Greetings and Good Afternoon,
I hope that each of you are having a wonderful day! This afternoon, I want to take a few moments to talk about finding motivation and inspiration in everything that we do. I had a conversation with my eldest son over the weekend that reminded me to not take life so seriously, and two documentaries that also inspired me, as well. So without further delay, let’s dive right in!
Today’s Scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
~Proverbs 3:5-6
May the reading of God’s word fulfill you and add a blessing to your life.
Again, this week I want to begin with a bible scripture (and going forward) because, I think that it gives the discussion a foundation and a focus for perspective and context. I chose this scripture because, I feel like I’m learning all over again how to trust in the Lord. In many ways, I began to forget that I can and need to lean on the Lord at all times, but especially in my time of need. I say this because, over the past few blog post I discussed how I felt like I was losing passion for writing, how stress was affecting me, and my strategies for reclaiming “M.A.I.” peace. Well, I say all of that to say, this past weekend my son and I were in my office and he was watching me as I was drawing on my iPad, when he made a comment that stuck with me. It was interesting because, I made a comment about my artwork not being “perfect.” My son, the bright young lad that he is said to me, “that’s ok Mom, it’s just art. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be what you want it to be.” I sat back in my chair, smiled and said, “you know what Morgan, you’re right.” This baby, my baby, just reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect, but that I should enjoy the process and make whatever I’m working making my own. He just schooled me and I was here for the lesson. After that conversation, I decided that I would work on being imperfectly creative by letting go and being free. I had to remind myself that creativity has no boundaries. My first attempt at doing so, I decided to draw and later on I grabbed my iPad, and I began drawing all kinds of doodles.
Later over the weekend, I watched two documentaries about to artistic legends. The first was entitled, “Boom For Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean Michel Basquiat,” and the second was, “The Gospel According to André Leon Tally.” Two very different, very influential African-American men to the world of art and fashion, respectively, and ultimately impactful to American culture, and particularly, African-American culture. I watched these documentaries in awe of what these men accomplished, and their boldness to be fully themselves and unique! There was nothing about either of them that was a copy! They were “original, authentic, and daring!” In the era when they both were making a name for themselves, it was difficult to be taken seriously and to be “let in.” However, they created their own lane. They inspire me because, I look at them both and they “colored their lives outside of the lines.” Again, they made a lane for their work and for them to exist, and I respect that. It drives my son’s comment home for me. Basquiat’s work was not polished and neat, but it was real, rugged, raw, and it had a message. André Tally believed in having great style, and his style was unconventional and different. These men were outspoken and unbothered an unafraid! They didn’t mind amplifying their voices to be heard. I’m motivated and inspired today, that I must be creative and live with and in my own creativity. No matter how it shows up, whether I’m drawing, creating a flyer, writing, doing makeup, etc. I must remember other Black artists and creatives and all that they were able to accomplish. This is what I'm motivated and inspired by today! I hope that you find inspiration in being "perfectly imperfect," and go out into the world and "color outside of the lines."
Charmyra E. Fleming is a romance author with a deep desire to M.OTIVATE | A.SPIRE | I.NSPIRE, her readers and beyond to live their lives with purpose, intention, and full of passion. Thank you for reading her blog post this morning. Hey, do her a favor, if you like or love this post, comment on it. She'd love to hear your feedback. Also, please feel free to share it with your family and friends in the social media universe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
