111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 80: A Year That Changed My Life
This past year involved so many ups and downs, both personally and professionally, that there were times I couldn’t get my footing. The artist within kept my spirit grounded when it wanted to soar and gave me wings when my dreams seemed out of reach. Through all the hurdles, challenges, and achievements, I survived 2014 thanks to a profound connection to my artistic spirit.
I started the year embracing my love of the entertainment industry, specifically film and television. I traveled to California in both January and February so that I could be in the Los Angeles area during two important award shows: the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. (Read Day 11’s post for more info on February’s exciting trip!) I felt alive, joyful, and motivated by being so close to all the excitement. I wasn’t walking the red carpet, interviewing nominees, or sitting in the theaters, but I believed that one day I would.
That belief planted a seed that blossomed into a career change, one that wasn’t very well thought out. I resigned from a respected position in a company that I admired because I realized that if I continued along that path, my spirit would wither and die. Okay, so maybe that’s a little melodramatic but friends who know me well also know that I tend to write melodrama very well. Anyway, I decided to make the change and move to Hollywood! I was going to spend a few weeks finishing my novel, go to the local writers conference, see Broadway shows and review them on my blog, get tickets to the 2014 Tony Award broadcast, and if a career didn’t panned out here then I’d pack my belongings and drive out west. That was the extent of my plan.
A plan filled with loopholes, to be more precise. I let doubt impede my progress. Tickets to the Tonys sold out before I knew they were on sale; news so disappointing that I had to blog about it: MUSICALS TO MY EARS. I couldn’t justify spending the money on theatre tickets when I was living at home without a job, so the reviews never happened. I finished my novel but got mixed feedback, so I put it aside. Slowly, but surely, I got scared and second-guessed what I thought had been a brave decision. How was I going to earn a living? Should I tuck my tail between my legs and return to my former place of employment? Or, should I stay the course and pursue a career in the industry I’ve always dreamt being part of?
Through the summer and early Fall months, writing became my saving grace. I hit rock bottom and couldn’t see the path towards achieving my artistic dreams. I became a shell of the person I once was not months prior. Without the support of family and friends, I don’t know how I’d have gotten through such a difficult time. I needed something to keep me motivated each day – something to inspire me and help me develop my craft. And so, the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge came to be!
I believe very much that we are more than just our daily existence, that we have something positive and important to give. We are all creative, even though not all can see or embrace their own creativity. I wanted to share my own creativity in the hopes that it inspired others out there to embrace their own. Along the way, I realized that it was also about stimulating my own artistic spirit. I write, design jewelry, review musicals/tv shows/films, and sing. I just don’t earn a living at all of the aforementioned activities. Through this pledge, I’ve learned to embrace all aspects of the artist within.
2014 ended as it began, with me in Los Angeles. This time I went with the sheer purpose of career research; Day 59 (My Unexpected Journey). I know undoubtedly that a career in the film/tv/theatre industries is where I will ultimately find a home, but I don’t expect it to happen if I don’t put in the work to get there. I look ahead towards 2015 with hope, faith in my artistic spirit, and perseverance driving me forwards.
Here’s to a new year and new possibilities!
*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by any of the aforementioned award shows, organizations, or affiliates implied!*
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 31 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
Kelly Deeny 