LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
Me, loving the process.
“The quality of your work is directly related to your involvement with what you are doing.”
~Anna Held Audette from “The Blank Canvas”
Well, it looks as if our house needs a new roof. UUGGHH!
So, we met with our first roofing contractor this past week. He was supposed to arrive at 8am. About 7:30 am we awoke to the noise of someone walking around on our roof. I was startled, however, we assumed that the contractor had arrived early. So, I hustled outside just to make sure.
Sure enough, there he was up on the roof taking measurements. He greeted me with with a hearty “HELLO THERE!” He said that he was almost finished and would be down in a few minutes to talk with me about the roof.
During our conversation he revealed that he was 70 years old. I questioned him about why a 70 year old man was bounding across roof tops, taking measurements, and still even in the roofing business at all. He said, because, “I love what I do.” Still. After 46 years in the business. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious. In a good way. You do not hear many people say that they love their job.
This encounter reminded me that I also love what I do, as well. Creating art, teaching, coaching, mentoring and now, writing.
For me, it is all about sharing. Sharing my art with buyers and collectors. Sharing my acquired knowledge about mind management with artists. Sharing my art making skills and techniques with my students. And loving every minute of it.
Sometimes I forget that I love what I do, especially when faced with with the everyday challenges of being an artist.
Most artists I know, love what they do. And yet, they often forget how much they love creating, especially, when they are struggling with a particular painting or technique, being rejected for a juried show, or not finding venues in which to show their work. It is easy to forget about the passion we have for creating.
So, I would like to thank Ron, the 70 year old roofing contractor, for reminding me that I love what I do.
I hope that you are able to remember that you love what you do, especially when you are facing difficulties, challenges and obstacles.
And if you have a hard time remembering that you love what you do, I hope that you are lucky enough to have your own “roofing contractor” to remind you.
If you realize that you do not love what you do, then I hope you have the strength and courage to leave it and find the thing that you have more passion and purpose for doing.
Best.
David