need confidence

Sandy,

Yes, I've been all over Gordon's materials. They are incredible.

It really is to your benefit to go through the process. It is a highly personal one...only you can determine how helpful it will be to you in the long run. But, I'll bet that the time you spend should ultimately yield some very valuable insights.

It could take years of searching and seeking to find, in bits and pieces, what Gordon has organized so well. Consider it a 'gift'from him.

You are fortunate that you have crossed paths with this wise gent. It should be VERY beneficial for your personal growth.

I spent years 'navel gazing' for 'answers'. I took the REALLY long way around to get to this point in my life.

I'm now way beyond deciding what I want to do when I grow up since, like it or not... I've 'arrived' at that destination. (sigh)

I only wish that I would have had the benefit of Gordon's materials 20+ years ago. I feel certain that they would have helped to keep me 'on track' and more focused.

In my life, I could really get 'scattered' since I was always so curious about EVERYTHING. But, I discounted my 'god-given talents and gifts' and went in pursuit of opportunities that didn't return any satisfaction. I had a lot of problems in staying with anything very long. I got bored.

A sidenote:Now, all these years later, I am told that I probably had ADD which doesn't always go away in adulthood.

That is why my work with the eggshells amazes me more than anyone! No one could believe I'd ever stay with anything like this for 10 years.

I actually ran from my artistic inclinations for many years because I didn't put enough importance on them. Until now. I have come full circle.

When I was in the 1st grade, I drew a picture, with crayons, of several clowns all stacked up and peeking around each other. My teacher was 60 years old. She called my mother and said that in all her years of teaching, she KNEW talent when she saw it.

Miss Winston encouraged my parents to get me into private art instruction. My clown drawing was put up in the 'special glass case' on the wall in the hallway of the school... and it stayed there until I graduated to middle school years later.

By the time I was in 2nd grade, I was embarrassed that it was 'hanging' there. I wasn't seeking fame. It set me apart and made me self conscious. Children deal with being singled out in unusual ways sometimes.

Funny thing. Those years of instruction actually dampened my love for the thing that HAD come naturally to me. I didn't want to paint landscapes and fruit! But I obeyed. Somewhere along the way, I rebelled and decided that I didn't even like art. I was probably 12.

But I did like being creative. Just not forced to paint figurines or sketch with charcoal or whatever. I wasn't any longer getting to do 'my thing'. That stayed with me and I resented, rather than appreciated the path I was pushed down.

But I was a just a little kid and saw things through very different eyes. Now I appreciate that I was given that opportunity. What a difference in the way that I view the instructions from this vantage point.

Using the urge to create with my hands is now more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. BUT, It's like I almost had to go around the world...searching high and low for 'something' that I could excel at...something that would hold my attention and also be very soul satisfying.

Yet, after all these years - and after trying everything under the sun to find that same joy that the simple designs and drawings of my youth brought me, I'm home again. Finally. And, I'm now ok with focusing more on my strengths than trying to strengthen my weaknesses.

I don't regret that I've gone in so many different directions in my life. In fact, I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to explore and have adventures that I wouldn't have had IF I had devoted my life to a singular career. I've enjoyed the search. But I no longer have to spend the hours of my life wondering what I will be when I grow up.

Now, I am considering my legacy instead. I want the next years of my life to represent who I really am. It feels good to be at this spot and look back to glean the nuggets from the journey. But, this is a time for me to fix the 'energy leaks'. Now, having purpose is more important than lots of money. There is more to life than $$$ ...as Gordon has often said.

So, using his materials for self-discovery is a wonderful thing that you can do for yourself.

Actually, there is a lot of wisdom to be mined on this board. I have a feeling that sowpub is going to be a very unique retreat as well as a place to soak up some really stimulating 'brain food'.

I'm enthusiastic about all the possibilities, aren't you? One doesn't stumble across these kind of boards very often.

Let's toast to the success of Dien and Gordon!
Cheers!
Amber