Day 1: Take some time to think about your biggest challenges, then list down 2-3 of them and write a few lines about why you think they are holding you back. It might seem difficult at first, but there’s a reason for it. Once you know exactly what’s stopping you from living a life of freedom, you can focus your energy on these specific things and start off on the right foot. – Natalie Sisson, The Suitcase Entrepreneur, 10 Day Blog Challenge 2016
Ok, so here I am with my biggest challenges right now. I’m here because I’m taking as many steps as I can towards who I want to be, in this one, precious life. And, I’m dedicated to sharing my work and journey, in a way that you can access wherever you are in the world. My friend here in Japan, Helen Iwata, of Sasuga Communications, recommended this 10 day challenge as one to help us grow – thank you Helen! Which brings me to sharing my first challenge:
- Growth
And all it means to fully grow. Last year, I drew and wrote about how the sound of summer’s cicadas took on whole new significance. They are un-ignorable.
Understandable. Years in the deep, dark earth and not long above. Last year I got the message loud and clear: you’ve got something to say, REALLY say it.
Growth is also a painful one. It involves stretching beyond safety, and in doing so, outgrowing. This year, looking at discarded cicada shells, left clinging to the bark of trees after they emerge with wings, I felt a deep and knowing pain. There are things you come to know that you didn’t know before. There are things to be left behind as well.
This means letting go and saying no. Both are difficult and I’m working through this by practising; even when it’s uncomfortable. Simply saying no. I’m reading a lot too, my favourite at the moment is Stillness Speaks, by Eckhart Tolle. About making sure I leave enough time to sit still, so I know my decisions are coming after reflection and with perspective – from a good place and not as a result of stress, pressure or immediate reaction.
I’m also seeking guidance from my parents, which is interesting, because I’d never thought to ask them before! The great thing is, I’m feeling closer to them through doing so and also learning more about their experiences through their advice.
- My Book
Since March 2015, I’ve been putting together a collection of my drawings and the stories that inspired them. It’s a mammoth task, and one I’m wholeheartedly hell bent on. I invested in a book proposal course and coaching. I carved out slices of time. I did all the things – all the things! – and I’m still working away. My big challenge now is one of kindness and acceptance. Being kinder to myself – I didn’t know you had to write the book AND this thing called a proposal! – staying focused by allowing space and time for growth (challenge number 1!) instead of chastising myself for not meeting deadlines I had set. Accepting that the process will take longer than I thought. Believing that the publishers are rooting for me to show up too. And this post by hero, Seth Godin:
“Erosion. The Grand Canyon wasn’t created by an earthquake. While it’s tempting to imagine that the world changes via sudden shocks, that our culture is shifted by dramatic changes in leadership, that grand gestures make all the difference… It turns out that our daily practice, the piling up of regular actions, the cultural practices and biases that we each choose—that’s what makes change happen. False promises and urgent reactions are a trap and a sideshow.”
Ok, that’s day 1! If you found this useful do come back again tomorrow for my response to Challenge 2. Best wishes for a good week ahead friends, back soon, DMK x This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1 #10DBC #freedomplan
Hi, I’m Divya and I champion the arts for speaking a universal language that inspires and influences change. I share drawing as a way to keep moving forward with purpose and presence and recently married my best friend. We live in Tokyo, Japan. Best way to keep in touch is here on Instagram:
divyamariekato
Divya Marie Kato | “When in doubt, draw”
