Do you have a secret dream you tell no one about? Mine was to take a month or two off between my mentoring groups and focus on my painting. I was never able to figure out how to make it happen.

In the meantime I was neglecting myself and my art.

Although I was always painting, I had the petal to the metal running two businesses — mentoring and painting, working on weekends and not fully living my own personal life.

This January and February I had the most art mentoring students ever. It was big & beautiful – two incredible groups.

April first I was able to take the month to focus on my painting for the first time in seven years. It’s been one of the most nourishing months of my life. I didn’t know how much I needed it until now.

The spaciousness has been incredible. I’ve been able to make good food, take longer walks AND do yoga. Go to my studio and paint for me, connect with friends. And take a trip to New Orleans with my son and an art trip to Santa Fe.

And then this week… a butterfly painting emerged. Inspired by my trip to Santa Fe.

I have so many ideas right now I am dreaming art. That’s how I know the break did exactly what it was supposed to do. In fact, I’m extending my time through mid May, and I’m going to continue these breaks for the rest of my “working” years.

It’s been that good.

I’m sharing this because I know so many of you are like me, giving to everything that needs to get done. And your art, and YOU, end up last.

The thing about taking true, nourishing time for yourself is it opens up space for visions to come to you of what you really want your life to be about. We have so little time here. We can align with what our soul authentically wants, and actually live it.

When we do this, we fill ourselves and in turn have more to give the world.

Right now my car is packed for my next road trip, and I’m heading out on this afternoon. When I return next week, I can’t wait to get to my big crane painting.

I’m already brainstorming the exciting videos I’m going to create for YOU later in May.

Speaking of which… my June mentoring group is just around the corner. If you’ve been waiting for more information about taking your painting to the next level and living the life of an artist, that’s coming in a couple weeks. Keep an eye on your inbox.

But right now I just want to know, how are YOU doing? What have you been painting, or wishing you were painting?

Scroll down and leave a comment. I’ve missed hearing from you.

With love and creativity, Kellie

P.S. — Rescue dogs + studio = a very happy, very paint-covered life right now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.