September 04, 2010

stepping up and moving on

my blog has always been used by me to share my art, tonight I have no creations to share with you. Tonight I just want to talk.
I made a decision today to leave a company that I have long adored and committed myself to, it wasn't an easy thing to decide but I did it in the end. For a long time I had tried to walk away but instead I had stayed and kept working on.
This didn't make me happy and it reflected in my art...I struggled to get things done the way I would normally.
Tonight I have seen, read and heard all sorts of things about my leaving...I'm "unprofessional", "vain", "egotistical", a "bad friend", I've "destroyed a business" and so on and so forth.
At first I felt bad but then I kept reading all the crap and I feel justified. It's sad when people get nasty instead of talking and worse when they don't listen.
I left for so many reasons...
#1 I felt as though I was chained down to just one thing and couldn't venture beyond it...this was too hard to take, too hard to be restrained from expression.
#2 I became too absorbed in this one company and forgot about what art was to me.
#3 I forgot to speak up when things felt wrong.
#4 I forgot who I was as an artist.
there are more but I'm not writing this to fuel any fires.

so...am I selfish for wanting to think about what is best for me?
am I vain or egotistical for finally appreciating my own creations?

I'm pretty sure the answer to both questions is no.

and so here I am at 1am, feeling satisfied that I have walked away from what I needed to, no longer sad or feeling regret because I know I am important (if only to myself and family)...I'll take my own advice from now on and wing it.

18 comments:

Zuzu's Blog said...

you have to do whats right for you.. sadly people often react badly when its not what they see as best for them. Im sorry people are reacting in a defensive manner and hurling out accusations. its hard to hear it when you already gave so much time and talent. People grow and move on. its a fact of life and people need to be adult enough to accept that it doesnt always go their way. and just be gracious enough to accept the change. Sounds like its not you thats been unprofessional ... xxx

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Well done, and well said. Change points come to us all, they demand that we respond, this is one of those times for you. Funny how change throws people off kilter instead of seeing the potential for something new coming there way, they close down and miss out on the adventure ahead. You, my friend didn't miss your call to adventure, I'm happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck in your new endeavours - may your heart sing!

CuddlyBunny said...

Let me be the first to confirm that even from several thousand miles away I am confident that you are neither vain nor egotistical.

Furthermore, you should count me as at least one person, other than yourself and your family, who consider you to be important.

I might not always comment on this blog, but I am ALWAYS intrigued by and interested in what you're creating.

Your work has inspired me to remember some of my long-used techniques and to try things that I've never done before.

Be true to yourself, for if you are not, you are not true to anyone else. :)

Paper Paradise said...

We all have a choice, and you have been brave enough to make a choice, to enable 'you' to be yourself and do what you feel is right. Not in a bad way, or an unprofessional way, but simply because you wanted to. No one should feel bad about it.......

Healing Woman said...

I'm so happy for you. The days ahead will reveal to you that you absolutely made the right decision. My favorite saying is "The moment of absolute certainly never arrives." It's a good one.
Best,
Cheryl
Healingwoman

Doreen G said...

Linda I don't know if I have commented before or not but I do read your blog all the time.For what it is worth I must say that you have done the correct thing.
How can you create freely if you are being stifled by someone else.I love your work-so let yourself be free and create more of your own wonderful art.

Sueann said...

It is always good to follow your heart and your conscience. It is tough today for there are many naysayers!! But you must do it for your own sanity and creativity. Good for you!!
You should feel brave and proud!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Toni said...

STRENGTH... that's what I get from this... you go girl. I understand because I tend to be a people pleaser until ONE DAY, like yours I made a decision. I have never turned back and regretted it.

Damn... as brilliant as your art was when you were stifled imagine how it's going to kick booty now... I leave you with this quote

That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong.

~William J. H. Boetcker~

Bonnie said...

Good for you! I did the same thing last November and haven't regretted doing it for a single minute.

jul said...

we met briefly @ melb paperiffic thanks for you creative talent. Make every day count,be true to yourself, never say anything you have to be sorry about, never take more than you'll give.... you have your bases covered.GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW VENTURE.

Teresa Abajo said...

Oh Linda, sorry to hear your news. My only consolation is that I will continue to see your very original artwork here on your blog.
Stay true to yourself chickie!

Karen.C said...

kazYou go Girl,be true to yourself,your talent should never be stiffled no body owns anybody in this world.I know how hard it is to walk away from something you love I have just done the same thing this week.
Karen xo

Glenda said...

Linda, there will always be for's and against, BUT!! above all love you and respect your own decision. You have a brain and its yours to use. Nobody can say yay or nay to the decision you have taken. Be strong girl or as us Kiwis say Kia Kaha................................

Jo Kinder said...

Good on you Linda. You have made the right decision for you and in the end that is all that matters.
Big hugs to you for being so brave. You inspire me endlessly, artistically and emotionally!
If they mind, they don't matter!

Linda M. Cain said...

I had to do the same thing, but when it was done, I felt a 1000 lb. weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Be well and regain your drive!
It was all worth it to me, and it will rejuvenate your soul.

Sharon (glitterangel) said...

well done you for doing whatever is necessary to make sure your creativity flourishes - it's a brave thing, but definitely the right thing, good luck xxxx

Jaqi said...

You will always find yourself in situations when its "time to move on" thats life, anyone who doesnt want you too will only hold you back. People move on and grow, and others need to have faith in that , would they be saying the same if they had the chance to move on? I dont think so, Theres only you knows when the time is right for you, and anyone whose anyone needs to respect your decision and support you, they should be pleased for you not trying to hold you back.

I am hundreds of miles away , but I would never have said you were anything other than helpful, caring and supportive on many levels. I would never imagine you to be vain or egotistical at all, you go girl.....and dont look back, youve already been there, shake the dust off and fly, and im sure i speak for many when i say we cant wait to see where you land, we are all behind you so lead the way x