One step forward

It’s Finding Me Friday. Growing up one of my favorite movies was the comedy, “What About Bob?” If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend doing so. Bill Murray plays a counseling patient opposite Richard Dreyfuss who plays his therapist. I won’t give the story away, but Richard Dreyfuss’ character, Dr. Leo Marvin, writes a book for people experiencing anxiety and OCD, in which he shares a technique he developed called “Baby Steps.” Bill Murray plays the character Bob Wiley, who has significant anxiety and OCD. Bob employs the “Baby Steps” technique quite literally, repeating the phrase out loud as he tries to navigate the world, “Baby stepping to the door”, “Baby stepping to street”, “Baby stepping to the store”. You get the idea.

Last year at this time, I was taking baby steps preparing to show my art for the first time through a pop-up gallery at ArtWorks in Edmonds. I had no idea what I was doing but knew that I had to take one step forward each day to reach my goal.

It wasn’t easy, especially in the moments where embracing a beginner’s mind was necessary. After being a go-to subject matter expert for most of my career, the feeling of having no knowledge of how to create a sales label, how to write an artist statement, or price my work was daunting.

One baby step forward, then more steps forward, with support from other artists and my art goddess guardian angel, Meredith Arnold, my confidence grew and things started to come together.

If you’ve been holding back from beginning something important to you, tune-in and ask your inner knowing what is needed to take the first step. Maybe that’s validation of your vision, tangible support for your goal, or even a great big hug. Whatever it is, identify it, acknowledge it, then baby step yourself forward. You got this!

Keep creating.