These are the two ways to grow

“There are two ways to grow, by adding or shedding,” writes James Clear in his newsletter. Clear is the author of the best-selling book Atomic Habits. I have added more soft toys, more joy, more playfulness. I have added more craziness and more childlike wonder. I have added more softness. I have shed my old life, I have shed my old home. I have shed my country, my family, my roles as peacekeeper and sacrificer, and Black Sheep. I have shed the literal, I have shed the serious. I have added passion and fire, spontaneity and sensuality, and joy.

My friend asked me last night, messaging me from New Zealand, if I had done any painting. The truth is, I have come away with only my coloured pencils. Inspired by her enquiry, go-inciding as it did with another friend sending me an image of the hydrangea painting I had gifted him and his wife hanging in their home beneath some flowers. He is in the midst of gruelling cancer treatment, and it is lovely knowing my painting is sparking joy.

This spontaneous creation is inspired by the beautiful flower growing over one of our favourite restaurants in Boquette, Panama. I drew it today, and then, borrowing from one of my favourite books, Steal Like An Artist, I mocked it up on a restaurant wall that I saw in an Architectural Digest magazine. In doing so, I am creating intentions for my art for my life. I want to have my paintings sparking joy, where lots of people can see them.

It is the same intention I have for my books. Books like Loved By The Sheikh inspired by a soft toy designer and the sheikh who was once protected by a soft toy in the tragic car accident that claimed his parents. Like so many of my stories (and paintings) it is inspired by (nearly) true events. You can read the full story and the author’s note in Claimed By The Sheikh.
Enjoy the first 6 chapters for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cjo513f93c

Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?