I know that in your life after loss you may struggle to feel worthy in the midst of your brokenness, and I want to remind you today that, darling, YOU are a work of art.

There are many times when I am OK. I understand that this is my life now, and that it looks so different. My brain gets it…. most of the time.

However, there are times when I poignantly feel my brokenness, my aloneness, and fear that my life will never resemble anything but a mass of shards haphazardly reassembled with duct tape. These are the times when my brain cannot reconcile my loss with my life, and I feel more like a junk yard find.

Do you want your life to resemble a masterpiece or salvage piece? You get to decide.

May was the month of milestones: retirement parties, birthdays and graduations. I attended them all, not because I wanted to, but because it’s how I practice love in action. It was such a surprise today when I came across a note someone had slipped into my purse. The note had been lettered on a slip of regular paper and read: Darling, YOU are a work of art.

It stopped me in my tracks. I read it several times and was reminded of the practice of Kintsugi.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. It is built on the idea that embracing flaws and imperfections can result in the creation of an even more beautiful piece of art.

I just want to remind you that you are a work of art, exactly as you are today. Your brokenness does not have to be slapped together with silver duct tape. It can be thoughtfully and intentinally refashioned into something new and beautiful. The seams of trauma can be melded with gold, and those scars, which once seemed so painful and full of shame, become the unique signature of your masterpiece.

How Do You Make Your Life a Beautiful Work Of Art?

• Create a new vision for your life. The vision you had working in your life is gone. I know this because the same thing happened to me. Your first task is to create a new vision for this new life you are living or will be living.
• Set goals for your life. Once you have created a vision for your life, set goals that will help you achieve it. Break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps, and create a plan for how you wi.ll accomplish them.

• Embrace creativity: Creativity is an essential part of making your life a work of art. Find ways to express your creativity in everything you do, whether it’s through your work, your hobbies, or your personal life. I express my creativity with cooking, decorating, and writing.
• Take risks for your beautiful new life. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore new ideas and opportunities. Give yourself a dare a day, and if that’s too much, try a dare a week or a dare a month.
• Find what stirs your passion. Discover what you are passionate about and pursue it. This could be anything from music, art, writing, or cooking to sports, technology, or entrepreneurship.
• Surround yourself with inspiration. Surround yourself with people, places, and things that inspire you. This could include spending time with supportive friends and family, traveling to new places, or visiting museums, galleries, or other cultural events.
• Harness the power of focusing on the present. Live in the moment and savor each experience. Don’t get too caught up in the past or worry too much about the future.
• Practice self-care! Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or simply relaxing with a good book or movie.

To all of my beautiful friends struggling with reconciliation, worthiness, and finding courage to just take the next step, I want you to know that you are seen and heard, and I am cheering you on.

Never forget that, darling, YOU are a work of art.

Julie

P.S. Remember, you can work with me, and it’s as easy as sending me a message right here.