My non-linear path to France {Part Two}

 

When I shared with my friend, Jamila, how I ended up receiving an invitation to attend the Chateau d’Orquevaux residency next month she said: 
​
“Sounds like you’ve followed the breadcrumbs God left for you every step of the way.” 

Thinking back over my non-linear creative path the past year and a half, she's right.
​

  • January 2021 I volunteer to help with a fundraiser for the Creative Arts Center of Dallas
    ​
    ​

  • With intention to widen the circle of who the CAC includes and serves, I visited new art galleries with black owners who represent BIPOC artists and invited them to participate and attend.
    ​
    ​

  • March of 2021, during a visit to Pencil On Paper Gallery, I saw a piece that stopped me in my tracks. Valerie Gilespie, one of the owners, told me it was the work of a New York artist.
    ​
    ​

  • I began following the artist, Demarcus McGaughey, on Instagram and learned he’s originally from Dallas.
    ​
    ​

  • Over the coming year I was inspired by his art, the way he intentionally creates his life and, in February of 2022, his experiences in a creative residency in France.
    ​
    ​

  • March of 2022 we met in person for a dinner filled with creative connection, excellent conversation and of course a few heemeesheemees too! 🤩
    ​
    ​

  • This summer when applications for 2023 opened, it was Demarcus who encouraged me (relentlessly 🤣) to apply. When I protested ~ “I’m not an artist.” He said ~ “Go write your book!”
    ​
    ​

  • When I saw a last-minute spot had opened for this fall I reached out to the director to see if they’d consider my application.
    ​
    ​

  • While waiting for a response, I checked to see if I had enough airline miles to fly to France and if there were flights available. (Yes on both counts ~ so I put the flights on hold for one week.)
    ​
    ​

  • The day before the hold was to end, I received the news that I’d been accepted. It all felt so smooth and meant to be!

​

Looking back I see how tapping into my creative courage me brought me to this point. 

🌟 Creative courage means being willing to put yourself in new situations with new people and know that some won’t want anything to do with you but some will end up being dear friends. 

🌟 It means raising your hand for new opportunities outside your comfort zone, feeling real discomfort and doing it anyway. 

🌟 It means knowing you might fail and doing it anyway because trying and failing is better than not trying and dying with your dreams still inside you.

🌟 It means going for your creative dreams BEFORE you feel 100% ready. 
​

I’ve dreamed of writing a book for years and still don’t feel totally prepared. But here I go! 

I share this to encourage you to give yourself permission to follow your creative dreams AND the creative dreams of others.

Drop the compare and despair.

Let the success of others be an inspiration to you of what is possible!

Your life is your canvas. Your time is now!

As Demarcus says, #createyourlife.

Be open to the non-linear path of your creativity.

You never know where it might lead you!

🌟💖🌟
​
Jill

P.S. ~  Imagine where you could be one year from now if you choose to prioritize your creative dreams today! 

If you’ve been wanting to work with me as your 1-1 coach to help you strengthen your creative courage, now’s your chance. 

Don’t put your dreams on hold for one minute longer.

​Book your Creative Oasis Clarity Call  this week and let’s get started before I leave for France!​​​
​​​

 
Jill Allison Bryan