Happy New Year! We made it! And you don’t need me to tell you how difficult it was—probably the most difficult year most of us have had.
That’s why an article I read the other day got my attention. Instead of bemoaning all of the horrible things that had happened in 2020, it posed the question: What was the BEST thing that happened to you this year?
It was a simple query, and one that’s often asked at the end of the year. What gave me pause was that, normally, I would have struggled to come up with just one thing. It’s not that I lead a perfect life, but I’ve been blessed with the ability to usually see the glass half full. When looking back on 2020, however, the task became a bit more challenging.
I decided that it had to be getting to know the Purple Crayon members better, and helping them get to know each other better, as well. When we had to move the Saturday Creativity Circle outside, it became more difficult for most of us to do our art. I couldn’t exactly drag my sewing machine to a park! So, we ended up just chatting with one another. And, because we weren’t distracted by our projects, we could actually have real conversations.
I learned that many members used to have “big jobs” and were still figuring out who they were without their titles. I learned that many of them had lived difficult lives, and it was a big deal to just get themselves to the studio. And I learned that, for many of them, making art was not only important, but essential. Our conversations drew us closer to each another, and ourselves.
Of course, 2020 presented other opportunities as well. The need to social distance prompted me to find new ways to deliver workshops and connect with family and friends. The tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many other black men and women opened my eyes to how much systemic racism still plagues our country. And, as heartbreaking as it has been to see hundreds of thousands of people succumb to COVID-19, I credit it for ousting the current administration and saving our country.
Reflecting on all of these 2020 gifts brought me joy and reminded me WHY practicing gratitude is so important: gratitude and happiness are strongly correlated. Several studies show that people who feel grateful more often than others are happier, sleep better, have more energy, and have fewer illnesses and less pain. (Google “gratitude and happiness research” to read more.)
So, now I encourage you to consider: What is the best thing that happened to YOU in 2020? And, since this blog is supposed to focus on creativity, specifically ponder: What is the best thing that happened to YOUR ART in 2020? Then, I encourage you to hold that gratitude in your heart as you venture forward into what I hope will be a better new year.
I'm still working on the spring workshop schedule, but there are some great offerings coming up in January and February, including Terrilynn Dubreuil's Introduction to Watercolor: Paint Your Pet on Tuesday afternoons starting 2/2. This four-week class will teach you everything you need to know to get started with watercolor.
And, with Terrilynn's playful teaching style, you're guaranteed to have a blast, whether your goal is to actually paint your pet or just learn to paint. Here's what one student said about Terrilynn's last watercolor course:
I've been terrified of watercolor my whole life. Now I feel like I can do it! I've tried to take [watercolor] over the years, and I've always failed and gone home and cried. I just had so much fun, and I felt so confident. [Terrilynn's style] really worked for me, and I really appreciate it! —Julie M.
I hope you'll consider brightening your winter with this or one of our other inspiring workshops.
I look forward to creating with you!
—Pam Robbins, Owner
