I came across the word, "shoshin," for the first time last year, which is a word that comes from Zen Buddhism meaning, "beginner's mind." And ever since, it's been a concept that's clung to my outlook like a charm.
In the realm of success psychology, Dr. Carol Dweck calls this something else — a growth mindset, which enables us to keep innovating and improving in our lives as opposed to limiting ourselves to a set of perceived beliefs about what we are and are not capable of.
As I get older, sometimes I find myself wondering, "Why keep going? Why keep creating?" But then I return to the joy of it, that natural spark of innocence and inspiration that fuels my imagination and creativity, and I want to keep at it.
Why ask questions like these when creating can feel so good? Why can't I start over again any day, any minute and approach art/life with a new outlook?
Of course we can.
I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to you on this one-year anniversary of blogging and joining me on this journey. I am renewing my commitment to keep creating, to staying fresh, awake, and open, and maintaining a beginner's mindset open to learning and growth in this new year.
With this in mind, here are a few blog posts below from this past year to help renew and inspire you on your path in 2018.
With love,
Melissa
"Please take my advice, and don't waste your short life. Invest your youthful vitality in your art. Share the best of your spirit with the world."