Do you ever feel like starting all over? I love art making because in a way you get to start over every time an artwork is finished and another is begun. But I am also talking about big changes such as switching careers, or doing something entirely different or starting a new business, perhaps in an area you are unfamiliar with. The crazier, the bigger the dream is, however, the less one tends to talk about it with people. If it seems outlandish to you what will it seem like to other people?
So the really big ideas, the really big desires, left unspoken, can often go quietly dormant. I think about this fact all the time. Lately I have been dreaming about setting up a sailboat with an internet connection so I could sail to tropical islands, stay connected with all of you via satellite and keep making art in different locations.
I also want to go see the gorillas in Uganda. I would like to do enormous murals on the sides of buildings. Those are my top three right now. What would you do if you could do anything?
These thoughts are fun but daunting. First of all, I am not entirely sure I would be happy doing any of them. Secondly, I have no idea really how to get from here to there. It just feels overwhelming, and after thinking about it for 10 minutes isn’t it way easier to go to the studio as I do every day and make Art? Isn’t that challenging enough?
After all, not so long ago, being able to make Art full time was just a dream of mine. I am so glad I didn’t shelf that one. So then, how does one go from A to B? How do Dreams become real?
I don’t entirely know, but from pulling off a few in my life I am beginning to see a pattern in the manifestation of dreams.
Write them down and they begin to grow.
I have a little ritual I do at the beginning of the week where I write down big ideas I am thinking about for the present and for the future. In doing this and reviewing these entries every week it puts these ideas back in the forefront of my thinking. Every week I just keep seeing them. Over time they become familiar and the ones that resonate stay and the ones that do not, fade away. The ones that remain tend to grow in importance.
Synchronicities as Cheerleaders
Like when you learn a new word and then for several days after you keep seeing that word, putting ideas and dreams repeatedly in the forefront of your thinking invites synchronicities and alignments into your day that seem to almost naturally grow these ideas. For example, once I write down I want to go see the gorillas in Uganda, I might meet someone by coincidence that just returned who encourages me to do the same. I do not understand why this occurs in one’s life, but I am just reporting my experience. Begin to articulate a dream and it begins becoming a reality. The universe almost sends things your way to help you on your path.
Leveraged Dreams are actualized quicker.
So sailing around the world, blogging and making art and somehow uploading it to the world via a satellite while exploring the South Pacific does seem a tad unrelated to what I am currently doing…driving a car, often in traffic to a studio and spending way too much time on Facebook.
[Tweet “”Begin to articulate a dream and it begins becoming a reality.” – Nicholas Wilton”]
However, pieces of that dream or that idea – the idea of being somewhere tropical or being able to work remotely far away from my studio – are not. So maybe instead of just drastically changing everything, I could move towards it by just simply talking to people about it. Maybe I could take my next lunch break and walk around the harbor in Sausalito (My studio is next to a harbor – no coincidence) and look at the sailboats that are anchored offshore and imagine what it would be like. I could write about it a little in a blog post perhaps.
The idea is to take steps towards your big goals and dreams from a situation that you have already created inroads into. It wouldn’t be that hard to make my whole business scene remote, as I am halfway there already. Since I already write a blog that allows me to talk to a lot of people, maybe if I wrote about a dream of mine here, someone reading might say something helpful. Who knows?
I do know, however, that never saying out loud what you truly want or desire is not helpful in the actualization of those desires.
I think it all boils down, once again, to how we think about everything. Is our life static? How hard is it actually to change everything? Is it just hard or is it just our thinking that limits us?
Marianne Williamson in her wildly popular book “The Law of Divine Compensation” eloquently sums this idea up….
“It is not our circumstances then, but rather our thoughts about our circumstances, that determine our power to transform them.”
So maybe jot down what you want to happen or better yet tell someone else or tell your dream in a comment below. From my experience it is the first tiny step towards allowing your dreams to come true.
In gratitude, Nicholas
29 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world on our Art2Life Instagram account or learn more here about Art2Life.
We all have our dreams, don’t we. And then, there is the small voice of our child..reminding us that we “can’t” because change isn’t safe. Awareness of this voice, and it’s roots, is the beginning of healing. Then, we make a new choice. A choice to believe that dreams are not dreams, they are simply our next reality.
We all have our dreams, don’t we. And then, there is the small voice of our child..reminding us that we “can’t” because change isn’t safe. Awareness of this voice, and it’s roots, is the beginning of healing. Then, we make a new choice. A choice to believe that dreams are not dreams, they are simply our next reality.
Perfect message Nicholas and your timing is impeccable. Nerves and self doubt at the edges and this was a needed refresh. I am off to my first ever gallery go see today and regardless of the outcome, this first step is a win.
Congratulations… perfect attitude.
Perfect message Nicholas and your timing is impeccable. Nerves and self doubt at the edges and this was a needed refresh. I am off to my first ever gallery go see today and regardless of the outcome, this first step is a win.
Congratulations… perfect attitude.
Thank you Nicholas! What a lovely article It speaks to both the practical and visionary sides of our brains. It is a reminder of how the universe collaborates with our sincere efforts and empower us to achieve our dreams sometimes in unexpected ways. It is not instant but a slow process; just as a painting or any project goes through various stages of false starts, unclear outcomes, but as we persevere, something beautiful and fulfilling emerges.
Beautifully said! You should write a blog!
Love the painting analogy! Very helpful, thank you!
Thank you Nicholas! What a lovely article It speaks to both the practical and visionary sides of our brains. It is a reminder of how the universe collaborates with our sincere efforts and empower us to achieve our dreams sometimes in unexpected ways. It is not instant but a slow process; just as a painting or any project goes through various stages of false starts, unclear outcomes, but as we persevere, something beautiful and fulfilling emerges.
Beautifully said! You should write a blog!
Love the painting analogy! Very helpful, thank you!
Great article Nicholas and I couldn’t help but comment as one of your dreams is the same as mine. I am a sailor and a lover of the tropical life as well as an artist. I have been crewing on sailboats all over the world and finally decided to buy my own boat. My plan was to live in tropical places on my boat, paint and sell my art. I sold the boat last year, as the dream and the reality did not match! Living and painting on a boat is very hard as the weather conditions are rarely conducive to producing professional work and there are endless maintenance tasks for the boat that take a great deal of time. Finding good internet service and also finding a place to pack and ship sold paintings are quite a challenge. I found that living on the boat, though fun, was detrimental to my art career. After thirteen years of being a nomad artist and painting everywhere I have found my balance that works. I rent a place in a tropical location, by the ocean, where I have several galleries that sell my art. I sail on friend’s boats, paint large paintings indoors or under a palapa in the sun and sell my art. I am so glad I followed my dream and sailed solo in the tropics but now it is time for more dreams!
Great article Nicholas and I couldn’t help but comment as one of your dreams is the same as mine. I am a sailor and a lover of the tropical life as well as an artist. I have been crewing on sailboats all over the world and finally decided to buy my own boat. My plan was to live in tropical places on my boat, paint and sell my art. I sold the boat last year, as the dream and the reality did not match! Living and painting on a boat is very hard as the weather conditions are rarely conducive to producing professional work and there are endless maintenance tasks for the boat that take a great deal of time. Finding good internet service and also finding a place to pack and ship sold paintings are quite a challenge. I found that living on the boat, though fun, was detrimental to my art career. After thirteen years of being a nomad artist and painting everywhere I have found my balance that works. I rent a place in a tropical location, by the ocean, where I have several galleries that sell my art. I sail on friend’s boats, paint large paintings indoors or under a palapa in the sun and sell my art. I am so glad I followed my dream and sailed solo in the tropics but now it is time for more dreams!
Dreamer I am Nicholas! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, they are very motivating! I have had a few career changes in my life. After owning and operating Magic Touch Cleaning for 8yrs I decided to pursue my dream of being a hair stylist. I’ve been doing hair for ten years now, and I’m ready for new journeys. I’ve been fixing up my new art studio currently after reading one of your blogs that inspired me to have a creative work space. I’ve been an artist since I was a child and I’m finally taking this wonderful gift and doing something with it! The studio will be a multi purpose space for art and photography! That’s what I’m working towards now, but one of my truest dearest dreams is to own a spiritual retreat bed&breakfast, for those who desire a healthier life style! My home will offer all kinds of practices such as yoga, meditation, Chi Gong, and other spiritual alignment practices. Healthy meals & fun actives around the South Florida. It will be a spiritual oasis, that will heal and help people tap into their greatest potential. I’m sharing my dream because I beleive we need more of this kind of thing in our lives. I would love to see them all over our world, making it a better place! Thanks much helping me dream bigger!
Jason Martinez
Dreamer I am Nicholas! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, they are very motivating! I have had a few career changes in my life. After owning and operating Magic Touch Cleaning for 8yrs I decided to pursue my dream of being a hair stylist. I’ve been doing hair for ten years now, and I’m ready for new journeys. I’ve been fixing up my new art studio currently after reading one of your blogs that inspired me to have a creative work space. I’ve been an artist since I was a child and I’m finally taking this wonderful gift and doing something with it! The studio will be a multi purpose space for art and photography! That’s what I’m working towards now, but one of my truest dearest dreams is to own a spiritual retreat bed&breakfast, for those who desire a healthier life style! My home will offer all kinds of practices such as yoga, meditation, Chi Gong, and other spiritual alignment practices. Healthy meals & fun actives around the South Florida. It will be a spiritual oasis, that will heal and help people tap into their greatest potential. I’m sharing my dream because I beleive we need more of this kind of thing in our lives. I would love to see them all over our world, making it a better place! Thanks much helping me dream bigger!
Jason Martinez
It’s a huge concept to get my head around, but I have to agree. Sometimes simply articulating your dreams, or goals, sets you on a path towards attaining them.
It’s a huge concept to get my head around, but I have to agree. Sometimes simply articulating your dreams, or goals, sets you on a path towards attaining them.
Thank you for this writing! I have been incubating a dream. I have studied and practiced as a Music therapist and dabbled in art, love creative cooking. I believe that the process of creating has been the most self therapeutic technique for healing in my life. I want this to be accessible / facilitated for any person. I have tossed around the idea of a creative healing centre but possibly it is a network of like minded individuals. I don’t know! Just thought this was a great place to continue externalizing….. Making thought become reality?!? Thanks for the space!
Patricia
P.S. I’m from Winnipeg Canada and I have found nothing even close to what I’m thinking here!
Hi Patricia, I feel compelled to write my sharing as answer to your post. I am a trained occupational therapist so I really understand what you are talking about the healing of creative process. My own dream currently is to be a financially abundant visual artist who lives in Canada. It’s really an intuitive thing why I feel I want to move there.
And Nick, thank you for sharing and mostly of course to give space for many of us to share. It is true for me, that when I began to write and then share more openly about my dreams, I am led step by step closer to my goals. It took a really long time until I wear my artist crown with pride, honor and respect. Just about two years ago I felt extremly bashful to say “I am a painter”, then I learned to say it more often and accept whatever reaction I got from anyone after I said that. And really it is the one thing that help me the most to take me where I am now. Nowaday I even feel poise as I tell people I am focusing to be a full-time artist.
As for other dreams (like moving to Canada, meeting my soul mate etc.) I literally wrote a perfect regular day of my dream and read it pretty often. I wrote about where I live, my home, my pets, when I wake up, what do I do each day, etc. It feels GREAT to read it and I smile, my heart burst with joy everytime I read it.
I also, write as my future self to my present self (I hope I get my point across). I wrote in the letter for example, “The healthy body I have now is because you decided to exercise regularly since 2015, so thank you we did so well!”. Probably it’s strange for some, it resonated with me a lot nevertheless.
Love your ideas of writing to your self and writing what you want your life to be. I will do this!
I wonder if you will get this reply as it has been a year! But, I am just revisiting these posts and came across your response. I am so curious to know where you are now. Are you in Canada? I would love for you to share more about your dream life and whether or not this has been manifested in reality. Please let me know! Patricia
Thank you for this writing! I have been incubating a dream. I have studied and practiced as a Music therapist and dabbled in art, love creative cooking. I believe that the process of creating has been the most self therapeutic technique for healing in my life. I want this to be accessible / facilitated for any person. I have tossed around the idea of a creative healing centre but possibly it is a network of like minded individuals. I don’t know! Just thought this was a great place to continue externalizing….. Making thought become reality?!? Thanks for the space!
Patricia
P.S. I’m from Winnipeg Canada and I have found nothing even close to what I’m thinking here!
Hi Patricia, I feel compelled to write my sharing as answer to your post. I am a trained occupational therapist so I really understand what you are talking about the healing of creative process. My own dream currently is to be a financially abundant visual artist who lives in Canada. It’s really an intuitive thing why I feel I want to move there.
And Nick, thank you for sharing and mostly of course to give space for many of us to share. It is true for me, that when I began to write and then share more openly about my dreams, I am led step by step closer to my goals. It took a really long time until I wear my artist crown with pride, honor and respect. Just about two years ago I felt extremly bashful to say “I am a painter”, then I learned to say it more often and accept whatever reaction I got from anyone after I said that. And really it is the one thing that help me the most to take me where I am now. Nowaday I even feel poise as I tell people I am focusing to be a full-time artist.
As for other dreams (like moving to Canada, meeting my soul mate etc.) I literally wrote a perfect regular day of my dream and read it pretty often. I wrote about where I live, my home, my pets, when I wake up, what do I do each day, etc. It feels GREAT to read it and I smile, my heart burst with joy everytime I read it.
I also, write as my future self to my present self (I hope I get my point across). I wrote in the letter for example, “The healthy body I have now is because you decided to exercise regularly since 2015, so thank you we did so well!”. Probably it’s strange for some, it resonated with me a lot nevertheless.
Love your ideas of writing to your self and writing what you want your life to be. I will do this!
Nick, I love this blog post! This is Lori from your May Esalen workshop. I hope you remember me. I have dreams of traveling around the US in an RV, doing art, meeting people, seeing things, going to workshops, exploring. I have dreams of being a working artist, of writing a book, of doing yoga every day, of actually doing my spiritual work in a more intentional, unrushed way. Right now I teach at a community college. It’s a great gig, but boy, those golden handcuffs are not a myth, if you know what I mean. If I stay in the job for another 17 years, I will get a great retirement, and that’s what SOME people think I should do, but that sounds like death to me…literally, I start having an anxiety attack. I have no idea how to get out, so now I am trying not to think about it, but to let the universe lead me to the right path, and do all of the things I mentioned (except for maybe travelling in an RV) regardless of my current sitatuation. Hopefully, I’ll see you at Esalen in 2016 and I look forward to your next blog post. Literarlly, this has me in tears.
Nick, I love this blog post! This is Lori from your May Esalen workshop. I hope you remember me. I have dreams of traveling around the US in an RV, doing art, meeting people, seeing things, going to workshops, exploring. I have dreams of being a working artist, of writing a book, of doing yoga every day, of actually doing my spiritual work in a more intentional, unrushed way. Right now I teach at a community college. It’s a great gig, but boy, those golden handcuffs are not a myth, if you know what I mean. If I stay in the job for another 17 years, I will get a great retirement, and that’s what SOME people think I should do, but that sounds like death to me…literally, I start having an anxiety attack. I have no idea how to get out, so now I am trying not to think about it, but to let the universe lead me to the right path, and do all of the things I mentioned (except for maybe travelling in an RV) regardless of my current sitatuation. Hopefully, I’ll see you at Esalen in 2016 and I look forward to your next blog post. Literarlly, this has me in tears.
Nicholas, get on the sail boat asap! You always write on topics so relevant to me. So I have been planning a dream for two years (not talking too much about it) and putting things in place to make it possible to leave my home for the past 20 years. My dream is to live in Italy/Spain/France (and eventually spend time in South America and India/Thailand in Important Bird Areas for migration) and find some kind of work in exchange for housing/food and have a few days a week to explore and hours in the day to work on my art. Then I discovered workaway.info and found an amazing resource! I don’t talk about it much because I hate it when people ask me how the planning is going…and the truth is I don’t know how this is going to happen. It has taken a year longer than I thought as I had to deal with a foot/hip pain/shoe/bunion…wrist/arm pain issues and had to deal with some house repair issues,…just found more stuff to get rid of. Each time I get rid of things and break down boxes, I realize I am letting go of the past and reinventing myself to be the light traveler and new possibility. For the past year I felt stuck about how I would make art, scan it, back it up, and upload it to hopefully sell through Saatchi Art…or send to children’s book publishers while traveling. Today, the Italian photographer I have been hosting through Airbnb, told me everything I needed to know in a matter of a few minutes!
I am still daunted by travel plans, where in Italy/Spain/France do I want to live/work/have my base? I believe that if we can dream/visualize what we want, it is possible and that the doors will open if we are willing to step or jump! It may not look like what you had hoped, but if you flow with it, it is usually better than what you thought or you learn a very good lesson to prepare you for the next dream. Had I rushed myself to Europe without having dealt with my body issues, that would have been a disaster. So, first things first! Can’t wait to get your blog from afarther yet! Safe travels! Sandy
Nicholas, get on the sail boat asap! You always write on topics so relevant to me. So I have been planning a dream for two years (not talking too much about it) and putting things in place to make it possible to leave my home for the past 20 years. My dream is to live in Italy/Spain/France (and eventually spend time in South America and India/Thailand in Important Bird Areas for migration) and find some kind of work in exchange for housing/food and have a few days a week to explore and hours in the day to work on my art. Then I discovered workaway.info and found an amazing resource! I don’t talk about it much because I hate it when people ask me how the planning is going…and the truth is I don’t know how this is going to happen. It has taken a year longer than I thought as I had to deal with a foot/hip pain/shoe/bunion…wrist/arm pain issues and had to deal with some house repair issues,…just found more stuff to get rid of. Each time I get rid of things and break down boxes, I realize I am letting go of the past and reinventing myself to be the light traveler and new possibility. For the past year I felt stuck about how I would make art, scan it, back it up, and upload it to hopefully sell through Saatchi Art…or send to children’s book publishers while traveling. Today, the Italian photographer I have been hosting through Airbnb, told me everything I needed to know in a matter of a few minutes!
I am still daunted by travel plans, where in Italy/Spain/France do I want to live/work/have my base? I believe that if we can dream/visualize what we want, it is possible and that the doors will open if we are willing to step or jump! It may not look like what you had hoped, but if you flow with it, it is usually better than what you thought or you learn a very good lesson to prepare you for the next dream. Had I rushed myself to Europe without having dealt with my body issues, that would have been a disaster. So, first things first! Can’t wait to get your blog from afarther yet! Safe travels! Sandy