Resistance, is unfortunately, something that shares my studio space with me every day (actually, I think it's with me the moment I wake up). It's hard to push through it, but I have learned to punch it's head down enough times that I can get past it most days. It continues to show up, though, e v e r y d a y. But when I get my body into the studio, it starts to back off a little. Physically showing up is the beginning of winning the battle. 

A few weeks ago I tripped and fell on the sidewalk and really hurt my arm. I couldn't paint for about 3 weeks.  Strangely, now that I'm back into my normal painting/work routine again, I hate to even admit this, but it was actually 'easier' to almost break my arm than to fight my usual mental resistance. Physically hurting my arm was a limit that I could not get past. I was needing to lay low so I could heal. The mental resistance, however, is all in my head, and it is frustratingly strong. If I give in to it, and I don't paint or do any work toward my art business, I have let a stupid feeling rule over me. I hate that. But I also hate it enough that just the thought of it gets me going. 

A great book by Stephen Pressfield called "The War of Art" is all about how to understand and conquer the resistance that keeps us from doing the work we were called to do. 

( *Resistance winning* )

Here are a few of my favorite excerpts from the book:

“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. … If you take Resistance at its word, you deserve everything you get. Resistance is always lying and always full of shit.”

"The best and only thing that one artist can do for another is to serve as an example and an inspiration."

“The more important a call or action to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”

“Are you a born writer? Were you put on earth to be a painter, a scientist, an apostle of peace? In the end the question can only be answered by action. Do it or don’t do it.”

“The artist committing himself to his calling has volunteered for hell, whether he knows it or not. He will be dining for the duration on a diet of isolation, rejection, self-doubt, despair, ridicule, contempt, and humiliation.”

"You shame the angels who watch over you and you spite the Almighty, who created you and only you with your unique gifts, for the sole purpose of nudging the human race one millimeter farther along its path back to God."

"Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It's a gift to the world and every being in it. Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got.”

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If that doesn't get your blood pumping...... now go and do your best work today! 

"Winged Seeds II," 48x48 inches by Heidi Ann Harner