Looking for Answers
This morning as I’ve sat to write, I’ve looked to my Red Dragon for inspiration.
“What do you think my followers will want to hear about today?” I asked.
After a thoughtful pause he replied, “ Looking for answers”.
I pondered on this, seeing the truth of his words. After all. Aren’t we all constantly seeking answers? Mine this week have centred around how to create a simple but beautiful automata mechanism to let my Red Dragon fly.
In part, I’m taking a leap of faith into the unknown, as I constantly do on this creative journey of mine. I made a cardboard and wire prototype a while ago, so I know the principles of the mechanism will work. However, actually making the pieces from brass is another ballgame as I’m still in the infancy of acquiring the metalworking skills I require.
I have spent time researching the methodology I need to use, and then I’m trying to push my way through the fear that holds me back from getting on with putting the theory into practice. It’s this latter emotion that catches my attention as I write.
Why is it that we have a tendency to procrastinate when learning something new? What on earth am I afraid of?
Fear is a constant companion on my creative journeys, as it is in most of our lives as we move forward into the unknown future. If we let it, fear can cripple us into inaction. We much prefer to stay in our comfort zones, which can stop us from doing what we are truly capable of doing. I think that’s why I love doing these 100 day goals. I give myself a huge challenge and put my progress on constant display, warts and all. It’s not always comfortable but that’s the point. Without the constant accountability of my daily social media posts, perhaps I’d be more tempted to give up when my project gets too difficult?
So every day I take baby steps towards my end goal. Sometimes it feels as though I’m crawling along, but then I look back at how far I’ve come and realise just how far I’ve progressed. This alone gives me the courage to continue. I can do this.
In truth, we never know how something is going to turn out. Even setting out to drive to work, or perhaps to a friends, we are trusting that nothing will happen on route and that we will arrive safely. I’m using exactly the same trust. I’m not entirely sure of my route but I know that if I keep going, keeping my end goal firmly in sight, I’ll get there eventually.
Fingers crossed, I’ll find my answers along the way to reach my destination by day 100.
My Red Dragon nods in agreement with my musings.
“Yes”, he says, “we will get there together, and then another journey will begin. For both of us”.
As I finish writing the goal tracker on my mobile phone pings with today’s inspirational quote. It couldn’t be more appropriate:
Every great story on the planet happened when someone decided not to give up, but kept going no matter what. – Spryte Loriano
I do hope you are enjoying your own journey and discovering answers along the way. Never give up on pushing your way forward into the unknown. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from exploring what you are truly capable of. Remember, every day is an opportunity to begin afresh, to begin a new life adventure. Where will yours take you?
Until next time
Mary-Ann x
