As I’m writing this, I can't believe February is coming to a close. I feel very connected to this time period because it was the month I returned to myself. One of the main reasons I started the creative-living experiment is to get rid of the sense of loss I experienced during January. 

Once again, this week I found myself changing the experiment to fit around my life. I am currently working on a number of professional projects with clear deadlines till the end of May. I also have some personal projects that I like to indulge in when I can. Balancing these sides is a constant battle. And while professional projects always take precedent, my desire to gain new skills, learn interesting subjects, explore new things, read books and watch movies and shows is always growing and expanding. 

With everything in life, there is ebb and flow. And the moments in between when change is inevitable are so difficult to navigate. Change always veers me off course. I'm so attuned to old behaviors, and my knee-jerk reaction to change had always been detrimental to my progress. Normally change makes me pause, and it can take a long time to adapt and move forward. It's a frustrating experience. However, after 3 weeks of compassionate creative living and letting myself be malleable, I was able to look at the big picture and not let change rattle me or hinder my progress. 

There’s so much I want to do, create and learn. A part of me dreams of hiding away in a cabin for a whole year of isolation. But I know that it's not realistic. I have to reconcile with the idea that I can only do as much as my time allows. I do this by keeping lists, putting reminders on my phone, giving myself artist dates once a week, following my curiosity, allowing spontaneous occurrences and letting myself take a day off when I really need it. I adapt to change the best way I know how and I do what I can to maintain balance in my life. 

I’m currently working on an art commission, a new art series, an online watercolor class, a novel, a new idea for either an animation or a short film. I'm also immersing myself in other areas to improve my writing skills, color theory knowledge, creativity, greek mythology and my Italian language. I'm also doing a few things for fun, which include sketching a flower everyday, journaling, walking, watching shows and movies and listening to music and maintaining a social life with family and friends.

As you know, the 12 weeks creative-living experiment is partly derived from the Artist's Way book by Julia Cameron. In her book, weeks 1 to 3 are about recovering a sense of safety, identity and power. Each week is focused on one area. When I look back at the last 3 weeks, I can sense how safe I feel when I'm faced with a blank page because I know exactly who I am, how I feel and what I want, which makes me trust in my ability to focus and create. I am on solid ground and I can navigate this experience and all the changes that come up while maintaining a balanced view on life.