Sunday scribbles #29: A big thank you.

At the moment of writing it is the first day of a new year. Whilst I have often approached this as just another day, I did want to start the year in gratitude. For several weeks I have been ending every day with a short moment of gratitude, where I write down three things I am thankful for. Writing this down is quite new to me, but the feeling of gratitude isn't. I do my best to focus my energy on being thankful for what is, than being resentful for what isn't. So instead of wasting a lot of words to this first blog of the new year, I mainly want to thank anyone who has taken part in the ride the past year, and this goes far: from people who have bought my first paintings, to people who interact with my Instagram reels or posts. It has been a wonderful year so far. To share some cool numbers with you:

- 90 paintings have been brought to life

- 25 of them have found a new home

- 648 people have chosen to follow my Instagram ( few may be bots, but they're the minority)

- 2 expositions at home brought joy to friends and family

- 1 public exposition attracted 90 people on the opening

- And roughly 126 liters of paint have brightened both canvasses and the arena

I know that certain numbers could have been greater if I focused more on other tasks than actually creating something. I could've sold more if I put more time in networking. I could've built a bigger community if I focused on how to build a community. I could've... I could've... I could've... Something people often tell themselves at the end of the year. Well, I'm actually here to say that I am beyond happy with how the year has passed. I am thankful for everything that went the way it did, and I am not one bit disappointed in myself. My focus will always be centered around the process of creating something new and enjoying that ride. I believe the rest will follow in its time and place. This won't happen by itself, but the most important part is to keep developing myself as an artist, and with my gratitude towards all of you, also comes a promise that I will keep challenging myself and create a thing of beauty. Because at the end of the day, that's what matters. Just as John Keats said:

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever"

So, after thanking you for all the support I have felt this past year, I am wishing you all a beautiful year, and may you either find your dreams, or even better: make them come true.