Making time for change - Anne Boulton

There’s been a few lovely changes for me this past month, and of them, my most favourite is that I’ve carved out some major time to focus on my writing. Yay! It’s good to do what you love, isn’t it?

Don’t get me wrong, there is a balance that must be struck if you are to succeed at getting it all and doing it all. But, certainly, with some intention, you can change what you don’t like and move towards the life that you know you were meant to live.

One of the biggest parts about making the change is to try to fit whatever it is you’d rather be doing into your daily schedule, or as frequently as possible. Want to be a photographer? Start clicking. Submit your photos to newspapers and magazines or even online to bloggers that suit your themes.

I’ve been writing for a long time (in my mere three decades on earth), and I’ve found that consistency is key. Practice, practice, practice, I tell you! Start to hone your skill by constant use, and you’ll find it begins to come as second nature. That’s because you’re getting better. For real.

Another fab tip is to have someone else critique whatever it is your doing. For the longest time, I found it terribly difficult to have anyone read anything I was doing. Without an audience, there are two things glaringly wrong: without feedback, you’ll never grow in your work, and without an audience, how will you ever feel satisfied as an artist?

Perhaps you carve delightful wooden utensils. No one will enjoy lifting lettuce with them unless you get yourself out there, in the big wide world. Try a craft show, the farmer’s market, or find an online craft community, such as Etsy.com, and get visible. This will also give you an opportunity to see what other artists are up to.

Be positive. I know, your mom told you this, or perhaps it was your old Aunty Betty. Whoever it was knew what was what. Starting each day making positive affirmations about realistic goals for yourself should help you to become more effective in your work.

You’ll stop being all grumpy about how you “can’t,” and will begin to see life as an adventure. This healthy mental attitude will do wonders for your work, and for your overall health.

A healthy body is equally important. If you are slaving away in a room, befuddled by writer’s block or a lost paintbrush, then perhaps you need to get outside for a walk. It’s OK to step away and take respite from your project. It will be there when you return, and will look more appealing after some exercise.

Big changes don’t happen overnight. Just keep at it, making your work a priority. You’re doing it — and if you’re doing it, then maybe your peeps will decide to do it, too. That’s how it works. See for yourself.

Anne Boulton is an avid gardener who lives in Sudbury.

Posted by Vivian Scinto