Rufus is a LIAR

Vickie wanted to give back this holiday season. Several of her clients have received a cancer diagnosis with breast cancer being the most common. She sold prints of this image to raise money for a local charity that supports cancer patients and their families during some of the hardest times.

This season is rough for those who are grieving. What justifies grief? Most agree that a major loss, whether it’s a loved one or a job, would more than justify it.

But what about when you lose part of yourself?

You see, Rufus knows what makes us tick, and that is where he does most of his work. He tricks you into giving up pieces of yourself for the sake of something else you deem more important.

As a woman, it’s easy for me to identify the things that make me give up part of myself (sorry gents, you’ll have to infer something gentlemanly here). The number one thing? My children. I would give up anything to have them be happy and fulfilled — including time with my art.

Rufus is sly in his tactics, playing you against yourself to start a battle of wills. Except, the wills that are battling are the pieces that make you...well...you.

Rufus makes it seem like both can’t win. It has to be one or the other. He’s whispering the old adage “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” As in… it’s either baseball practice for the kids or art. I can’t do both. And the more you believe Rufus and his lies, the more power you give him. You are chipping away at yourself each time you pick something over another. And let me tell you... THAT justifies grief.

Mothers, hear me — you need not feel guilty for pursuing something that brings you happiness and fulfillment. Papas, this goes for you too. It’s ok to need art. I need it like I need to breathe!

Want to know how to stop Rufus forcing you to choose?

With proper goal planning and time management, you can accomplish the things at home and at work that are necessary for your and your family’s well-being and still have time to allow your art to flourish.

It won’t be easy, and Rufus will fight you every step of the way — especially now that he knows you know what he is doing. But don’t become complacent with your passion because you feel obligated to do other tasks.

It is 100% ok to have your cake and eat it too.

Artist: Cristie Lechlitner

Cristie saw this image of her granddaughter, Lila, and had to paint it. The family fashionista and theatre performer, Lila donned a costume her mother made for their visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Cristie altered the pale aqua dress and took on the challenge of adding flowers to create it.

Artist: Denise Cauchi

Denise went back a few years to an image she captured of a bee on lavender. The background is a canvas she made, but she changed the color using an overlay from Heather the Painter to better suit the subject. The bee and lavender are completely painted with Brushy Goodness.

Artist: Linda Hall lindaleehall.pixels.com Linda’s best friend caught her husband snuggled up with their new puppy. They had recently lost their older dog who had been in poor health, and the picture showed just how much he already loved the puppy. It warmed Linda’s heart, so she decided to create them a precious keepsake.