Mastery Monday: The Journey Begins

Here we are, finally at the start of this journey. Like many paths I’ve taken in the past, I find myself clearing self-created obstacles before I can even take the first step. I am the last-minute packer for a long vacation; instead of preparing, I sat on my laurels, stuck in a state of overwhelm and procrastination.

But today is a "do-over" day. It’s a holiday, a rare moment of borrowed time, and I am choosing to use it to capture the thoughts needed to move forward.

The Physical and the Internal 

Currently, I am sitting next to a pile of clutter I ignored all weekend. Laundry waits on the bed; my office needs a refresh; the roof needs prepping for the coming snow. (Can I tell you how sick of snow I am already?)

I’ve realized this is my cycle. My struggle isn't in the starting—the website is a start, this blog is a start. My struggle is in the completion. I create so many ideas in my mind that it’s hard to keep up. This journey is a targeted focus to finally complete the projects I’ve talked about for years.

Cleaning Up the Messes 

Last year, I endeavored to clean up the messes left behind by deep depression and life situations that felt "too hard." In our society, there isn't a fail-safe to carry you; if not for my family, I’m not sure I would have made it through. I cleaned up those messes, and while some overlap remains, this journey is the next fragment of that larger adventure.

We are exploring and discovering our voices during a time of national identity crisis—a quiet war between the people, the government, and the ultra-wealthy. Finding and using my voice will have its obstacles. There will be battles fought both within myself and otherwise.

The Crossroad: Archives vs. Adventure 

I reached a crossroad this morning. My intention was only to post what I create now, but after listening to my brother struggle with his own heartfelt battle between needs and ethics—expressed through his music—I realized something.

I won't slap everything I’ve ever done onto these archives just to say "look what I did in the past." But I will include the pieces that hold weight. I have watercolors, pottery, and writings that are specific to this journey of voice and perspective. They aren't just old works; they are the blueprints. These will be released slowly over time as I feel their influence.

The Voice Thrower 

We each have a voice we choose to utilize or hide. For years, I’ve shared pieces or sold works, but I always deflected the connection to "me." I was like one who throws their voice. I wanted to share, but I didn't want to be seen. I preferred to be a live ghost standing in the light.

I don’t hide in the shadows, ironically. I stand right there in the brightness—I just make sure you’re looking at the work, and not necessarily the person behind it. .

Until today. Today, the goal is simply to get started. Fold the laundry, fix the roof, and find the voice.

Today’s Mastery Checklist

[ ] Mastery Monday Session: (Skill Learning/Building) – This blog post was just an intro; now it's time for the deep work.
[ ] The Roof: Prep for the upcoming snow and rain (the "Renegade" vs. Nature - that damn snow!).
[ ] The Space: Tackling the clutter pile and putting the clean clothes away.
[ ] The Refresh: Bringing order back to the office and dressing area. (the forsaken clutter pile - grabs my lysol, wipes and analytical brain to determine where these things actually live)

Join me at the start of the journey.  Get your quick list together of what normally would be stopping you (obstacle) and then tune back in for some Mastery Monday Magic.  Ready? Go!