Thank you for the lessons 2022
Dear, year 2022, thank you for all the lessons you brought me. The moments of strength, of doubts, of joy, of courage, of pain, of fatigue of hope and so much more.
As a creative, it was a year that pushed me to see opportunities. So as the truth of places and things that don’t support my growth. Once you have made that recap with all the good and bad, how do you find clarity for new updated goals to move forward? That is my question at the end of the year. I navigated with clarity during the year at least I thought. Funny enough clarity facing reality also challenges clear steps to take next.
We all outgrow situations, once we can spot that truth we have perspective for what’s next.
I have several traits to who I am and my creative business. I did take decisions that allow me today to see and reach for possibilities.
The creative space is not saturated and it is not competitive. It is a collaborative space and that is one key idea I take with me in 2023. This year has taught and trained me on how to navigate from one arena to another and even venture into new ones. I failed at the beginning and tried again. I have mastered processes and accelerated my building. I have slowed down and felt confused but I have understood intentional possibility. From there, I do with what I have and create. What else can I want to grab into my creative machine and move forward?
For me at this second, I celebrate all the versions of me that helped me be ‘‘Me’’ today. They really did their best to pass a healthier baton, now it’s my turn.
Top 5 wins of 2022
The new season of my podcast was delayed but it is still alive, the material exists.
I launched my first live event, a pop-up event and learned to do so much. It resulted in shifts, new products and skills. Exude confidence is one of the gifts of the Pop-up.
Writing installed itself in my work and what a training! Small steps like this nurturing letter. I was featured in several publications as well. That was super encouraging. Check out my participation with Dropbox and a little insight on Purpose.
My illustrations grew in intention. It is my playground and it always welcomes me with open arms. I just want to keep uncovering and training my hand but also learning more about animation.
Time out! I over-pushed myself this year, I know it. Allowing these thoughts and questions are a win for me. Now it’s all about working smarter not harder!
What about you? what are your top 3 or 5 small wins this year?
Wishing you a happy new year, full of healing balance and joy 🌞
I use Speechify to listen to articles, it is pretty impressive. I have already shared how great it was and how a refreshing reading experience it is. Give it a try.
Coup de cœur: Hawa by Maïmouna Doucouré
This movie was such a delight to watch. The story and characters echo with our hearts in depth. Be determined, overcome, share the story and believe against all odds. It is a strong tribute to storytelling, heritage and legacy. How far would we go to reach our dream? Once it’s at reach what would we decide?
This a lovely reminder of the healing effect of speaking.
🐎 Opportunity knocks
In every letter, I share opportunities I stumbled upon. There are so many cool grants, funding, competitions, and more to enter to experience progress. I hope the list of the week will be useful.
Sony world photography awards (deadline January 6th)
Spring Japan Culture Camp 2023 (scholarship opportunity for all nationalities)
Entreprenista’s inaugural awards (only for the US deadline today)
Cewe photo awards (you can submit your pictures to up to 10 categories )
Submit your products to Craftwork (a great marketplace for high-quality products)
Ask me anything creative
Pépites music
🤩 Cool links to click on
Oh, joy! Jazz roots (the swing in the legs: smooth)
Women of resonance (this talk is the talk to end and start a year)
Think and grow rich (the original process delivered again)
What a smiling fighter (bravery and joy no matter what)
💡 It's a Prompt
Light up your creative fire this week • 💎 Prompt of the week
• Why not make a mood board for 2023?
A digital version or a handmade version.
→ ✏️ Pick your images and gather them
* Create your layout and add whatever you envision for next year
* Keep it close to sight and look at it whenever you need it.
* With your Mood board, why not a new Manifesto? Check out these tools → #1 and #2.
Creativity is in every little curious experimentation.
Feel free to share! Have fun!
Yours creatively,
Keva.