My nest was heading towards empty and it was questionable if the charity I founded with my son would be ongoing. I was panicked to the core as to my own purpose. It was difficult for me to realize all I had accomplished. I felt worthless and lost…

I pulled an all-nighter with Google in a quest for something to do. After hours of searching, painting appeared. I drifted off for a bit and awoke with a mission. That’s it. I’ll paint!

Large coffee in hand, I headed out to visit the list of studios offering classes. A few were closed, some sessions had already started, but I was determined. By noon, only one studio was left. I headed in that direction with the pounding rain matching my tense mood.

The studio lights were on when I arrived, I was in luck. I caught the owner just as she was locking up from her morning class. I collapsed into the seat by her desk, sobbing. I couldn’t speak. I tried unsuccessfully to explain my angst. Finally, I decided it didn’t matter. I just needed to paint. Could she teach me?

I had no skill. The only time I touched a brush was when I was twelve. Win. Her practice was for all levels, it was a go at your own pace experience. I could start the following week. Relief!

Miraculously, I wasn’t awful. Something from within was finding its way to the canvas. It was the only place I felt a sense of calm in the brewing storm of my awakening.

I learned by painting studies of other works. Once I got the hang of it, this piece kickstarted my current POV and artistry.

What I came to understand is that I have always been an artist. For me it is an abundance of creativity that comes through in the way I educate, event plan, design, dress, advocate… Words and art have always been a consistent thread. When put together, the essence of me is ignited.

That’s my genius, what’s yours?

Look for where it is infused with wonder. It’s the entire point of our humanness. Namaste.