Yesterday, that old lizard brain got hold of me, but I faced it and went on with my daily draw. It’s becoming a habit — acknowledging the negative, frightened, reptile voice and drawing a map away from it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to silence it, but I’m gaining confidence in my ability to manage it. And who knows, maybe we’ll become friends. A critical mind can be good at editing and discernment. It could, I think, help me with my boundaries. The important thing is to learn to channel it in positive directions.
So today, I did my 50th daily draw. The sun is shining. It’s going to be a good day.
I’m drawing daily to help manage depression, long-term disability, and life in general. If you’d like to see the beginning of this project, you can see it here. You can also follow me through WordPress or on Facebook.
Your thoughts and shares are appreciated.
I’m linking this to Paint Party Friday, a group I haven’t been active in for awhile, but would like to check in again today.
joy murray art~stories~life 
I like your reptile! And the matching smiles are beautiful. Takes lots of energy to manage that reptile. But it helps if you don’t have to believe it has to go away in order for you to have a good life.
Learning to be friends with my reptile is now my goal. I think that’s progress!
Your mom and daughter painting is exquisitely beautiful. I don’t suffer from depression so I went back and viewed your link above (daily drawing). You have so much talent, Joy, and what a privilege it is for us to be able to enjoy your work. Thanks so much for sharing. As I said, I do not have depression, but I am still grieving over the loss of my husband. I find that doing for others lifts me out of myself and into the world of helping. My church is a big part of my life. My church friends are my support system when things get really bad.
Grief and depression are so closely related. I think the main difference is that you mostly keep your will to live with grief. Having a spiritual community is important for both, and in all steps in life. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
Love the reptile and the idea behind it. The faces are wonderful. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
Thanks so much!
Your lizard is wonderful as are the two smiling faces. Doing art can be so beneficial.
Thanks!
Lovely pieces today Joy!
I like how you give your inner critic a body and personality! And the painting of mom and daughter is so sweet. I think making art can help in so many ways to deal with hardship in life. It’s good that you found this outlet! Welcome back to PPF ♥
Thanks so much. It’s been so wonderful rediscovering how healing it can be to make art. It’s nice to have that inner depressive voice subdued.
I think it is wonderful to work with and get to know our inner critic. Your art is a fabulous way to express it and consider it.
I enjoyed seeing your lizard.
Your mother and daughter are so dear.
Thanks so much. I learning a lot about myself, and growing, too.
Both of these pieces are wonderful. That inner can critic can be a little overwhelming at times. I’ve been trying to tame mine for years. I don’t care what he says anymore, I just get on with it. It sort of puts him in his place.
Learning to put that critic in his place is a huge step forward for all of us. With the daily practice, I find myself getting better at not caring what he says. Thanks for your comment!
Hello Joy, good on you for finding a way to help you find your way through life. It can be so calming. My best wishes to you. Your drawings are gorgeous and I love the details in them :D)
I try to teach the value of creativity to children, but I have a hard time following it myself sometimes. Committing to a daily practice has helped a lot. Thanks for your good wishes.
Fantastic reptile and beautiful faces!
I love your gorgeous paintings.
Thank you for visiting my site and the lovely comment xx
You’re welcome and thanks to you for your comment!
I love your drawings and the reasoning behind them too. I am also creating my Art Everyday. It helps doesn’t it?
It helps tremendously. Thanks. I love to hear you’re also creating daily.
great drawings both Joy! I love how you’re keeping a close eye on your “lizard”. Just keep on arting:)
I will and hope to inspire others to make art. Thanks for your kind comment
your inner critic looks mean. 😦 Make it happy 🙂
Love the mon and daughter image 🙂
I’m learning to get along with it but I don’t know if I can make it happy. Thanks so much!
It’s great you’re coming out with your beautiful art! You have a gift to create beauty!
Thanks so much.
The reptile is so apropos for so many things. . .the mom and daughter are magnificent. What are they worked in? Blessings, Janet
Thanks so much. They are done in Daniel Smith watercolors, micron pens, and a Canson XL multimedia sketchbook. Blessings to you, too.