One Year Later: How A Single Spark Changed Everything

 

I hope you're having a peaceful and restorative Memorial Day weekend. I've been using this long weekend to finally tackle a few things that have been lingering on my to-do list—and it feels so good to check them off!

 

One of those tasks was organizing the photos on my phone and computer. As I was sorting through everything, I stumbled upon a photo of the very first soft pastel painting I ever made (pictured above). I couldn’t believe it—it’s been just over a year since that moment, and reflecting on how far I’ve come with my art is truly mind-blowing.

 

This time last year, I was feeling disconnected from myself and deeply craving a creative outlet, but I didn’t quite know where to begin. I’ve admired Valerie McKeehan’s work for a while, and when I saw her posting her gorgeous soft pastel landscapes and announcing a new class, I jumped right in. I was hooked after the very first lesson!

 

Soft pastels have this magical way of grounding me in the present. There’s something about the richness of the pigments and the meditative blending process that brings a sense of peace—like stepping into a world I’ve created with my own hands.

 

But I’ll be honest: I was scared to start. I remember thinking, What if I hate it? What if I’m bad at it? What if this is just a waste of time and money? But I went for it anyway—and looking back now, I never could’ve imagined how much joy and growth it would bring into my life.

 

If there’s something that’s been calling to you—an idea, a hobby, a spark—this is your sign to go for it. Trying something new is never a waste. Even if it doesn’t turn into a long-term passion, it will always lead you to new discoveries about yourself.

 

So here’s my gentle challenge to you this week: try something new. Let yourself be a beginner. Follow your curiosity. You never know where it might lead.

 

✨ And just for today, I’m running a Memorial Day Sale — everything in my shop is 25% off, no code needed! The discount will apply automatically in your cart. Click here to shop

 

Wishing you a week full of discovery and calm,

Megan