"Don't Buy Into The Lie" by Diane K. Hewitt

 

“Don't buy into the Lie”
by Diane K. Hewitt

It's about time!  I am finally settling into what I would consider a somewhat "normal" routine for 2013. Christmas decorations are put away, my house is put back to normal, and my mind is refocused on my art career. Yes, there, I have said it….’career’.  It has taken me over 5 years to admit that my art is my ‘career’ not just a hobby, as many would think.  Just yesterday my nail technician asked about my recent first group exhibition.  When I told her it was a great success for the hospital, but I did not sell any paintings.  She replied, “Your art is just a hobby, so why be concerned about selling anything?” 

Nevertheless, starting off 2013 with my first showing was extremely exciting!  It was a group Art Exhibition at Emory Eastside Hospital in the Greater Atlanta Area. The five paintings I delivered remained  on the walls of their new Patients Tower throughout the month of January. Around 800 people were in attendance for the Grand Opening of the Hospital’s state-of-the-art Patients Tower, despite threats of sleet and snow.  Unfortunately, I was not well, and was unable to attend the Opening.  However, I was very grateful for the opportunity, and for my friend and mentor, Duck Ae Karasek, who believed in me enough to recommend my art to the show’s organizers.

With the new year also comes a new sense of 'self' for this painter. Better choices on my part WILL result in more time in the studio, and better art. Of that, I am certain!  The other day I had an absolute "ah ha" moment , after reading a devotion posted on a friend's Facebook page. There is absolutely no reason for one to "buy into the lie" that this is all there is in life. One’s choices formulate their reality.  And, reality can change with different choices.  So, this year I will choose to accept nothing less than who I am authentically meant to be....a painter!

Wikipedia defines 'authenticity' as "...the truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, devotion, and intentions" and " the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures."Merriam-Webster defines it as being: "true to one's own personality, spirit, or character."

I realize that the word ‘authenticity’ means different things to different people. I suppose it depends on where they are in their life's path. Some may see it as not being 'fake' to their friends and acquaintances, allowing them to see their true personality 'flaws and all'. Not putting on a smile for others while hurting deeply on the inside. For me, at this time in my life, ‘authenticity’ means being the real artist that I know I can become with daily study and intense practice.  I can not allow external forces, such as critical self-talk, excessive social media, petty household duties, needy spoiled pets, and plain old procrastination, to get in the way of what I am authentically meant to do in growing my career.  Doing so would only result in my own "lack of authenticity."

In summary, my wish for all of you in 2013 is the gift of ‘authenticity’, however it may apply.

Diane K. Hewitt

P.S. I feel sure that Oprah would be proud that I finally got it!