence are usually the best times to set goals and plan for the future. Rest on the keys to lasting peacefulness.

So on this quiet day, join with me in setting some new goals 

And let's see what happens with them in the coming year!
Charis

You are more talented than you may believe. You have unique skills and abilities that I do not. People often say kind things when they look at my work, and I am grateful for their nice comments. However, I wish they would understand something important:  Everyone has a special talent-gift 

A "talent-gift" is what a person does best. It is a talent of any type, and can be in any field: business, academia, music, art, production, clerical, and even cleaning. One of my friends is an older woman who is good at doing routine, disciplined tasks. Lila is great at keeping her mind on the job and getting it done - I admire her for that. I cannot accomplish things the way she does. I daydream and sing, thinking up melodies and paintings. I forget what I am doing and often try to invent new ways to do what I am doing more efficiently.

Lila is wonderful at being routine and disciplined. Those are talents! My strengths are in being creative and producing ideas. I am not good at what Lila is good at, which is unfortunate.  It causes me problems. For example, I get bored without some exciting new idea to keep me motivated. Sometimes that gives me grief, since my ideas are often elaborate and ambitious.

Even though I have faults, most of the time I appreciate the person I am. I just wish more people would learn to appreciate themselves, too.

So today - be thankful for who you are. You have talents that I wish I had!