I'm not sure WHY I feel so strongly about sharing this here, but I do.
So I will.
Earlier this morning, I wrote a thank-you note of sorts to Chris Dunmire of Creativity-Portal.com (see link in left column under My Favorite Websites: Creativity). I've gained SO MUCH creative courage from this site and newsletter. I feel like I really expressed a heart-felt thank you in my rather long-winded note to Chris. Maybe reading it will provide you with a glimpse of "who" I am.
I have a hard time letting people see the REAL me sometimes. Vulnerability scares me. But I was able to get "real stuff" out of me in my writing this a.m., so I'm challenging myself and put this note "out there" for who-knows-who to read. And I challenge you to do the same.
Do you have a blog? No? Start one. The therapeutic advantages alone are worth it. If you do have one already, put a little bit of your REAL self out there for the world to see. Not just an entry about something neat you found on the Internet or where you're next gig is. Tell the world who you really are. How you feel.
I feel LIBERATED in sharing just this one little thing! It was hard for me. I did it anyway. And now I have a little more "hitch in my giddy-up" today! :o)
My love to ALL,
-June
Dear Chris,
Does anyone ever just take the time to *THANK YOU* for providing us with such a WONDERFUL source of inspiration?
I used to own a business in which I provided administrative support to "online professionals". Part of my duties for many of my clients was to help pull together their e-zines and newsletters each month. I *know* the amount of *work* involved in publishing every single issue. And to do it so well, as you do, takes EXTRA attention to detail.
I love your content. I still get BUTTERFLIES in my stomach when each new issue arrives in my in-box. I read almost every article (sometimes more than once so it really "soaks in") and I find myself hanging on every word of each of your well-chosen expert contributors.
Additionally, *your* upbeat words of encouragement and support have genuinely helped me to accept my "right-brained" self as an "okay way to *be*."
I have been a square peg in a round-hole-world for a loooong time - trying to work in corporate America high-rises, commuting more than an hour each way to work in wretched Atlanta traffic...
About the time I was surely going to LOSE IT (after too many years living a life that didn't "fit"), I decided to make important changes that finally honored the CREATIVE person I was at heart. At about that *same* time, I found your website & subscribed to your newsletter.
Chris, you've done SO MUCH in the way of soothing my weary soul and have provided me with inspirational articles that have really helped me get in touch with that "creative diva" I'd suppressed for so long. I'm now living a more authentic life that actually *works with* my non-linear way of thinking. I've finally accepted that I'm "different". I prefer to call it "special". Creativity is such a Divine gift from God. I'm ashamed that I tried to ignore it as long as I did just so I could "fit in" with those around me.
I just had to let you know what a HUGE part the Creativity Portal has played in allowing me to *embrace* "ME". I wish there was something I could do for *YOU* that would bless you as much as you've blessed me. I'm forever grateful.
I'm passionate about leaving bits and pieces of my family's daily life behind for other generations to explore. I would have LOVED it if my ancestors would have left behind things about their daily lives, you know? Being a *woman* with a *screaming* case of textbook A.D.D., a Geminii, accutely VISUALLY DRIVEN, *AND* a born-blonde (for cryin' out loud), I've finally given myself permission to be exactly who God created me to be. A wonderfully creative, scattered, talented MESS. My *FAITH* keeps me grounded, self-directed, and self-disciplined enough to take care of a household, a husband (who still doesn't understand me), and children. My *CREATIVITY* gives me wings to soar through the endless imagination I've been blessed with.
Becoming a Memory Artiste :o) (using scrapbooking, collage, assemblage, etc.) has provied me with a great way to combine my LOVE of writing (can you tell?), journaling, photography, art & design, paper crafting, and digital design. If you ever have a need for someone knowledgeable in this area, I'd love to lend a hand. But that's **NOT** what this note is about. I sincerely just wanted to say **Thank You**. Sorry it turned into half a day's reading! Thanks for your time. I think you're GREAT! :o)
Sincerely,
-June