Relationships…Time To Evolve?

Many of us were raised with the same subtle instructions: Be kind. Be agreeable. Keep the peace. Don’t make anyone uncomfortable.

I appreciate this. It shaped me into an excellent observer. Generally, I’m calm, accommodating, and easy to be around. But it also tucked my voice deep inside for much of my life.

Only in recent years have I truly met her and this week, she stood a little taller.

As I near the completion of my current painting journey, The Artist of the North, my voice has risen to a new level. I still haven’t written her full story or heard the final title of the piece because in truth, the journey isn’t over. This next level has only just begun.

For those unfamiliar with the Intentional Creativity movement, it isn’t about learning how to paint. It’s about the journey and in this case, the journey of becoming the artist of your own life.

Part of that process involved unearthing pieces (beliefs, patterns) of myself that I had stored away long ago. Instead of pushing them back into silence, I’ve invited them onto the canvas where they could soften, transform, and become nourishment. Compost for new growth. New skills. New ways of being.

And then came real-life practice.

• A memorial for a family member.

• Tension with a co-worker.

• A women’s circle where I knew no one.

• Family dynamics.

• My own inner explorations.

One doorway after another appeared where I could either stay quiet or speak honestly.

This week, I chose to speak. Time to walk my talk.

Not loudly. Not harshly. Just clearly, with care. And with the occasional foot stomp for grounding (in the privacy of my studio).

It feels like opening a window after years of stale air. I feel more freedom, more power to be my whole authentic self and more potential for love.

I know that I prefer to grow through creativity and joy rather than crisis and chaos. But many don’t actively take that on until they are forced into it. It may be time that you need to. The world is shaking. External stability is a myth. So instead of scrambling to find ground out there, it’s time to build it in here. To take it on as an adventure, the journey called life.

So what do we do?

• We go inward.

• We build stability within ourselves so we don’t topple with every passing storm.

• We get to know ourselves to the best of our ability so that we can stand strong, know and speak what is true for us.

• We speak honestly, truthfully, and gracefully without apology.

• We connect with like-hearted folks.

My inner feminine warrior is wide awake now. She’s been patient, but she’s done with hanging out in the background. I’m not sure what that means at this point, but changes are afoot.

The Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos wrote something along the lines of: “They tried to bury us. But they didn’t know we were seeds.”

Is it time to un-bury and grow? Time to evolve? Yes, it is AND it’s for you to decide how, where and when … or you can wait until it’s required of you. Either way works. No judgement.

I am choosing to do it consciously. Slowly. Tenderly. Moss-covered, perhaps. But undeniably growing.

And it feels so right. So timely. So very important.

This is the moment. No more shrinking. No more silence where our voice belongs.

We’ll rise … softly, steadily … together.

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A Gentle Possibility - As winter approaches, I’m considering offering something; perhaps a painting journey, a vision-book project, or a small gathering for those who want to journey together for a bit. If that calls to you, I’d love to hear from you.

This is a post from my Substack site. If you’d like to read my weekly reflections, do check it out. You may subscribe for free to receive new posts directly to you inbox (usually each Sunday). Suzanne’s Substack - Staying Wild, Being Free.