STORYTIME A few years back, as I was heading home I felt led to stop by my local park. I didn’t have a plan to go there prior. I just had a knowing that I needed to go. It wasn’t uncommon for me to have these “go here, go there” internal nudges so I went.

After sitting in the parking lot for a while, I felt another nudge. It was time to get out the car and go in. It felt weird because I didn’t have any business there and wondered what I’d do once I got in. So I questioned that inner voice. I received that if anyone asks me anything to just ask about what classes they offer. So I went inside.

At the desk, I met a lady who told me about the various classes. One of them was ceramics. I have wanted to return to ceramics since my class ended at UIC when I was 12 years old. She told me the class was for seniors but she would let me take the class if I was interested. She showed me her class and the work they’d done and I was sold. I said yes and signed up.

The type of ceramics was new to me and I was nervous (being habitually self-critical), but I quickly caught on. I had never really painted before, but decided to try more challenging statues knowing I’d have to teach myself to paint faces, and match skin tones.

This sculpture and the many others that now have homes are a result of me betting on me. I trusted myself. I trusted my inner voice. I trusted that I’d be safe trying something new. I trusted I could learn, that it would be okay to not be good at it right away, and the result was increased self-confidence, a few new skills, an awareness that my mind lied to me (I CAN paint), and now my dear friend Jennifer has this beautiful sculpture in her home to remind her of her sweet angel nephew who passed away so young.

We never know how our “yes” can expand us and bless others. This is why Share & Let’s Live! is my life’s purpose. I am here to teach you through my words, creativity, and example that so much more is possible. We can do what we love, share it, and everyone expands.

Give yourself permission to try the thing you think you might suck at. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Allow yourself to learn what you haven’t learned before and treat yourself tenderly, like a sweet child who needs super believing in themselves. You can do more than you imagine when you’re kind to yourself and willing to let yourself try.

Have an amazing whatever time of day it is for you.

Blessings! 😘

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

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