Excerpt
Connect: Change Your Thoughts. Change Your Life.
Before you dive into the painting process, sit quietly with a journal. Notice what stories emerge in your mind as you consider your creativity. How do you respond to the questions “Are you creative?” and “Are you an artist?” Write your stories down honestly as they arise in your mind. Choose two or three stories to re-create into positive affirmations. For example, if your story is “I don’t know how to paint,” your new affirmation might be “I paint with joy and ease.” You can transform “I don’t know how to work with color” into “Painting with color is effortless and spontaneous.” Write your new affirmations as if they are already happening instead of as goals to aspire to. Post them where you’ll see them every day. Share your positive new declarations with your friends and speak them out loud often and with confidence. Changing how you talk to yourself and others has tremendous power to transform what feels possible in your life. Remember, you have the power to manifest whatever life you choose, so be specific about what you want.
As you tend to your new stories and grow into their truth, notice what other stories might still be holding you back. What do you tell yourself about creating abundance through your creativity? How do you feel about belonging to a creative community? If you notice any more limiting ways of thinking, create new affirmations around these blocks and begin again. This is a lifelong practice. There is no end point. There are simply layers to peel back and beautiful gems to uncover as you step into your most powerful and authentic self. Be patient, be gentle, and don’t forget to notice all the simple treasures along the way.