It is Simple… A daily routine, Just do it, and Start from the beginning.  Just Show Up

Outside of my photography, I’ve never been this active in my creative life.  With that said I’ve decided to challenge myself.  And in a fortuitous coincidence it just happens to coincide with the beginning of the year.  I’m going to choose a guiding statement, make a commitment, select a mantra. 

Given everything I’ve written, wrestled with, confessed, reclaimed, and recommitted to this year, one word rises to the surface again, and again. It’s already living in my work, my practices, my vows all of which has brought me to these crossroads.

What is it you may be asking?

Show Up

Not flashy. Not abstract. But radical in its honesty.

Why did I choose this?

• My fear has never been a lack of vision. It’s been hesitation, preparation, waiting for readiness.  In a word procrastination. 
• My breakthroughs have always happened through presence… getting tired of not being able to do something and making the decision to learn it and do it. 

“Show Up” isn’t about productivity.  It’s about practice over permission.  It’s about doing over procrastination.  It’s about tending the embers daily instead of waiting for flame.  It’s about choosing action even when I don’t feel like it. 

But if I’m being completely honest, “Show Up” is the one thing that addresses my fear, my procrastination, my courage, and my future self all at once.

This feels like I’m at a crossroads, that place in which I make a decision that marks the start of a new chapter in my life.  It’s a good year for embers to become a flame.

With this in mind, I’m committing to a few tools to use along the way.  Firstly, a vow – I vow to show up daily,  imperfect, curious, and present and let the work teach me who I am becoming.

Secondly a question to ask at the start of every session and keep me motivated.  “What is one small, honest act of making I can offer today?”

Thirdly, a mantra I can recite while walking, shooting, or setting up materials.  “Show up and tend the embers.” This is short enough to breathe with. Repetitive enough to settle in.  And it will help keep me motivated. 

This feels like a time of transition.  A time to start new pursuits, to chase my interests and ambitions.  And as the name of my website implies, pursue my creative path.