Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Word To My Younger Self...



My first still life in oils - tomatoes...


If I could go back in time to say..., when I was twelve years old, and if I could have an opportunity to give the young Neinah  some serious words of advice before leaving her childhood behind and embarking on her adult life...  I would tell her...

Don't let anyone, (including any naysayer voices that might be programmed in your head,) tell you  that you should never try something new unless you know you'll be brilliant at it... Ha! such as,  you're not a runner ( ha! you've got two legs right?) you can't  write (ha! you've got a lot of conversation and big thoughts going on in that head of your's..,? well.. learn to put it down on paper... - or write a blog...:)  You can't paint... (ha! you've got two eyes..., two hands, 10 fingers.. what are you waiting for, an act from God???)  Get on, get on and do it, try it..., whatever it is that calls to you, go for it,   don't ever worry about not having "the goods," "the wit," "the intelligence," "the endurance".. etc... etc... Its not important... What IS important,  is the ability to open your heart then open your mouth and  say one very important life altering word.....,  "YES!"

Its taken me almost 50 years to realize that I don't need anyones permission to do try my hand at something new, to follow my dreams and allow them to become reality...  I do not need to worry anymore about doing things to please someone else, oh yes,  and being perfect (immediately) at any new task or skill (if not stop immediately and feel useless... - no thanks)  I am truly ok with not being a Zola Budd, Virginia Woolf or Georgia O'keiffe.  I am happy with being me... WOW... such a huge revelation!!!  

When I do all the fun stuff from exactly this place of "FUN"..., and for the right and true reason - that of experiencing the sheer and utterly wonderful JOY of it all,  then it all works out as if by magic!

So to anyone out there who may have stifled dreams and desires... its never too late... give yourself permission and leap into the J-O-Y...

XO, 
Neinah

2 comments:

Unknown said...

It is truly an "AHA" moment to realize that you LIKE yourself. Im not sure my younger self would've thought it possible. To "like " yourself enough to attempt the dream of long ago, or even the new dream of today-knowing that trying is sometimes enough or that you may create a masterpiece or find passion for something new. I found out I liked "me" when I was 37 and I rejoice each day trying to live my life in truth and happiness. Thank YOU, Neinah for being an inspiration and for liking your self..for your self!

xo, Cassandra

Victoria said...

Wow..I love your art...how gorgeous..fabulous piece!! Beautiful inspiring post..well said! Shine on..keep shining in all you do,it is why we are all here! You have such a beautiful shining heart..!
Hugs and sparkles
Kiki~