10 Things I Love About Being an Artist, #6

The Luxury of Time and Rest

I wake most mornings without an alarm, with the sun, or later if my body needs something extra. Most days I can linger there if I want. When I finally peel the covers back and extend my legs over the side of the bed, putting feet to tile, the animals all come to life too.

We have our daily rhythms. Down the stairs to put the dogs out. Log onto the computer to check on blog communications. Animal chores—fresh water, scooped litter, food for everyone. And finally coffee and breakfast for me.

Then I make decisions about the day—write or paint? Or both perhaps? And, while every life is busy in this day and age, my life is less busy than most; less hectic than those who must work 9 to 5 or longer, at least five days a week.

Even though, in fact, I work seven days a week now, the most crucial thing for me is that I get to make my own hours. It’s true that I’m extremely busy, between painting, writing the blog and sitting the gallery. But, mostly, I work when it works for me. Perhaps I’ll start late and paint until midnight. Maybe inspiration strikes at 2AM. As a result, I have at least a sense of TIME. A true luxury that most people don’t enjoy these days.

I remember when I was living my corporate life, how achingly bone-tired I was every single morning when the alarm went off. I used to think that I could do any job, love any career, if I was just allowed to keep my own hours so that I wouldn’t always be in a state of perpetual sleep deprivation. Now I have that and I am grateful beyond all reason. I am almost always rested—the polar opposite of that life I used to live.

And I so wish this culture of economics could somehow make adjustments so that everyone could have what I have. People aren’t meant to be exhausted all the time. How do we do our best work? How do we raise our children, find patience, compassion? How do we hold onto love?

Maybe it’s why reality TV thrives. It’s all we have energy for. Perhaps it’s why our government is in a continual state of antagonism. We’re too tired to figure out how to get along.

But here in Truchas, New Mexico, I have been granted the luxury of time and rest. I wish it for all of you and I hope you will do everything that you can to create it for yourselves, whatever boundaries you must set with employers, friends, or family. Something remarkable happens when we are rested. You will be amazed, I promise.

Love to you all,
Jeane

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