Dear Friend, Make Your Art

Creativity and joy in uncertain times

“By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others.”

-Satsuki Shibuya

I will make it my art to navigate the heart of this midlife metamorphosis.

Modern Golden Girls.

Menopause—on the tips of everyone’s tongues.

Oprah TV specials.

Books.

Podcasts.

Documentaries.

We won’t be silenced.

I saw an Instagram post the other day thanking Gen X women for speaking up and inciting all the change happening right now.

Doing all the heavy lifting while feeling like sh*t.

But the generations before us have shouted.

Screams, silenced.

Nobody listened.

There’s a shift in our language, a shift in our souls.

Recently, I’ve been questioning if my own small story, my own small experiences, are actually making any difference.

I’m not a celebrity.

I’m not an influencer.

I’m not selling products.

I’m not trying to beat down mine (or your) meno-belly.

So what the hell am I doing?

I am making my art.

Holding space.

Speaking.

Listening with intent.

Belly-laughing.

Storytelling.

Bolstering and boosting up women so they can—

fight

protest,

speak up,

create.

Make their art.

Pure joy.

Purple shirt. Purple glasses. New bangs. Pure JOY!

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Make your art, friend.

Your art can be anything that brings you joy.

Your art can be anything that sets your creative soul on fire.

The world needs it (and you) now more than ever.

Vanessa 🦋

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