Every day I receive a couple of emails with little quotes to inspire and re-centre me. Today, Martha Beck sent me this:
I don’t know what the hell is going on… and that’s okay.
Martha Beck, from Growing Wings: The Power of Change
I laughed out loud when I read it because I’d been trying to think of a succinct way to express to you what’s going on here at the moment and what that means, and there it was. I love Martha for a bit of straightforward no nonsense wisdom. 🙂
It’s time for me to take a little hiatus. I don’t know exactly how long for. I’m not even sure exactly why or what I will be doing {although I will be taking a long overdue trip abroad for a little break}. Nothing has happened, I’m not burnt out, I haven’t fallen out of love with what I do. Sometimes the universe nudges us to do things, or not do things, and these days I’m doing the best I can to listen and act on those nudges.
Another of my favourite quotes is ‘chaos precedes order’. It calms me when I’m panicking and intrigues me when I’m not. Since I’m not panicking right this second, there is just curiosity about what comes next. It feels almost like I’m being led on a treasure hunt and must follow invisible clues.
As Martha says in her aforementioned article, the caterpillar becomes mush before it becomes a butterfly. This isn’t quite the mush I experienced three years ago {thankfully}, this is mush of a different and altogether calmer, more interesting kind. But still a little chaotic, like muddy water in a glass. Time to let the glass sit for a bit and allow the water to become clear.
I’ve built something here that I love and that I regularly hear is supportive and helpful to others. I appreciate every single email, blog comment and visitor and I want you to know what’s going on, as best I can tell you. I’ll be back. 🙂
What this will look like: I won’t be blogging {or sending Artnotes} and I probably won’t be on Facebook much, but you might spot me over on Instagram, and I’d love to connect with you there. And if you email, I will of course respond and help you in any way I can.
With love,
Tara
🙂
xo
Oh, thank you for sharing that quote! That is EXACTLY how I am feeling right now. Or at least, I am attempting to be okay with it.
Jacki so glad it sent a bit of relief in your direction. I admit I’m not ok with it ALL the time. 🙂
I am so glad to hear you are taking time for you. And glad that that is all it is. I wish you happy perspective adventures Tara.
You are an inspiration and thank you on behalf of everyone you inspired this week, month, and year.
Love,
Shalagh
Thank you so much Shalagh, and for your kind words about my work – it really is so appreciated. ‘Perspective adventures’ – I like that. 🙂
Enjoy your break. Best to do it “just because” rather than waiting until you have to because you are burnt out like I did AGAIN. Sounds like an interesting journey you are going on. Take care, I will miss you.
You are so right Leone! In fact I was having a conversation with a friend recently about not needing everything to fall apart before you give yourself what you need. Seems so obvious and yet feels so novel somehow! Thank you for your kind words.
gosh, i know this so well. like exactly.
xo
So I see my friend! Go us 😉 xo
Dear Tara, you’re so courages! Of course I will miss you, but I admire your not exactly knowing, but following anyway. Take your time. XXX
Thank you Sofia! It’s funny how the not knowing can feel scary and exciting and like a relief somehow. I appreciate your words. 🙂
I will miss you, too. I look forward to you posts. Take care of you because you are very special.
Oh thank you Cheryl! You don’t know what that means to me.
It was lovely to get your email today and head over to your blog to read this post. As you know this is exactly what I’m doing right now and I just wanted to wish you all the best on your break. I look forward to reconnecting once you.re back 🙂 xx PS. Great quotes!
Thank you Elizabeth! I’ve been thinking of you and wondering how your break is going – I hope you’re having a lovely time. See you on the other side! 🙂 xx
Thanks Tara for all the information and encouragement – I always look forward to your mails. Also appreciate your honesty. Enjoy your time out x
Thank you Sandy!
T…
you always have a way of making me think: “ah, so it ISN’T just me!”
Thank you for this post, and for the few other powerful ones before this.
And if you ever decide to stop making art, i’m shooting myself in the face. 😉
ok, so that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but honestly, your art just makes me happier.
I love your process, I love your courage, i love that you are brave enough to just say ‘fuck it, i’m going this direction’… Take all the time you need, dear T. Come back when you’re ready. I’ll be here. xx
Hi P – your comments always make me laugh and feel good. 🙂 xxx