Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Potential Unleashed



Potential.  We all have TONS of it.  Yet how many of us truly live up to ours?  How do we tap into it... and unleash it?  What holds us back?














We do.  We hold ourselves back.  Oh yes... we have our excuses, but that's all that they are.  Excuses.

Hidden gems revealed





















We all have these wonderful gems that we've been given...our true light... I say stop keeping it all locked up inside and let it all come exploding out for everyone to see!  Let your light pour out.  It's time!


I struggled with this painting, perhaps because I was struggling with coming to grips with my own potential.   I've been an artist my whole life.  It was never a secret to any who knew me, but I didn't think I was any good for the longest time...in fact most of the time.

I thought I had come to terms with it, but I still held myself back until something finally snapped in me a year or two ago.  I realized that God gave me this gift, and I thought I was using it, but deep down I knew better.  I finally realized all that I had, all that others saw, was kept in my tight grip.  I was so afraid of messing up and so wanted to please people.  What if they didn't like what I made?  What if I proved that I really wasn't any good...just like I thought all along?

But what I realized was in doubting myself I was doubting what God had given me.  I mentioned it before, but it must be said over and over until it sinks in for you too.  God doesn't make mistakes, so if you doubt your gifts and your potential, then you're doubting Him.



Our true selves and struggles are released onto the canvas...each one a self-portrait of sorts.



To sum this up way better than I could, here is one of my all time favorite quotes.  This is so darn powerful.  It gets me EVERY time I read it.  Copy it.  Paste it where you can read it everyday.  Let it sink in.  It will change you.  It will help you unleash.  Let it.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
--marianne williamson




19 comments:

peggy aplSEEDS said...

what a wonderful post! your painting is amazing and i love the meaning behind it. you have said it so well and i can really relate to what you said. thanks for sharing.

Sada said...

No ordinary post... thank you for sharing so much of yourself and therefore so much of your inspiration and creativity. The quote is amazing and your artwork leaves me breathless.

Brigitte aka Scrappassie said...

Fantastic artwork ánd blogpost ... Maybe because I am sort of new to painting, but I haven't found my potential yet. Struggling just the way you described in your blogpost, but you inspired me again to find my potential ! Thanks !

Diane said...

So well said--It's when you stop creating for others and start creating from your heart and for yourself is when you shine.

Mandy said...

you know i adore your stuff...thi one is amazing!!!!i just spent tonight with a friend at church on a womens night, for international womewns day today...i sent her this quote!!!it was so on the same lines.....thanks for your lovely words too...hugs e...love m...xxx

Kristin Dudish said...

this.is.wonderful.

xo
Kristin

Shelby and Bev said...

hello friend...amazing, amazing post and i love this piece of art, you do such gorgeous work esther...

"But what I realized was in doubting myself I was doubting what God had given me. I mentioned it before, but it must be said over and over until it sinks in for you too. God doesn't make mistakes, so if you doubt your gifts and your potential, then you're doubting Him."

so very, very true and how disappointing it must be to god until we really grasp hold of this...

thank you for being you...
xo

Kelly said...

Esther;
What a fabulous post and extremely gorgeous painting. I love all of your embellishments you use. This one in particular is beautiful. It really does remind us of the potential we hold inside. Not all of us find it, but you definitely have!
Hugs and many blessings

Thespa McLaughlin said...

Gorgeous! Love it! Great textures, colors, and subject. Kudos!

Dena said...

Hi Esther,

I love the painting. Can I ask how you assembled the objects? Is this canvas and are they assembled with wire through the surface of the painting. Very inspiring, just curious.

Have a great weekend,

Dena

Anonymous said...

Fabulous, fabulous post. Esther you are very cool.

Thank you for the comment on my blog too. You make me smile everytime.

Kristin said...

I love Marianne Williamson. And your work is just stunning. I love everything about it - and your courage in this post will inspire so many. You are fabulous! xoxo

Kim Henkel Creations said...

A wonderful post - Sometimes it is difficult, but I am working at creating things that make me happy, and trying my best not to worry about what other people think...

Unknown said...

I am a huge fan of your art, but an even bigger fan of you! Thank you for sharing this. I really needed this right now.
P.S. Looking forward to seeing your Etsy store open!

HeARTworks said...

I started my art journey after my midlife crisis. I always loved to create but my brother and sisters were all so great, I hid my light under a bushel. But I decided to just enjoy it and not judge myself and it's been an amazing ride! Patsy from
HeARTworks

JessiVille said...

Esther, What a wonderful, wondreful post. I stopped by a few days ago but did not leave a comment. I had to come back to read this post again! This work of art is so lovely, yummy color, yummy texture, beautiful! Keep sharing your light with us!

Gaby Bee said...

Wow, spectacular work Esther, just love all the textures and details. You are so talented.

Have a fab week!
Gaby xo

Kristin said...

Hey lady!
Thank you for your sweet comment. I am anxious to hear how it went - let me know when you get a breather. K has been sick for a whole week with the flu and is finally better today - I now feel like I can get some things done . . .
Check out my picture of our bracelet when you can - posted last night and I took the picture with you in mind. You're gonna be jello of the new rusted piece I remembered I had in the backyard :) xoxo

Renee Troy said...

Love this post and your painting(s). There is only one journey if you stay true to your passion. It's seems that you are on your path to great things...no doubt.