Renaissance (noun): A rebirth, revival. A period of revived intellectual or artistic achievement or enthusiasm.
I’ve chosen the word Renaissance as my word for 2009. Perhaps it is because I started reading Diane Dreher’s Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your True Calling on Christmas. However, that isn’t completely true. The word renaissance has been bouncing around in my head for more than a week.
When I hear the word renaissance I think of dedication to one’s chosen vocation or avocation; to approach one’s work with passion. During the past year I’ve found my interest in some aspects of my art work waning. Periods of boredom and monotony are nothing new. It can come with the territory. Yet the last few weeks of 2008 I felt some sort of urging, a desire creeping up inside of me; a voice telling me, encouraging me to pursue the art that comes from my soul, my spirit.
Stepping out of a comfort zone is never easy. It can be downright scary. But stepping out of that comfort zone is something we all must do at one time or another. Eckhart Tolle (and others) have said if we are comfortable living with and accepting change, then we are truly being and living. And so with those words in my head I look forward to creating some change in the direction of my art and business.
The following are some renaissance principles as outlined in Diane Dreher’s book:
- Your daily choices shape your life and inform the world
- Detach from the noisy world around you to follow the deepest values of your heart
- You are here to discover your gifts and use them to fulfill your destiny
- Discernment means following what inspires you and releasing what diminishes you
- You excel by focusing on your strengths, not dwelling on your weaknesses
- Small actions over time produce monumental results
- When you reach out to follow your calling, the universe supports you with a world of possibilities
Along with choosing the word renaissance, I’m also focusing on another word: discipline. In some ways, to me at least, renaissance and discipline compliment each other. In 2009 I intend to be better disciplined about my studio time, goal setting, marketing, and networking.
To that end I am starting a Mastermind group with a few local friends, artists and those in other businesses, during which time we’ll share our goals, accomplishments, and road blocks encountered as small business owners. We’ll offer each other support and brainstorm solutions.
This first day of 2009 is beautiful in MA. It is sunny and windy, with clear blue skies and a fresh coating of snow on the ground. I opened and hung my new calendars, which I love to do in January because fresh, new calendars seem to hold so much promise for the coming year. I feel enthusiastic about the coming year. Perhaps the wind is blowing a renaissance my way.
Musings from the Moonroom 
January 10, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I just finished a book, “The Renaissance Soul,” so I’m loving your word choice!!
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