Finding My Way Forward

Steps I've taken to begin creating the life of my dreams

Lisa Bewley

1/28/20233 min read

Reading my last few blogs, I realize I have really been dreaming! Thankfully, the time for action has come. I am finding an outlet for my creative endeavors and a like-minded community, yay!

My intention in blogging is to document my journey and show people who may also be in a life change what the process can look like. It’s not a straightforward path, at least it hasn’t been for me. I began with the fun of celebrating (semi) retirement, which led into the stark realization of it, which led into the acceptance, which pushed me into finding my way forward. And that, folks, is where I’m at now, finding my way forward.

I’m truly blessed that I have a pension, a reliable part-time job (online) and many options. This gives me time without the pressure of financial burden. The hardest part has been finding where I want to put my energies. I realize that energy is everything, we need to protect it. Ruminating on the past or worrying about the future is wasteful and depleting. Our attention should be on the ever present NOW. I have spent my fair share of time wasting my energy on television, distractions, getting stuck in my head; but I’ve managed to pull out of that and push my way forward. How you may ask? Well, first, I substituted Netflix with YouTube. That way I was learning something which gave me energy instead of leeching it. Next, I started reading a great book (which I discovered on a YouTube video) called Show Your Work: 10 ways to share your creativity and get discovered by Austin Kleon. This book gives great tips to move forward. But the most important step I took was to start moving my energy by actually moving my body! I got out of the house, went to daily yoga classes, went on daily walks, etc. By moving my energy, I was allowing for new creative energy to be stirred within. Moving also opens up new opportunities when you’re out and about in the flow of creation.

One day when I was out for a walk, I passed by the art gallery and saw some ladies inside painting. I went in and found out they are part of an art association, and it was open to new members! I am now the newest member of the Art Focus Artists’ Association. That was cool, I am finding my tribe. My next tool was to publish Lisaisms (self quotes I find meaningful that I present in a creative way). This has helped me to practice my graphic design techniques and get my thoughts out into the virtual world. I also enrolled for two online courses: Canva Master Course from Udemy and the other one called Create Your Online Program by Whitney Freya. And the final piece was to start working on my art daily. I try to paint a little every day and learn new techniques and discover (and appreciate) my unique style.

So where am I now? I have many things on the go:

Seems like a lot! But actually, it’s nice variation, and it’s all in the same creative arena. The more I do, the more I see where I want to go. I haven’t felt so purposeful in a long time. It’s great to do that which makes my heart sing. I can get lost in any one of these activities for hours at a time. It keeps me focused, gives me energy, and fills me up. Wow, I am so fully blessed. Just a few months ago I was stuck in loneliness and feeling lost. Now my world has opened up. I’m thankful for having the time to: go inside, feel/release my feelings, and turn to the present.

My wish is for all of you to find peace, purpose and passion.

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