As those of you familiar with STAR Company know, each of our team members has a particular area of interest, focus and skill in the world of arts, culture and finance.
In her monthly posts, Sue Merakian shares her expeience of bringing the creative focus into all aspects of life.
photo by Betsy Dorman
In the past year, I changed my marital status, my career, and where I live.
Why all the sturm und drang?
Well, after turning fifty in 2009, I lost a close friend and soon after was diagnosed with a chronic ailment. It got me thinking about Time – specifically, how much I have left before it’s time for a dirt nap. The distillation of several months’ gloomy rumination was this: whether I’m around for a day, a month, or another thirty years, I have to turn off the autopilot and start actively choosing how that time will be spent.
So here I am, the decks are cleared, the dust has settled, and I find myself at standing at that magical confluence of mystery and possibility; the Crossroads. Yup, nothing but freedom and potential, as far as the eye can see. I know where I want to go, but I don’t see any signs pointing ‘this way to Creative Fulfillment’, or ‘eastbound to Integrated Work/Life’, or ‘5 kilometres to Joyful Living’.
A map and a compass would be really handy right now.
One of my main goals was to infuse every part of my life with the same focus and passion that I bring to my creative practice. I had the great good fortune of finding a position with STAR Company, allowing me to work in Toronto’s creative community, and with colleagues who are kindred spirits. As a roving bookkeeper, I’m privileged to work with clients whose drive and passion inspire me every day.
In successfully injecting a good dose of sanity and creativity into my work day, I wondered if transferring some work skills to my creative practice might be equally beneficial. If planning is critical to success in my work endeavors, it stands to reason that those principles could also improve my creative practice. It’s a bit of an uncomfortable thought; applying a schedule, deadlines, and set goals to my creative time is pretty counterintuitive for me.
This blog will be about my efforts to identify and implement the tools and resources that will help me take my creative practice to the next level. If you’re on the same journey, I would love to hear from you!
