I have a hard time starting. I can have all of my tools and supplies laid out, my space organized and ready to go, and I’ve visualized what I’m going to do and in what order. And then…
I just. can’t. start. It’s like when you’re at the pool and about to get into the water. You anticipate the uncomfortableness. You know it’s going to feel cold. But you also know that it won’t last and once you get used to the temperature of the water, it will feel so good! But… that first step is SO HARD. First you dip a toe in the water. Then you go up to your knees… your hips… and then, finally, you take the plunge. After that, your body starts to acclimate and you’re floating, wading around in the water — relaxed, happy, FREE. Free of that trepidation and fear. You wonder what all the fuss was about and wish you would have gotten in sooner.
Not starting on a piece of art or experimenting with a new idea is simply because I am not comfortable with it. I don’t (yet) have a routine and things feel clunky and awkward. The trick is to dip my toe in the water. Start with one brushstroke. One sentence. One page or post. And to remind myself that I will get there. I will eventually get to the relaxed, happy, and free “there” where it doesn’t feel uncomfortable – until it’s time to start the next new thing.
Here's to the start of this newsletter. Thank you for being a part of my mailing list and bearing witness. This is the first of many Starts that I hope to share with you.
