Set back or Setup?

On Friday, a friend of mine said there was going to be an event online with a plethora of thought leaders. She wanted to watch because her hero, Mel Robbins, was to be on. I said maybe I would check it out.

I had never heard of Jamie Kern Lima, but I like Mel and while making my coffee decided to tune in. I had no idea that this was in excess of a 12 hour event! And yes, so many inspirational guests - so many messages that I found great reminders.

My previous week was checking off a bucket list item and rolling into a future of selling artwork live at big festivals. And then getting news that my charming home’s entire 60 yr old plumbing system was failing rapidly. Next was sitting down with swindlers, insurance fraudsters and a few above board professionals. The ultimate outcome is the same: the fix will be coming out of my pocket and it is not covered by insurance. This was a setback, for sure.

One speaker who came on early in the day was Maria Shriver. She said a setback is when you are cruising along and all of a sudden you find yourself on the floor wondering how you got there ( have been on the floor more times than I can remember). And she reminded me of this: setbacks can be setups. Setups are opportunities to recreate your life at different times. She said for her greatest setback/setup she had 3 things: faith, friends and her own fortitude. She also said during this time she asked herself:

1) where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

2) what is your North Star?

3) what is your vision?

4) how are you of service?

Maria said answering these questions is the difference between doing and being.

Clearly, God & the Universe want me to stop just being. Since I am the creator of my own life, I am being nudged not so gently to take action. I have answers to most of the questions above (#4 is what I’ve been seeking). I have less than 40 days to pack this place up and get it sale ready. No more doom scrolling on Zillow looking for that perfect place to call home. Putting an entire life into storage units sounds scary. I like roots, my things, my books, my family pictures. Yet, in a way it feels like a visit to my college-aged self. Having this adventure ahead is a bit uncomfortable. But no major growth happens in comfort.

Maria’s final sentence yesterday was this: life is a marathon and having a long term vision helps make the most of it. What has this to do with art? Making art has always been my North Star. Being a creator is innate to me, part of my DNA. I am my most at home while creating something. So my long term vision includes all things Blackbird Creations. I've been SET UP for the next best thing!

If you want to check out this online event, go to www.becomingunstoppable.com.