This is my last week of full-time hours at work. It’s a little surreal. I’m excited for what’s coming next, though! It’ll be so nice to focus on a passion I’ve had since I was young: creating. I’ve spent this last month setting everything up and investing in supplies. I’m basically ready, now, but I’ve been debating on whether I should open an Etsy shop, too. It may be worth trying, anyway.

Now that I have a proper planner, I’ve been trying to work in time to practice my drawing skills: both my technical skills and intuitive skills. It’s been a long time since I’ve drawn on a regular basis, so overcoming the discomfort and dissatisfaction has been a bit of a challenge. I’m trying to focus more on how much I enjoy the process, the feel of pen on paper (or pen on tablet), instead of thinking, “This isn’t good enough.” I know I have a habit of holding myself to extraordinary standards, but I also have to remind myself that I haven’t been working regularly at this skill. Of course I’m not where I want to be! I’ll only get there in time, and with practice.

Last night, I decided to dedicate myself to a low-stress drawing session with Morpheus. A little while back, I asked him through tarot/oracle how I could connect with him, and creativity was one of the answers. He’s helped me with my first few spirit art pieces, I think, but I haven’t yet invited him to draw with me purely for the sake of creating something. I wanted to change that, and perhaps make a habit of it.

These little sketches (I’ve decided to call them “Dream Doodles”) are far from anatomically correct, but that wasn’t the intention. All I wanted was to pick up a pen and see what came through — see how I could convey energy without worrying over how well I’m drawing. In a world dominated by social media artists, it’s too easy to feel overshadowed by artists who are vastly more skilled than I am. I know I can reach that level of skill with enough practice and dedication, so I might as well focus on the joy of creating.

Easier said than done, I know.