For those of you following along with this year’s theme, section 2 focuses on the “money and work” category from the twelve categories of shame list created by Dr. Brené Brown. Her research on shame-resilience and vulnerability demonstrates for us all, how to live a wholehearted life.
Both money and work bring up huge issues for me. I particularly struggle with believing I can make a great living as an artist…that I should give it up and get a real job.
When I’m at art fairs, I’m often asked by people questions like, “do you make a living at this?”, “what do you do for your day job?”, “how much money do you make doing this?” Can you imagine me going up to a doctor and asking “how much money do you make doing this?”
All these questions on top of my own self-doubt about my earning capabilities, just adds to the shame/guilt of daring to be an artist. Added to that my flawed thinking of equating sales with my self worth. I struggle with this all the time.
To make it even more interesting for myself, I also do intuitive (psychic) readings using mandala art. If I thought proclaiming myself to be an artist challenged my self worth, throwing in some ‘woo-woo’ stuff on top just heightens the challenge.
And yet…the passion and drive to pursue my career as an artist and intuitive reader, allowing myself to be vulnerable, far outweighs the shameful thinking that has stopped me in the past. Thankfully, I seem to move forward despite myself.
This month as I color section 2, I plan to face these negatives thoughts and self doubt about being an artist and reader so that I can strive to reach my full potential.
Happy Coloring!
joyfully,
Maureen, The Mandala Lady
www.facebook.com/TheMandalaLady
Be sure to download/color the February 2013 Mandala of the Month.
Mandala of the Year 
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