Are we supposed to save the good stuff?
When I was young, I noticed that my mom would buy things for herself but not use them. She would save them so she could have something nice for some future point in time. At the time, I thought it was odd because when I got new things, I wore them as soon as I got home!
“The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.“
~Louis E. Boone
Bad Patterns Carried Forward
Fast forward to adulthood where I discovered I needed to pursue a creative passion. I started watercoloring. I got my supplies and bought me some “good” paper. For those of you who are curious, the Arches brand is known for being “good” and what great watercolorists use (or so I was told).
I didn’t think I was skilled enough to use the “good” paper. I worked at my skill and created on anything but the good paper. Fast forward some more where I decided to pursue my ultimate passion of enameling. I set my brushes aside and pursued this passion with a fervor. Meanwhile, the “good” paper sat untouched in it’s cellophane package. I kept it for many more years thinking that one day, I’d be inspired and skilled enough to paint the masterpiece that the good paper deserved.
And I Waited Too Long
Well, guess what, I just recently donated the good paper to a local high school art department. I never even opened the paper. I never even dare try. It was at that moment that I realized that keeping things in such a sacred position meant that I would never be good enough to utilize them. It was a ridiculous way of thinking.
Everything is Sacred and Nothing is Sacred
I now treat all of the materials I use as sacred yet I also treat my muse as sacred and if she wants to use the “good” materials, we use them. If we ruin a creation (which we have), we chalk it up to a learning experience. But I no longer hold anything so sacred that my life will pass me by while it is still in the cellophane wrapper.
Finally Free
Finally, I feel the same way about wearing the “good” jewelry. In all honesty, I rarely (if ever) go to events that warrant wearing “good” jewelry. But, at the same time, I love good jewelry. )For me, good jewelry is artful and well made with quality materials.)
I wear the “good” jewelry to Pilates, grocery shopping, hiking, snowshoeing, and just laying around reading a book. I wear it with shorts and tank tops as well as dresses and slacks. I wear it to coffee shops and fancy eating establishments. I don’t wait. I don’t save it for that perfect moment. Follow the below links to purchase
Are You Free?
Have you ever done something like this? I’d love to hear about it. I also encourage you to wear the good jewelry!!! Life is too short to let it sit in a drawer.
