Trust in the Process

How did I get to the place where I am right this very minute? We all have our stories, many of us have some of the same stories, same roads. But none the less they are "our" personal stories. My creative journey began many years ago out of some dark moments in my life. It's interesting how life unfolds. I, like many, grew up in a dysfunctional home and as a result developed survival skills that were codependent in nature. As an adult, these survival instincts served me no longer and through counseling and codependency recovery (which is a life-long process I am finding), a space opened up inside of me that I didn't realize I had. By detaching from the past, claiming my own personal power, and trusting in the process, magic began to happen in my life.

I discovered that I had a passion to create. I took a chance and enrolled in a floral design class just for fun. Fun it was indeed! I couldn't learn fast enough and took a summer off from my job at the university where I was an administrative assistant and enrolled in a floral design school. I became certified and what seemed to be an overnight experience, had started my own business....all this while still working full-time at the university, and raising three children.

Over the next 18 years I had the pleasure of designing beautiful events for 100's of brides and huge events at Hearst Castle and other spectacular venues. I was also honored to have my work published in national floral design magazines, winning several awards and designing for very prominent people. The people I met along the way were incredible and added so much to my life.

Working with flowers was a true "high" for me.....their color, fragrance, texture, shapes, personalities....I loved it all. I loved how when I designed, I became so focused and in the moment my spirit seemed to soar with such elation. Intuitively, I allowed my creative muse to play. What an awesome feeling of being completely free and feel creativity coming from the "source" within.

Part of trusting the process for any of us is recognizing our choices and giving ourselves permission to take risks of trying new things. By opening ourselves up to possibilities, it can both enrichen and enlighten our senses and souls. "Gently, like a flower, we can learn to open up. Like a flower, we will do that when the sun shines and there is warmth." ~ Melody Beattie

After 18 years, I felt it was time to let go of my business as the physical demands were taking there tole. So out went the floral coolers, props, fabrics and tools. When left with an empty workshop space, I had a deep desire to transform it into an art studio not knowing what I would possibly do. But I also knew that if I just trusted in the process itself and with a positive attitude and faith, I would be presented with even new possibilities to fill my then creative void. So, I built it and waited for the venture to begin. "To trust the process, to trust all of it, without hanging on to the past or peering too far into the future, requires a great deal of faith. Surrender to the moment. .....Step where instinct leads. We are where we are, and it is okay. It is right where we're meant to be to get where we're going tomorrow. And that place will be good. It has been planned in love for us." ~ Melody Beattie

Scrapbooking was the beginning of my metaphorphosis and card making. Then one day while standing in front of the publication rack at Michael's, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was also pondering her next purchase and in that moment my life took off on a new creative journey. Jody was an art major in college and she quickly introduced me to the world of mixed media art. Thank you Jody!! I attended my first mixed media art retreat - Art and Soul in Portland and from then on it has been an exhilarating creative journey. I have had the pleasure of taking classes from so many delightful and talented instructors who all contributed to the direction I have now chosen... mixed media jewelry art.

I wish for you all that your life will be sprinkled with magic, that by trusting in the process itself you will actualize and manifest your heart's desires.....even though those desires may not be clear to you now. Know in your heart they are there and they will present themselves when you are ready.

Diana