::VERONICA FUNK::
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
      • Ahead of Their Time
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Free Art Resources
  • Galleries
  • eCourses
  • Login
    • Painting Animals
    • Painting Art Journals
    • Painting Backgrounds
    • Painting Bees
    • Painting Canoes
    • Painting CityScapes
    • Painting Flowers
    • Painting Hearts & Houses
    • Painting Landscapes
    • Painting Portraits
  • Contact

Word-of-the-Year::BRAVE

1/5/2015

 
Picture
Picture
You have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.
                                                                                                                                                                     ~ Katherine Center
I have kept my journals since 2006, though I wish I would have kept them all, but began selecting a Word-of-the-Year to set my intention instead of making New Year's Resolutions since 2010 which have really changed how I view my year.

Initially I  was sure I would choose the word 'reservoir' based on my favorite quote but instead I chose BRAVE.  The song by Sara Bareilles continually runs through my head - say what you want to say, just let the words fall out...honestly I want to see you be brave - and I love the movie 'Brave' by Pixar and Merida's bravery in choosing not to marry as tradition demands.  Bravery can mean taking small steps through following your dreams, making your own way, choosing your own path and living the life you were meant to live.

Change is always difficult for me, and I was born an extreme introvert so every time I put myself 'out there' I need all the bravery I can get.  My home is my sanctuary, it is where I feel safe but it can easily become my prison when I allow my fears to keep me bound to it.  When I'm given great opportunities I'm initially excited and then I begin to doubt myself and look at them as too great of responsibilities which I'm not capable of filling.  So my hope is that I am reminded to be brave every time I want to crawl into my shell because I know that whenever I try, even if I fail I learn and grow...and usually have a terrific time in the process.

In the past my words have meant the following to me:

FEARLESS:  My 2010 word as I found I was getting caught up in the fear of how I was perceived by others and the fear of failure.  Whenever I noticed fear in myself, I would focus on my word and it helped me to overcome challenges, it actually helped me to be brave in so many little ways.

SURRENDER: I decided that 2011 would be a year of letting go of my history of control...of self and others...and allowing things to happen.  And, boy, did things happen.  Yes, both good and bad, but always in the end for the better.

STILL:  For 2012 I wanted to grow both as an artist and human being, and remembered the verse in Psalm 46:10 'Be still'.  I tend to feel like I have to do everything, you know, that sense of obligation.  Not only because I feel I should but because I worry that I don't do enough.  I actually went through a physical injury that forced stillness, and it seemed that everything that needed doing got done.  And I felt so much more peace in my life by allowing it.

WISDOM:  In 2013 I wanted to further my education as well as seeking knowledge and understanding of others and myself.  Wisdom is considered a cardinal virtue, though because of my passionate artist's nature I struggle with stepping back and attempting to control my reactions...still a work in progress.

GRACE:  My word for 2014.  To me practicing grace is similar to gaining wisdom in my hope to extend grace to myself and others.  Theologically divine grace inspires virtuous impulses and imparts strength to endure trials.  I believe it is about compassion and understanding and also about acceptance.
coco.nut link
1/5/2015 10:14:17 pm

Veronica - you are my role model :) I absolutely adore your art and I think you deserve all the distinctions you can get. that's number 1 thing.
2. thank you for sharing your struggles, it helps me deal with mine (so similiar they seem!)
3. I experienced a great family tragedy at Christmas, and since then I've been going through a very hard time. I writing about it only for you to understand that I may not comment regularly, but I love visiting your blog and I read and watch every post!

it's always very difficult to express deep feeling, and even more in a foreign language, so if it all sound weird - sorry :(

coco.nut link
1/5/2015 10:19:11 pm

sorry for so many grammar mistakes :(

Veronica Funk link
1/5/2015 11:12:36 pm

You are just so kind. Years ago I remember thinking that I was alone in how I felt but have learned the more that I share, the more I connect with others who feel the same and it's all good. I am so sorry to hear about your family and send prayers your way. By the way, you should never apologize for your grammar, it really is an honour when someone of another language even tries to speak mine...and my parents are immigrants (as are most of my relatives) so I've heard and seen it all ;)


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
      • Ahead of Their Time
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Free Art Resources
  • Galleries
  • eCourses
  • Login
    • Painting Animals
    • Painting Art Journals
    • Painting Backgrounds
    • Painting Bees
    • Painting Canoes
    • Painting CityScapes
    • Painting Flowers
    • Painting Hearts & Houses
    • Painting Landscapes
    • Painting Portraits
  • Contact