It struck me recently, as I was doing prep work for my little tokens of love, how much the creative process mirrors our approach to life's hurdles.
That vast, intimidating sheet of watercolor paper?
It's not unlike that daunting project at work, the unfinished novel in your drawer, or even the overwhelming prospect of reinventing yourself at a certain age.
I bought three large watercolor sheets last year as I envisioned making large paintings for fine art collectors – big ambitions for a small-time artist, right?
The more I stared at these sheets, the more stuck I felt.
And, to be honest, the more I introspected I realized that the only reason I wanted to paint a large watercolor painting was to prove that I could.
I was creating this pressure to create something "worthy" of recognition … why?
Deep down, I knew the truth: I wanted to paint those large pieces not out of joy, but out of ego.
This was a vanity project – not something that would bring me joy, but perhaps, something that would increase my Instagram reel views and maybe add another 10 followers to my roster.
So this week, I did something radical. I cut them up.
Instead of one grand statement, I decided to create 192 little tokens of love, each one carrying a piece of my heart.
These tiny works of art won't hang in galleries, but they'll touch lives in a way that no masterpiece ever could.
Breaking Down the Big and Scary
Cutting up those sheets wasn't just about art.
It was a metaphor for tackling life's challenges.
We all face those moments when a dream, a project, or even a life transition feels too big, too scary to handle.
It's easy to get stuck in a cycle of overwhelm and procrastination.
When we break those challenges down into smaller, more manageable steps,
When we reflect and dissect the core motivation, and
When we create a roadmap with a goal that feels aligned with who we are and what we want, we reclaim our power.
We make room for creativity, innovation, and ultimately, do what truly matters to us.
Suddenly, that unfinished novel becomes a series of chapters.
That ambitious dance routine breaks down into a sequence of manageable steps.
And those intimidating watercolor sheets?
They become 192 opportunities to spread love and kindness.
Progress, Not Perfection
Each brushstroke on those tiny canvases is a reminder that progress is more important than perfection.
Every imperfect line adds to the beauty and authenticity of the piece.
There's a freedom in letting go of the need for everything to be flawless and instead embracing the journey of creation.
And isn't that true of life, too?
We're all a work in progress, learning and growing every day.
It's okay to make mistakes, to try new things, to embrace the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery.
Following Your Heart
As Maya Angelou said, "Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."
My little tokens of love are a reflection of that inner light, a way to share my joy and gratitude with the world.
They're not about fame or recognition; they're about making a difference, no matter how small.
I keep realizing over and over again that my creative journey is not about fame or fortune.
It's about connection – about using my art to bridge the gap between hearts.
It's about reminding a nurse that her compassion matters, or letting a teacher know that his dedication is noticed.
It's about celebrating the unsung heroes who often go unnoticed, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and appreciated.
And that's the most important lesson of all: When you create from the heart, when you do something that feels meaningful to you, you can never go wrong.
It's in those moments of authentic expression that we truly come alive.
Coming back to the parallel with life, the next time you feel overwhelmed by a challenge, remember:
Break it down: Divide and conquer. Create a list of smaller, achievable tasks.
Embrace imperfection: Don't strive for flawless execution from the get-go. Allow for exploration, experimentation, and even missteps.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge each small victory along the way. These incremental steps build momentum and confidence.
Follow your heart: Choose challenges and projects that resonate with your passions and values. When you're doing something that feels meaningful, the journey itself becomes a reward.
So, dear friends, as we navigate the beautiful, sometimes bumpy terrain of life, let's remember the wisdom hidden in those watercolor sheets.
Let's break down the big and scary, celebrate the imperfect, and always, always follow our hearts.
I am going to remind myself of Georgia O'Keeffe’s quote as I begin to work on my book — hitting the market in Spring 2026 Fall 2025: "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do."
What small, courageous step will you take today to create a life that feels authentically yours?
I agree with you wholeheartedly. It has only been in the last few years (I am 61) I have realised that when I have a viewer in mind, or think of making work for others, think about how others will like my work (in other words, ego, as you said), it becomes work and a chore and I lose the joy, which is my reason for art in the first place. I don't sell my work, but if someone loves something, I am likely to just give it to them. That is the joy of art.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. It has only been in the last few years (I am 61) I have realised that when I have a viewer in mind, or think of making work for others, think about how others will like my work (in other words, ego, as you said), it becomes work and a chore and I lose the joy, which is my reason for art in the first place. I don't sell my work, but if someone loves something, I am likely to just give it to them. That is the joy of art.