When Life, and Work and Art Collide

Oh my!

I am waiving a little white flag, breathing deep, and trying see the big picture . . . and I am not sure how good a job I am doing. I kind of need someone to say,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

because it's one of those weeks. You know, the ones that go completely awry despite your best intentions?

I find it curious that perspective and acceptance seem to be a common thread in its unraveling.

What do you do when you are a working mom trying to give all you have to both your family and your work, at the same time?  Accept what is, and see that it's about something bigger than what readily meets the eye . . .

It has been an emotionally exhausting week-long ordeal with my daughter's high school administration as I repeatedly attempted to advocate for her rights and overall well being - trying to be aware of the full perspective, theirs and mine - regarding a 504 accommodation she has in place, the behind the scenes-at home work my daughter and I are trying to accomplish together, and an impromptu appearance before the administrators this morning further pleaing my daughter's case for the need for her participate in a school band rally that they had every intention of pulling her from; to another infringement of my work, schedules and deadlines, needing supplies that are not to be found in local stores but only if ordered on line (but I really want -need- them now, please!). I told my husband I am kind of feeling like I've been beat up, kicked down, and rolled around in the mud as I have tried to share my perspective and longed

to be seen,

to be heard, and

to be understood.

Isn't that what we all want anyway? Do you ever feel like saying, "Don't agree with me if you think I'm wrong, don't placate me, but at least try to see me, to hear me, and empathize with (understand) what I am feeling?" Regardless of what the circumstances come dressed as for the day, I cannot help but wonder if we slowed down just a bit, tuned in  more to the issue and/or the person rather than the money, and considered that sometimes we don't always have the right or best answer . . .that if we did these things and at the same time looked, saw, and attempted to understand the person or people we are dealing with, we might, just might reach a more satisfactory result? Right now, I don't know, what do you think?

Given the day's events I couldn't work. The creative process simply was not going to flow thru the tension my body felt. So, I made a cup of peppermint tea, vented with my gracious husband, enjoyed lunch with him, then went to Barnes & Noble...my quiet place for reflection ('twould be the ocean if it were near by).  I picked up copies of three new Sommerset magazines, and ya know what, I am inspired - by the magazines. Thank you Sommerset, because my perspective has shifted from the challenges of life and work to creating from my heart - because that's what I do best, create (that and be a momma lioness when called upon).

Lots of love and light and creativity to you!!!  Tomorrow's a new day filled with possibility!

Comments

[cebu web designer]

I like your website. It is really cute.

[Sherri Blum]

I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time, Terri. I hear you and understand completely! It does seem like everything wants to go wrong all at once and really test us, doesn't it?! I'm glad you took the day to step back and do something restorative. The deadlines and work can wait. You are a wonderful mother, artist and role model to the rest of us. You've been a great sounding board for me and I am here for you anytime you're having such a day!
I hope your daughter is allowed to participate in the pep rally after all. She most certainly should be given that opportunity to do something so positive and joyous.
Hang in there! And call anytime. xoxo

[Kate]

I get it and I hear you, Terri. I hope tomorrow is a much brighter day for you. Hang in there.

k :0)

[christine]

All I can say is, I "get it" and I "understand"....xoxo-C