Being fearless

Heroes and heroines in stories are always fearless. We are told that 'a life lived in fear is a life half lived' and who hasn't heard the motto of every successful entrepreneur, sportsperson and wellbeing junkie 'feel the fear and do it any way'.

It's about following your dreams, manifesting your desires, and living life truthfully and honestly.

But fear is all around us; from wars to the news cycle, the cost of living crisis, government corruption, natural disasters and childhood traumas. We are surround by things that hold us in a state of fear, so how do we recognise what triggers fear in us, and how do we learn to live a courageous life? Where does caution and common sense come into the equation, and at what point do we stop being fearless and just become reckless?

Full disclosure, I'm still learning to navigate this myself so I don't have all the answers or a quick fix. And as you know, any significant change is not linear, it's trial and error, dipping toes in the water and deep soul work all in one.

I know that I have been fearless throughout my life, but I have also been fearful, gripped by self-doubt, a need for safety and a desire for acceptance and approval. Maybe this resonates, maybe it doesn't, but I believe most of us would like to live the life we want, without the need to fight our fears, break through barriers, or become a battle hardened warrior.

Living a fearless life is an intricate dance of uncertainties, challenges and opportunities, often accompanied by our old friend fear. It is fluid, an adventure and a life rich with purpose and authenticity. It is not for the faint hearted, but it is for everyone.

Like all shadow work, living fearlessly is about embracing our fears rather than trying to fight them. It is accepting fear as a natural part of life and in doing so knowing it doesn't diminish our strength; it enhances it. It's the acknowledgement that courage isn't the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite its presence.

What has this got to do with art and why am I sharing his today?

I recently watched a video on Instagram by artist Lincoln Townley who said “people don't by art, they buy artists”. He is fearless in his process, his mission, and himself. Whether you know him or not, he doesn't care if you like him - he is uncompromising, divisive and fiercely ambitious. And a huge success!

He had 93 Nos from galleries that turned him away – how many of us would have given up on pursuing our dreams if we got 93 rejections? This is living fearlessly, knowing in your heart and soul that what you are doing not only matters, it is what you were put on this earth to do. That level of self-belief and commitment is rare but it is available to us all if we choose to embrace self-awareness, release perfectionism, accept change and find community.

The biggest deterrent to making art (or doing anything in life) is the fear of being judged. Artists are meant to push people beyond themselves, and to do that we need to create something that is judged – and do so fearlessly.

Fear has been part of my journey as an artist – not always but especially when paintings don't sell or find their forever homes immediately. I question the work, my ability as a creative, and whether this is the right career path for me.

This is also true of most things in life - the fear of being judged. I'm sure many of you will resonate with this, whether it's your parenting skills, how you look, what you say, where you live, what car you drive, how much money you have in the bank, blah, blah, blah... and so the list goes on.

I made the decision after seeing that video that I was going to start living life (personally and professionally) more fearlessly – and it's about baby steps rather than recklessly throwing myself at it.

Want to know how?

I spent time exploring the root cause of my fear – safety and financial security – self-awareness.

I have decided that doing anything is better than trying to get it 'right' first - releasing perfectionism.

I am moving studios, because despite feeling safe in my current space and comfortable with the monthly rent, the location hasn't felt right and the vibe just doesn't click with me - accepting change.

And I am open to being vulnerable, asking for help, and sharing who I am warts and all, as I know I am not alone in finding this difficult - finding community.

Who in their right mind wants to live their life in a self-imposed state of suffering – because this is was living in fear is. A cage. You are the hero and heroine in your story and you can edit and re-write it as often as you like.

I want my art – in particular my Soul Energy Portraits – to help you follow your dreams, manifest your desires, and live your life truthfully and honestly. This is what drives me as an artist because I know what it feels like to be the heroine and the villain in my own story.

Much love as always…