The Artist's Way: Starting Chapter 6 (Senes of Abundance)

"Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous.  That has more of an effect on economic well-being than any other single factor." ~ Paul Hawken

This was the quote that most spoke to me in the chapter on Abundance. To tell you the truth, I don't really have much issue with abundance and economic well-being.  I went through my broke period when I was younger and working in crappy jobs to get through - even when I was working in jobs that I had thought I was earning a good living at - sometimes I was broke.  I have never believed that I had to be poor to be a writer or to be happy.  I have already suffered for my art, so I don't really feel inclined to do so again.

At this point in my life, I am starting to use some of what I consider my abundance to actually take the time to enjoy life a little.  For example, I am taking a vacation to Dave Walley's resort and spa at the end of October.  I decided I needed a vacation - somewhere fun and where I could just relax and be with my friends. So, I'm going. 

For me the lack of abundance isn't economic - it is that I am time-deprived. It is mostly a self-deprivation and I am looking at that and working on it. Committing to myself that I will take and make time to do art, to write, to read, to relax are the more difficult issues.  I have the whole work-a-holic thing down pretty well by now, so I am looking for inspiration on the other end of the spectrum.  Slowly, but surely, I am getting better about this. 

The more I succeed in making time, the more time I want to make.  I think that is a good relationship.  Something I can sustain.  Something I can be happy about and proud about.