Thursday, May 14, 2009

Feeling oh so BRAVE!

Beware this is a long one!

I have never considered myself to be very brave- when I was a little girl I was scared to get down off the kitchen chair because it seemed so high and I sat on it in fear for hours (a story I have never lived down). When I learned to swim I had to be bribed (with a set of sesame street books) to jump off the diving board because I was too afraid to jump into water.  My first day of first grade I was afraid to wear my new purple outfit to school and stood in the hallway as my mom talked me down from my fear of entering class...I have a million of these stories throughout my life- hillarious now but very telling about my character.  I am often cautious, I take my time and I have battled fear my whole life.  

Today as I press publish on this post I am heading to a meeting where my resignation of Assistant Director of Print and Brand Marketing at the University of San Diego will be announced.  Yep, I am quitting my job during a recession- as crazy as this sounds, I have never been so at peace and fearless about a decision.  Since I was 15 years old, I have been chasing a dream of being an artist, I studied art all through school, I took icky jobs just to be able to make art on the side and now at 34- after being afraid for a long time of what it means to be a full time artist- I have come to a place of accepting that I don't fit into working for someone else. (What else do I really expect.. my parents have been entrepenuers and artists my whole life!)  And I am done- finished- and over thinking that a "normal" job is going to click for me.  Thankfully my creative career has been moving REALLY FAST and it is getting hard for me to keep up with everything while working a day job. 

The writing has been on the wall for a LONG time...and after years of hard work, time spent trying to live fearless, it it time for me to jump, to hold my breath and leap into the arms of my true love- my passion- the one thing that has always defined me- the desire to be an artist- all the time!  (I've come A LONG way since being afraid of getting off a chair!!) So while you are reading this post (faithful readers and amazing supporters) know that I will be bursting on the inside with joy, laughing quietly and feeling oh so BRAVE as I sit through one of my last meetings in a "normal" job.  More to come...

24 comments:

myerscho said...

I am so sssssssssooooooooooooooooo happy for you!!!

Lisa said...

Alisa,
You should be so proud of yourself! I'm glad that you will really be "living" your life. Can you hear me applauding you?<3

AlexM said...

Congrats! I think it's a grand decision, a brave choice and the best option for your life!

kelly rae said...

i know this place you are at. celebrate hard, alisa. you did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

donna joy said...

Congratulations and best of luck-if you feel good then you know you made the right decision~

Anonymous said...

This is FANTASTIC!!! Definitely brave... and so very inspiring! :) I look forward to your successes!

Christine Candora-Hickey said...

I think it is wonderful that you have made such a life-altering, and life-affirming decision. Be proud!

joy! said...

Moving out of lurking status long enough to say, "Bravo!!" Best wishes as you pursue your passion.

kass said...

I am so proud of you, my friend!! Much love!

Danielle Scott said...

Hey Alisa, You are now living authentically to kinda quote Oprah.That always takes bravery.Well done you are an inspiration.
I myself am slowly starting out as a jewellery designer after years of self doubt and a hatred of maths! I,m scared but so excited to be finally taking a chance.
Bravo again Alisa! the only way is up from here!

Fannie said...

congratulations, alisa! thanks for inspiring us to live bravely by your example. i wish you much success!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your brave, daring, life fulfilling step!

lee said...

Congratulations....now more time for you to make amazing art, and spend time with that adorable husband of yours

Jessica Loughrey said...

awesome! congratulations, alisa.

Dr Smartie Pants said...

Congratulations on your success! Your story gives me warm fuzzies! And to be a peace with your decision and not have any fear = priceless!
Best of luck to you!

anna maria said...

Congratulations! I am very happy for you!

Janet said...

Good for you!!!

Karen said...

You might like to check out the Creative Awakenings website at http://creativeawakenings.ning.com,which is based on the book: Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art ...you will find a lot of creative people there who are working on taking leaps in their own lives.

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Congratulations Alisa! I'm a relatively new follower, but am so proud of you! I want to support you, and am tickled to have something of you as well...signed up for your mini workshop on canvas and ordered a custom clutch! So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Best wishes as you begin a new chapter of your life.

Ps. I hope you write another book!


Hugs! ~Barbie

Beth Macre said...

Congratulations! That is exactly how I have felt for over 20 years but couldn't do it. I wish you only the best!

Ro Bruhn said...

Congratulations, how I envy you're bravery, I'm still nervous about taking the plunge after all my years.

ChandraT said...

Wow, this is amazing! Congratulations!

Just call me Silly Sal said...

Our win. S.D. State's loss. . .

Just learned about your online classes from friend Jackie and Jane in S.D. where I also live. Saw your spread in Somerset. Now I am going to join my friends taking your online class.

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