The Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed

There are seasons when life feels beautifully full. And then there are seasons when it feels like everything important is happening at once. The past few months have been exactly that for me.

A dream coming true - my own studio space.

Since May, nearly every spare moment has been focused on preparing for the Cool Art Show. Along the way, I also started a new job after spending twenty years with my previous company. It's been exciting, challenging, and full of learning new systems, new responsibilities, and new people.

Now another exciting chapter is beginning.

I picked up the keys to my new studio this week.

I'm not quite ready to share it yet—we've only just begun getting the space ready—but I promise that reveal is coming soon. At the same time, my home studio is also getting a much-needed refresh, and I can't wait to share both spaces with you over the next couple of weeks.

As exciting as all of that is, I've realized something. When life gets busy, I become really good at getting the important things done.

The deadlines get met.

The paintings get finished.

The website gets updated.

The projects move forward.

But somewhere along the way, the things that keep me healthy quietly slide to the bottom of the list.

• The morning journaling.

• The walks.

• The gym.

• Remembering to drink enough water.

• Taking my vitamins.

The little daily habits that don't seem urgent—but somehow become the foundation for everything else. This month marks a milestone birthday for me, and instead of making a long list of goals, I'm thinking more about balance. I still have so many exciting things I want to accomplish.

I want to keep growing as an artist, maybe take another online workshop, and continue pushing my work in new directions.

Sometimes you need to slow down to get there faster…

I want to build this business thoughtfully—sharing more consistently on social media, keeping my website fresh, writing these weekly blogs, and preparing for the holiday season.

I also want to continue growing in my new corporate role, learning everything I can while building relationships with an incredible new team.

But none of those things matter much if I don't have the energy or creativity to enjoy them.

I've learned that creativity doesn't only happen when I'm standing in front of an easel. It happens on long walks. During quiet mornings with a journal. When I slow down enough to notice the light on the water or the colors in a flower garden. When I take care of myself instead of convincing myself I'll get to it later.

Ironically, the more I make space for those things, the better my paintings become.

So this month isn't about doing more.

It's about doing the things that help me become my best self—both as an artist and as a person.

I'm looking forward to sharing what comes next. A new studio. A refreshed creative space at home. New paintings. New ideas. And hopefully, a little more balance along the way.

If you're feeling like life has been moving a little too fast lately, maybe this is your reminder too.

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is simply take care of ourselves first.