So, the “O” word really isn’t one of my favorites.
Flashbacks, I suspect, from when the scrub-clad people shouting orders were known as, Sir! and were all too happy to tell me I didn’t get paid to think, while trying to grab my butt.
Not all of them… but way too many for my comfort!
Through the years, though, I’ve found several different ways to deal with the orders my various orthopedic challenges keep putting in my path.
Take yesterday. Newly negotiated orders from my highly enlightened physical therapist, having more than a little to do with knees and feet. Moving, as you might suspect, was involved.
I’m not coordinated enough to paint while simultaneously doing the point and flex thing with my right ankle. And there’s a lot of painting to do!
There is also sunshine today. And flowers blooming! So, instead of following orders, I took myself on a stroll through the garden, camera in tow! My intention was appreciation and pleasure, which feels a lot more inviting than however many reps of the ankle thing! And, I even stood in the space between the sage and the roses and did some more official ankle stuff.
Then, I found more fiddleheads! They felt like magical, fairy tale surprises!!! Like Creator at play!
There really was a lot to appreciate out there! Including the hiking pole which helps me not – you know – fall down!
Here’s the big message, though…
I learned much of this shift in perception and strategy at my easel, in the magical land of Intentional Creativity® !!!
Would I kid you about this??? Not a chance!
And the counselor/coach part of me is thrilled!
Shaming and blaming people is no way to help them become who they long to be. Even when they are we!
All of which is a huge reminder that my old friend, Steve Glenn, was right! Here are his words from back in the mid ’80’s when I worked with him…
If a teenaged child has 5 adults who will listen to them, take them seriously, and not shame or blame them for their questions, that child is practically immune from ever attempting suicide.
I’ll bet my last nickel that, if Steve were with us today, he’d absolutely agree that the way to start doing that for others is to begin by doing it for ourselves!
So… a question!
What is YOUR version of a walk in the garden while the paint dries???
I really want to know! For this moment, though, I’m off to witness some fabulous artwork from my Red Madonna sisters. My Prophetess is still in the #wip Wednesday phase, but agreed to drop in to say hi. Squint and you might glimpse the beginnings of an owl and a tortoise who insisted on joining the party.
I’m okay with orders from The Muse!
ps… need a reminder that you matter??? This one holds tea or coffee or cacao!!! And it has lots of friends to check out! Take a break and wander through FierceArtWithHeart!