Friday, April 27, 2012

Thursday Thoughts: All is One and One is All

Tree of Life bracelet, front
Fine silver with copper and sterling silver chain
Michelle Loon, 2012


This week I finished a Tree of Life bracelet. The friend who requested it for her boyfriend wanted it to have elements that reflected both of their personalities and would fit with the macramé jewelry he makes. He is an earthy type of person and likes the symbolism of the Tree of Life while the swirly branches reflect her aesthetic and spirited personality. On the back, the inscription reads “All is one and one is all.”

Tree of Life bracelet, back
Fine silver with copper and sterling silver chain
Michelle Loon, 2012

The bracelet’s inscription reminded me of the quote Tonya shared with us a quote by Derek Sivers during Artful Success, “how you do anything is how you do everything.” Over the past few weeks, I’ve been battling La Resistance in my head as far as continuing to change my mindset and it took an open clash of wills with my family to really understand what that means for me. I can’t just focus on changing the way I approach art or business. I must cling for dear life to the belief that I can let go of past choices and will not abandon anyone by not meeting other people’s expectations. It is still easy to withdraw into depression mode, but I can’t ignore the fact that really good things are going on around me anymore.

Parents will always worry because they care, and want me to be happy. It will take adjustment for me and my family to retrain ourselves and accept that no matter what I am working on or stumbling over at the moment, I am already a successful artist who wants to continue to push my artistic boundaries and find my niche within the community.

My accountability buddy Stephanie has been encouraging as she has gone through a similar situation with her son. She shared a quote with me from Chariots of Fire (hey, I have actually seen that movie!) and said to put it in an art context: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

Yep, that about sums it up!

4 comments:

  1. What a great post Michelle. The bracelet is outstanding and the couple must be thrilled to have this as a symbol for their love. And good of you to battle the Resistance, keep on growing!

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  2. Hi Helga, thanks for the encouragement! and yes, they were really excited about the bracelet :)

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  3. It sounds like Tonya's program is having a profound affect on you. I applaud your honesty in sharing what you're going through. I have no doubt that those around you think you have it all together even if you are struggling internally to feel that way. Being as open as you are to change, and to sharing the process, can only be a good thing. And your work is absolutely beautiful. I'm your fan.

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  4. Hi Irene, thank you for your comment! Tonya's program has made me face stuff I've avoiding addressing & it is nice knowing there are others going through the same thing at the same time. I'm sure I'll look back on my posts & go, "that was silly!" but posting here I can't forget I learned something.

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