We as humans thrive on routine and sameness.

We say that we want things to change, and we complain about just about everything in our lives from time to time, but when change comes we are filled with anxiety.

At least I know that I am.

Not that I'm curled into the fetal position and hiding under my bed.

I'm even filled with positive anticipation.

But I have to acknowledge the anxiety I'm feeling with the changes that have happened in my life over the past week.

As an artist, I sort of felt that I would become a "real" artist when my work was accepted into a gallery.

Sort of silly, but at the same time, it's a huge recognition that someone who is in the business of art is giving it value.

If a gallery didn't think they could sell it, they wouldn't give up the valuable wall space.

That's just the reality of business.

A gallery can't exist without a constant flow of income from sales.

So, last Tuesday I had an incredibly positive meeting with the membership committee of Arts of Snohomish, located in Snohomish, Wa.

These people were welcoming, attentive, encouraging, and told me how happy they were that I would be joining them.

They hung 4 of my paintings right then.

And in the following week I received emails from 3 other members also welcoming me, and telling me they can't wait to meet me.

What a difference from the Art Guild I have been a member of for over a year.

I can't even get them to talk to me when I'm in front of their faces!

Take note- all of you who are members of galleries and art organizations!

I had to force myself to attend every single function of the art guild.

It was miserable.

However, I want to work hard for Arts of Snohomish.

I want to live up to, and surpass their expectations.

I want to welcome patrons and other members in the same way I was welcomed!

Goodness, love and open arms create positive interaction and attract sales.

Now the scary part.

I haven't had a "real" job in 3 years.

I don't know if I remember how to work the cash register, interact with people, and encourage sales.

I'm not sure how safe I feel out in public.

I'm not sure how safe I feel alone in a gallery where there is money in the register.

What do I say to people?

How do I encourage discussion and not seem over bearing?

What if I can't remember the door code?

And I have to count money at the end of the day and put it in the safe!

My mind can get al silly and anxious about little things that will all be worked out, and have little to do with reality.

The artwork can speak for itself, for the most part.

I know that when the right person sees the art that was created for them there is no need to "sell" it. 

The person falls in love with it and simply must have it.

Some part of me is also afraid when good things happen.

I think we all are to some degree.

We wonder if it will soon fall apart, or if it won't end up being the positive experience we anticipated.

We wonder if calamity is just around the corner, because  perhaps we didn't deserve this huge blessing and it's just cushioning what's about to come.

Total BS

Seriously!

There are blessings all around each of us every day.

Every single person deserves all the blessings possible.

Especially now.

Especially when there is uncertainty in the world around us.

But the scariest thing about life would be to not grow and learn from new experiences.

To waste opportunities that come my way, by giving in to anxiety and fear and remain rooted in an "ok" life.

I believe a good life is balanced with comfort and a bit of anxiety that is brought on by reaching beyond what I am completely at peace with. Only by expanding and reaching beyond myself can I experience all of my potential and do the most good.

So I'm grabbing hold of this new experience.

I'm looking forward to the next month of learning this new job, and searching for frames for the upcoming paintings I need to create to replace the ones that are about to sell.

I'm going to enjoy the interactions with customers and grow my fan club.

I've you are ever in Snohomish, Wa. come down to first street and look for Arts of Snohomish.

There are 12 or so different artists.

Each are unique in their style, subject, and aesthetic.

There is truly something there for everyone.

I'd love to see you there one day.