Today’s shared stories come from art therapist Jozica Rade in Slovenia and artist Christy Nimeh in the US.
Jozica Rade
For me, ‘doing what you love’ means expressing yourself the best way you can – freely, and with an open heart… It means going with the flow, forgetting about time, hungry stomachs, or even about where you are. You just do it, without really knowing why (and from where this need comes). And guess what? You don’t really worry about the answers. Doing what you love is enough.
That’s how I feel when working with clients attending my art therapy or phototherapy sessions. I forget about myself and my needs, and I feel like I’m in a trance whenever I’m with them. They are my teachers, my inspiration, my way of learning about Life. I’m very thankful for them, for their open hearts and shared sad stories. It is not easy to tell your deepest thoughts to a stranger. I’m really thankful for their trust.
My journey to here is a long story, but there were moments in my life when I just knew I was on the right path. 17 years ago, miles and miles away from my home (in the US), I heard about art therapy for the first time. At that very first moment I knew that it was something I would like to do for life! But the circumstances at that time didn’t allow me to get into it then, and in fact ten years had to go by to make it happen – to begin my journey to become art therapist.
Studying a post-graduate program of art therapy was not easy. Not only because of all the books and texts and workshops, but rather because of the work we’ve had to do on ourselves. Lots of self-analyzing, observing our inner Selves, exploring our limits, revealing and working on our weaknesses… Sometimes it’s not easy to face all the little pieces of our-Selves, is it?
And just when I thought I was ready and happy to swim with the art therapy flow, another powerful idea hit me and I have gone through another wave of “I-know-what-I-(would)-love-to-do”! This time it is phototherapy. At one of the workshops I discovered this therapy technique and fell in love at once! How did I not know about it? A whole new world has opened to me and this river of energy pushed me in a new direction, learning all about this new therapeutic field. So I ended up choosing phototherapy for my final dissertation and research, and I even found mentors from abroad to help me out. Nothing can stop me now! I can’t even stop myself from thinking, breathing and ‘swimming’ in the river of art and phototherapy!!
Sometimes I’m sorry that I didn’t start studying art therapy in the US seventeen years ago. Maybe I didn’t try hard enough to make my dream come true – I would love to have started this journey sooner. But… who knows? Maybe I was not ready, maybe I didn’t understand the purpose of that mission, maybe I didn’t understand people the way I do now?? I believe everything happens for a reason, at the right time and in the right place. That’s why I believe that my journey is the best journey for me. I go with the flow…
The only thing that makes me sad is that I can’t work as art therapist full time. Social support and understanding of this field are lacking here in Slovenia. The projects I have proposed to the government – projects working with vulnerable people like victims of crime, women in shelters and people on very low incomes – have all been turned down. Every project needs funds, but social ones rely on the good people who are willing to help and support them. The current model of the social field doesn’t generate its own money, so it is always struggling, always begging… That’s what makes me sad as I know quite a few people who would give their hearts to make a change and help all the people in need.
That’s why I have a dream (no, I won’t give up!). I have a dream of a beautiful place, a special place for those people who need our help. A place where they are able to get themselves back on their feet again with the help of art therapy, phototherapy or other therapies. And angels in the shape of good people will support our projects and our mission. They will trust us and believe in us. I dream… I know I dream big, but you know, I can wait another seventeen years to make it happen. It’s not ‘long’ for me if I know I’d be blessed to help a person or two or three…
I’m following my calling, I’m on a journey… I hope your journey is as special, inspiring, fulfilling and yours as it is mine. Enjoy the ride and… do what you love!
[Images courtesy of Jozica Rade.]
Find out more about Jozica on her website ‘Creatissimo Lab’ here.
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Christy Nimeh
I have always thought of myself as a sort of “secret artist.” One who only dares to show others the very best that I have to offer. I have been creating in one form or another since I was a little girl. Painting was always my passion, but with no formal training or an art degree, I didn’t think of myself as a ‘real artist’. Over the years I painted less and less because the fear of rejection grew bigger and bigger. I found myself completely shutting down. Still needing to be creative, but fully aware of that ‘secret artist’ that wouldn’t go away, I dove into other avenues such as interior design, jewelry making, styling, extravagant parties, and a little gardening. Not to mention raising a family. While learning a lot during this time, I couldn’t figure out why I felt so empty and unfulfilled creatively. I remember saying to my husband that I felt like I was clawing the walls down inch by inch in search for something bigger… my true voice.
Fast forward to about two years ago, I had an explosive breakthrough. My husband was ill and needed to have heart valve replacement surgery. The thought and fear of the unknown lit a fire inside of me that I thought was long gone! Thinking about my two children, (one of them having autism), and the future, led me to face many fears and the ever present ‘secret artist’ head on. On a whim, I enrolled in Kelly Rae Roberts’ ‘Flying Lessons’ e-course. Let me just say it changed my life. I remember shedding a lot of tears during that time, but it was in the peeling back of all those layers that I realized that it’s the process, not the destination that matters. That was a big concept change for me – the first of many changes that I have made on the road to Doing What I Love.
Now I make time for myself and my art. I am more open to anything and everything that the universe is telling me. This next lesson is a work in progress, but I am learning that it’s OK if the laundry and cleaning isn’t done from time to time, and that it doesn’t make me a bad mom or wife. I have also learned that I am forever learning, and it’s OK to not have all the answers. Mistakes will be made, but I now view them as a learning tool and a necessary part of my success. Since I believe in the journey, unfolding as it’s supposed to, I wouldn’t change anything, except maybe for listening to my amazing Grandma Eileen and my dear friend Leslie. Both encouraged me all along to never stop painting and they believed in me as an artist.
Now I listen to my dreams and give them the honor and power they deserve. While I have many dreams and goals swirling around in my head, I have currently set my sights on opening up an art store that specializes in the most current products.
[All images courtesy of Christy Nimeh.]
Find out more about Christy here.
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