Eternally Grateful For These Ladies

IWD - Daisy Chain Flower Crown

THANK YOU Michelle Lloyd, Judy Woods, Louise Fletcher, Marisa Cummings

Celebrating International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day I want to write in admiration and heartfelt thanks to the women who’ve had such a huge impact on my self-belief. Women who’ve taught that it is a wonderful to be your own person, your own artist. To own your creativity and not to be afraid to push boundaries and aim for the stars, whilst keeping your feet firmly on the ground as Michelle would say.

These women have helped me see that there is another way. I don’t need to stay locked in my self-doubt, apologising for myself. Apologising for being too sensitive, too anxious for some sort of affirmation from outside myself, whether that’s about me or my art. Doubting and questioning - is this the ‘right’ way? Perhaps it’s too this or too that. What if people hate it, or worse still, are completely indifferent?

Little Pieces of Your Soul

As a creative you put little pieces of your soul out there on display. It takes confidence or perhaps a thick skin. But truthfully, how many creatives have a thick skin? Not many I would think.

To be a creative means reaching inside yourself, giving with passion, for all to see. And that takes vulnerability and courage.

And so. I would guess most of us are sensitive and we have to overcome that to reach beyond our limiting selves. For me that’s been a struggle my entire life. Difficult family relationships amplify my limiting beliefs. It’s often a battle to face these reoccurring hurts, intensifying that sensitivity and vulnerability.

Missing Pieces Found

And so each of these women have been like a part of a jigsaw that I was missing. Each and every time I have joined in with their courses, listened to their podcasts, YouTube videos, reels, read their posts and ultimately joined their communities, they have offered me a little piece of my missing puzzle.

These women have shown me another way of painting with abandon, believing that I can run an art business and most poignantly, that I can believe in myself. They have given me skills I use EVERY day and their generosity of spirit has reached all the way through the internet to my home - from New Zealand, from California and from other parts of the UK.

And yes they charge for their expertise and support. EVENTUALLY. It is entirely your choice whether to pay for the full courses or join their communities. Michelle, Judy, Louise and Marisa give a tremendous amount for free.

Each one, digs deep and puts out there, over and over and over to reach people like me.

Integrity and Generosity

I am beyond grateful to these women. I am grateful that they had enough self-belief to step out there and show us what’s possible.

Grateful that they are so giving of themselves.

Their integrity and generosity shines through.

Their persistence, showing up, giving their time, has had such an impact on me and I’m sure I’m not alone.

These women have helped this sensitive soul to find a way to break through constant self doubt. They have lifted me up and taught me valuable truths.

I thank you Michelle Lloyd (from United Art Space) Judy Woods, Louise Fletcher and your wonderful Art Tribe and Marisa Cummings and your Expansive Artists community, from the bottom of my heart.

I’m passing this daily chain to

Priya Iyer

and

Heather Murray

if you’d like to join in.

Tagging

Claire Venus

Lauren Barber

Laura Oldfield