Lately, I’ve been moving through life with a sense of urgency, not in a panic, but the steady knowing that each day carries weight, maybe now more than ever. I’ve spent years working and creating, not holding out for some perfect moment. The truth is, I’m already living it. This is the time. All we ever really have is now.

In June of 2022, my dog and bestest buddy, Bones, passed away from pancreatitis. Two months later, my mom passed from cancer. I was with them both when they died, and a part of me went with them. My mom was only 61 and Bones was just 7. I thought I’d have more time with them.

Now, well into my forties and approaching menopause, I just don’t feel the need to mince words anymore. Maybe it’s the ’tism, maybe hormones, maybe the way life has unfolded, but mostly, I think it’s the realization that time is short, and I have no desire to live any way but authentically and as fully as I can.

That doesn’t mean I’ve lost my manners, if anything, I’m just more open with my thoughts and emotions. At a recent artist meetup, a kind woman told me she liked how laid-back I was. Not really knowing what else to say, I told her I have anxiety and work hard to cope with it. I thanked her for her kindness. Maybe it was “a lot” to share, but I think the world could use less ego and more honesty. Though she was taken a little back, she seemed genuinely happy to meet me and hoped to see me again.

Since I’ve been thinking about time more than ever, I’ve been busy using mine well. Rebranding my business. Changing my shops and socials to reflect my new name and logo. Revamping tags and descriptions. Designing QR code business cards. Coming up with Time Machine Tuesday for my community posts on YouTube. Adding a membership subscription to my Ko-fi with coloring sheets as the incentive. Creating new art. Joining Substack. And even preparing for and opening my current art exhibition.

And you know what? I’m happy. I feel purpose and meaning in what I’m building. I’m working hard to position myself and my art so I can earn a living from it. That’s my dream, to support myself and my family through my passion.

Art is my life. Being an artist isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am, with every fiber of my being. Time isn’t promised, and I refuse to waste any more of mine. Every painting, every connection, every risk I take, it all matters. I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I do know I’ll be walking it as my truest self, art in hand, heart wide open. Because this isn’t just my career. It’s my life.

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Disclaimer
The information shared in this article and blog is based on personal experience and is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only.

©️Misty Lemons/Misty Blue Arts Do Not Copy Or Reproduce