This is one of those blog posts I thought of while jogging... and I may decide it wasn't a good idea later. It of course has to do with running and art.
For a few years now I've been jogging, but I never thought of myself as a runner. A runner is one of those people who run marathons and break records. Recently however, I've been pushing myself to get stronger with running by setting myself some goals to meet instead of just the 40 minute jog I used to do nearly every morning. Its been working, each week I'm stronger and can get further or faster. Something happened along the way too though - somewhere along the way I started thinking of myself as a runner.
A runner?
I was always the one that would sit and watch others run... and would argue with the gym teacher in high school that not everyone is built to run a mile. I'm a runner?
I'm a runner because I look forward to running and I look forward to getting better at running. I'm a runner because if I skip a run I miss it. I'm a runner because when I see someone jogging outside while I'm driving in my car I wish I were them. I feel like a runner.
The first time you use your new title (runner) (artist) it feels funny but it also feels liberating. I remember once when someone asked me what I "was" and I blurted out "ARTIST" without thinking about it and how liberating it felt. I had always said "stay at home mom" or whatever before... but something in me at that time thought of herself as an "artist" instead.
I wasn't selling much art back then, but that doesn't matter. Being able to call yourself an "artist" isn't about whether or not you can pay the mortgage from it. Its about who you are. Being an artist is about wanting to work hard at getting better and better. Its about missing drawing or painting when you can't do it. Its about getting an idea for a painting while eating a hot dog. Its about feeling like you are an ARTIST.
Once you give yourself your new title it doesn't mean you can slack though - it means you have to work even harder to keep that title.
I'm a Wife, Mom, Artist, Runner and a lousy cook - how about you?
This is what I'm working on now... its almost finished.
Another 8 x 10" but on green pastelbord.
