Lest we forget, just remember...

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.

                                                             Brother David Steindl-Rast

I've been spending more time in my studio lately and happened to look up on my post-it board above the computer.  You know how sometimes when you see something on an everyday basis it gets to the point where you don't really see it any more.  It's there, but it gets lost in your everyday activities.  Well, I happened to notice something that really inspired me at one time; enough in fact that I printed it out and hung it up for me to see.

This was printed from Sylvia White's posting that she did last fall. It's something that every artist needs to look at and to be reminded of...

Print this out, fold it up and put in your wallet. Send it to your artist friends. Read it whenever you feel all your work is for nothing and you are thinking maybe you should just stop making art and grow up. Post it in your studio when you are wondering what the heck you are going to do with all this work? But, most of all…believe it. Remember, it is impossible to feel thankful and be depressed at the same time.

1. I am thankful that I am not one of the majority of people in this world that wakes up every morning, goes to a job they hate, just to come home and do it all over again.

2. I am thankful that when I am away from my studio, my ideas come with me, they keep me company everywhere I go.

3. I am thankful for this passion that gives me so much joy (and angst) but mostly joy.

4. I am thankful that when I have left this earth, I will leave something meaningful behind.

5. I am thankful that I have a mind that can not sleep, I will never be bored.

6. I am thankful that there is a part of my life that nobody can control, except me.

7. I am thankful that no one in the world can ever take this gift from me.

8. I am thankful that I am brave, it takes courage to pursue my gift.

9. I am thankful that I am never satisfied, it forces me to move forward and grow.

10. I am thankful I discovered this list! Pass it on.


Here it is on my board...

If you don't already have this, please feel free to copy the words I have I listed above.  Sylvia wanted this to be passed on!