Is It Done?

Keeping a journal allows me to pour my thoughts onto a page which often brings the clarity I’m looking for. I might start from point A and before I know it, a stream of consciousness has spilled itself from my mind through my hand. There are times when I’m surprised by what evolves. A great many of those thoughts are so private that they are meant only for me and no other prying eyes. Having been the recipient of the diaries kept by family members who have passed, I know the pitfalls that can await if anyone else becomes privy to your deepest secrets, wants or desires. In the case of stream of consciousness, I use an art journal – the words are then covered over with paper and paint, allowing me to create a message or a story that is meaningful to me.

The question I often ask is, “is it done?” After applying paper, smearing paint, making marks with pencils and pens and creating a base layer from which to work, I’ll put the journal away and know that when inspiration calls, I can then use that page to weave a story using words and images. There are times though when the page itself IS art. It requires nothing else, no words, no added message or meaning. I can turn to that page and just feel the pleasure of looking at those colours and those markings. Sometimes the page is complete because there is nothing left to say. And sometimes the page is done because I no longer want to look at it. Created solely to safeguard my thoughts it fulfilled its purpose.

I see life in the same way. At times we might struggle to finish something we have started because we have made an investment of time or money. To finish reading a book or complete a puzzle. To follow a complicated recipe for a meal that we realize is just too much bother and above our skill level. To keep adding to a piece of art when there is no vision in going forward. We build something we believe we need or want – a story, art, a relationship, a partnership, a career. Sometimes we reach a point where we look at these things and ask ourselves “is it done” – as in has this fulfilled its purpose and is it time to move on to the next chapter. It does not mean it was a waste of time. We learn from every experience in life. Endings are not failures—they represent growth and open the way to new beginnings we may not realize we’re ready for.  A fresh page on which to keep writing.