PERSEVERANCE: endure, carry on, prevail

Perseverance didn't seem to be part of my makeup. If something was a little difficult, my frustration would kick in and I would just give up. My whole life has been about starts and stops. I had a desire to write a book about my triumph with mental health challenges, but it kept getting overshadowed by fear so it never happened. Even understanding that fear is a normal emotion that is meant to be conquered, didn't help me to commit to my goal. However, something deep inside kept nudging at me. Unfortunately, it took decades before I finally found the courage to face my fears. I believe being in my 60's, feeling it's now or never, forced me to go for it.

Instead of writing a book, I decided to use my God-given creative ability. I began painting and making cards, utilizing my talent for writing poetry. This time, I was determined to stay focused and committed. Today, I own an art business with a website and a blog. The blog allows me to fulfill my original desire to tell my story, and so much more.

I truly underestimated the work involved in running and marketing a business. I have felt overwhelmed, tired, and frustrated. The business side took me away from my passion of being creative. I began to feel I couldn't do it, and I wanted to give up again. Then I thought, how can I own a business called "Persevere and Create" encouraging perseverance and I give up. So I kept moving forward, overcoming challenges and making progress little by little. I still have work to do to sharpen my business skills in areas like marketing and digital proficiency. However, I have succeeded in finding a local store willing to sell a couple of paintings and my cards. I am ecstatic about this accomplishment. Even more exciting, my cards are selling. I don't think I have fully accepted the fact that I designed and versed poetry cards that are actually selling. I am happy and so grateful.

Perserverance is crucial in achieving goals. It builds resilence, confidence and is the driving force behind success. In addition, perseverance is needed just to live life with all the turns and twists and ups and downs. In a continued effort to encourage myself and to lean on universal power, I recite the following affirmations daily:

I AM KNOWLEDGEABLE

I AM HAPPY AND CONTENT

I AM COURAGEOUS

I AM HEALTHY

I AM CONFIDENT

I AM DEDICATED TO MY GOALS

I AM A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST

I AM A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER

I AM LOVE

I AM PEACEFUL AND CALM