Hello Friends and Art Lovers
It is a busy time of the year. Too busy. All good, but whew. I need to paint those poinsettias!
But before I make time for that, I want to thank you for the time you take out of your life to read my quarterly posts.
Let's talk about how we spend our time. As my years grow, I feel my time shortening. My husband just celebrated a big birthday and that drives home the message too. How did the years go by so fast. And with immeasurable time left, how are we choosing to spend our time.
I got an email this morning from James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits."
It struck a chord. Steve Jobs explains the secret to focus. He is talking about innovation, but I am thinking about improving one's craft.
"People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things."
And there was this friend's fb post that also resonated with me.
Probably does with you too.
"My children each year ask me the same question.
After thinking about it, I decided I'd give them my real answer:
What do I want for Christmas?
I want you. I want you to keep coming around, I want you to bring your kids around, I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help. I want you to come over and rant about life, whatever. Tell me about your job, your worries, your spouse, your kids, your fur babies. I want you to continue sharing your life with me. Come over and laugh with me, or laugh at me.
I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way i knew how, and I'm not bragging, but i did a darn good job. Now, give me time to sit back and admire my work, I'm pretty proud of it.
I want you to spend your money making a better life for you and your family, I have the things I need. I want to see you happy and healthy. When you ask me what I want for Christmas, I say "nothing" because you've already been giving me my gift all year. I want you."
Basically, I want their time.
Enjoy your Christmas/Hanukkah/Holiday. Make time to do the things that bring you joy.
Thank You So Much for Following Along With Me
Hope you have enjoyed the read. Please feel free to forward to any art lovers. To see all of my available paintings, visit my website or check out my Instagram.
Patti Ratcliffe | 1630 Providence Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704.451.3381 patti@ratcliffeart.com
"There is no greater harm than that of time wasted." -Michelangelo