Entering the “Your Turn Challenge”

I’m taking a 7 day challenge to post every day on Wendy Kao’s “Your Turn Challenge” you’ll find at yourturnchallenge.tumblr.com.

Today is Day 1 and the topic is: Why are you doing the “Your Turn Challenge?”

Here’s what I submitted:

Last year I created more artwork than any year prior, including over 400 drawings. My intention was to post art on a regular basis in 2015. The year began and as each day went by I felt like a failure because I didn’t begin on the first day of the year.

When I read about Wendy Kao’s “Your Turn Challenge” it resonated with me when she said, “Why don’t I start now even though I’ve already failed?”

My reptilian brain churned out reasons not to begin but I’m doing the Challenge because I know I can do better than my excuses. I’m ready to maneuver out of my creative U-turn, as Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way would call this act of recovery.

I’m also doing the challenge because I’ve tended be shy. This is a step towards visibility.

Thank you for the challenge, Wendy. Cheers to all the participants. May this be our jazziest year of creativity ever!

Mary Gow

P.S. I also took it as a sign to participate since the challenge was from Wendy Kao. It’s not that often that someone’s name rhymes with your own.