When I went back to school following a several-year hiatus, I embarked on a year in Architecture.  As part of the core requirements, I had to take a 100-level art class.  I’m creative but I am not an artist, as I’m sure is the case with many students in a class like that.  And while I didn’t come away from the class with much more talent (or much of a portfolio), I did take away an important lesson.

Make the mark; words from my wise art instructor.

Staring at that blank sheet of beautiful, clean, white paper with an idea in mind which will never look the same in life as it does in my head: go forward and make the mark.  The outcome will never be realized, the project never will be done, if that first mark isn’t made.  So just make it.

Author Victoria Moran shares a similar concept in Creating a Charmed Life in the chapter entitled “Do the Next Indicated Thing” when she reminds us to “take the next action life presents.”  So often, if we take that first, often times scary, first step toward our larger goals, that movement builds momentum.

These thoughts tie into another analogy I’ve been thinking about lately.  I’m a mom and many parents can relate to the efforts it can sometimes take to get a child into the bathtub or shower.  If your kids are like mine, following this exhausting process – they won’t get out! They love the warm water and it sometimes takes an equally trying effort to get the child back OUT after all the work to get him IN.  What I’m finding is that there are some things like this in my life.  I dread the thought of the task in front of me and then, when I’m doing it, I love it.  Wow.  Have I not grown up?  After coming to this realization, I find myself asking this question when I’m in full-blown avoidance… Am I avoiding something I really will enjoy and, if so, what is THAT about?!  Jump in the tub and enjoy it.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I begin my blogging.  For what and to what end, I’m not entirely sure.  I’m making the mark.  I’m doing the next indicated thing.  I’m getting wet.  Let the work begin.

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