Embracing the Unknown: Finding Inspiration in Life's Transitions

Let’s talk about navigating life changes, starting with mine.

Hi yall! I know it’s been a bit quiet on here, but I have a lot to catch you up on. Even when life is moving, you have to give yourself space to be still. I’ve had some great memories and a big life transition over the past few weeks, so in the midst of it all, I’ve been taking the time to process what has happened and embracing what’s to come. Let’s dive in.

Unleashing Creativity

First, I attended an art and design expedition hosted by Reyna Noriega in partnership with Aweventurer in Morocco! Wow, what an experience. The vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes in Marrakseh to the Agafay Desert, and Essuaroia gave me the creative push and a sense of freedom I was looking for. Many times in the retreat, I realized this is how I feel and operate in my creative flow when I’m not weighed down or distracted, pushing me to take note of how can I create these moments in my day-to-day without travel or large efforts. Constantly asking myself how can I make every day feel like magic, how can I continue to operate with ease even when for the longest time it was foreign. 

Meeting various artisans during our workshops also provided new perspectives. Speaking with the pottery studio owner who gets inspiration from only himself, showing confidence that his ideas are enough. And they are, his work was featured in The Met Museum in NYC. Even exploring the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with a full exhibit of sketches from a featured artist who decided to create using only a few items he had. Seeing real-life examples of ‘you have what you need’ and ‘your ideas are enough’ caused me to reflect on my own work and how can I navigate my overthinking brain to move my work forward. Some of my favorite workshops need their own newsletter, so I will go into details in the future.

With this expedition, I was also able to build connections with other creative Black women who inspire me. Community is so important, and one of my core values. Being able to engage with 6 other people, 5 of who I met for the first time, and instantly connect is something I’m truly grateful for. I always say you can learn something from anyone, so just being around their energy and listening to their point of view on art and life was a true highlight.

Overall, this experience was the perfect introduction to my journey of being intentional with play, creativity, and discovery as I enter this next chapter.

Leaving the Familiar 

Speaking of the next chapter, 7/7 was my last day at the corporate gig in big tech. It’s been a wild two years, but it taught me so much. Even when I knew the final date months ago and planned in advance for this very moment, there were, and still are, a lot of mixed feelings of fear, uncertainty, and excitement.

As I process the end of this chapter, it feels good knowing that I now have the tools to do any job that comes next. However, it’s going to be interesting navigating a world that judges us on what we do not who we are. But honestly, that’s what I’m the most excited about — discovering the parts of me that are not tied to an outcome and how I flourish without it. 

There will be a few defining moments in life that cause you to pivot and could change you for the better. My first was in 2017 which ultimately led me to my current career, and now in 2023, another moment awaits – my creative sabbatical. 

Finding Direction

In previous newsletters, I’ve talked about the importance of creative resets and clearing your head to find inspiration. So as I enter this next chapter, I’m doing just that.

When I made the decision to not look for a new job knowing mine was coming to an end, I started thinking about what it would be like to recharge creatively for an extended period of time, what it would take to make it happen, and where I felt the most at ease. I’ve made a list of all the things, places, and activities for this creative sabbatical, and I’m excited to document this journey and share it with you all.

Life transitions offer opportunities for growth and discovery. With the past few years consisting of me working hard to change careers and enter new industries, I’m excited to take this time to just be and create on my own terms. Hopefully, as I go down this path, it can encourage someone to embrace their own journey, pivot when necessary, and seek inspiration.

Are you going through your own creative journey or pivot? Here are some books I plan to read that may be helpful.

The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
The Creative Act: A Way of Being - Rick Rubin
Productivity Is For Robots - Corey McComb

Talk soon.