Can a Leopard Change its spots? Can we change our ways?

Leopard half finished

How many of us put ourselves down, and tell ourselves we are not good enough, as we measure ourselves against others achievements.  Especially if we have been brought up lacking in self-worth.

I know many times I have measured myself, against others whom I feel are gifted and blessed with their specific talents.

But at the same time, I  grew up also with the words of my father ringing in my ears, as he would tell me when I said I couldn’t do something, that there was no such word as can’t. And he was right, for if we do not try, we will never know what we can accomplish.

I grew achieving many things I never thought I would. And as I walked my walk, I also understood something else. That no one is better or beneath  us, for we are all of us Human Beings, who are here to learn and grow via our merits or our mistakes.  Some of my greatest achievements, have been through the errors I have made, because they have taught me so much more about the skills of life. 

I have learnt to knit, sew, dress make, grow vegetables, I have, papered, painted and decorated our home. I have laid lino- linoleum in our bathroom and learnt to crochet.  I learnt how to use a computer, often through trial and error.    And I learnt as I grew as an adult that we are all of us equal.   For we each of us have our own unique gifts.

Drawing was my first love, and yet I still measure my capabilities against others whom in my eyes are far more gifted than I. As I never had any kind of art training. I just paint what  I feel. 

 Many of us Self sabotage ourselves at the first hurdle. As we give up, feeling we are not good enough.  We either lack confidence, or are simply insecure and afraid of striding out in a new direction.  We  are all special and need to accept the gifts we have, be it a listening ear, or a musical voice, or a bright smile and a bubbly personality. Each of us are special and unique.  

 Leopard came to remind me and teach me. She came to show me confidence and perseverance, as I had always put off drawing a Leopard because of its spots.. Fearing I would not do it justice, and fearing it would be a failure. And was why when I  started to paint it, I put off painting the spots on its head straight away. This was the Image I was working from, as I looked through one of my wildlife photography books from my book shelf. As you can see it’s not that clear, and the spots are hard to define. As this Sunset photo from Untamed  by Steve Bloom shows . 

Image from the book UNTAMED,By Steve Bloom~ Wild Life Photographer.

Leopard came to remind me that I need to trust in the skills I have, and to accept my spots, my imperfections. She came to show me through your own appreciation of my art, that I need to appreciate my own talents more, and to stop putting myself down.  And she comes to remind me, and perhaps you also, as you find yourself reading this, that it is never to late to apply yourself as you follow your dreams.

Leopard also came to remind me that I have also been putting off another project that I set the intention this year to start. And that was to put some of my poetry together in the hopes of publishing it. I made that start, then I guess I self-sabotaged it, and deleted much of what I had written to accompany my poetry.

Nearly finished. I had more detail on the branch to do. As I concentrated on adding details to the branch. The pathway of Life.

I guess its time I stepped out along that branch of life, and put my faith in the steps I need now to follow to bring that particular gift into the Light.

Thank you All, for being part of my journey as I rediscover and apply myself in unfamiliar territory.

 And as the Buzzard whom I saw the other week, In the post ‘Look up and Soar’ spoke to me, saying ““( …… It is time to soar above your perceived limitations. Are you currently undergoing an internal death and rebirth cycle? Are you ready to assert your actions from your ideas?……)

Leopard came to make me sure I heard and tell me to lay down my fears. And yes I am ready. 

I hope as you walk through your life, you can also lay down your fears and boldly put one foot in front of the other, as you focus your Intent on your Dreams!

Are YOU Ready? 

The Finished Leopard
More details were added to the branch, adding moss, and new life out of dead wood.

Love and Blessings

~Sue~