One of the most important things I do in my business and in my creative life is to pause. To put things at a standstill. And to look in the rearview mirror to see how far I’ve come.

Even the days when I feel I’ve accomplished nothing can be celebrated when looked at in tandem with the little steps that were taken over a span of days, weeks, and months. Little steps add up to giant leaps.

I look at the evolution of my creativity the same way. While I believe we are all born with creative souls yearning to be released, I also believe that the creativity we are born with needs to be nurtured, encouraged, and put to use in order to grow. And with that use, your creativity will evolve.

My painting is the perfect example for me. As my predominant creative outlet, I can see its constant growth. My work is ever-evolving. My style is growing to where it wants to go. As much as I might try to direct it, it has a life of its own. And when I let my creativity take its own path through my work, I see that it truthfully reflects who I am when creating it.

Some days that means it reflects joy. Some days it reflects healing. Some days it reflects a struggle. But it is always me.

One of my absolute favorite things to hear from people who see my work is that I have a style that makes them happy. The truth is, it makes me happy, too. But I also know that it will change. It will grow. It will continue evolving, as it’s done each and every time I’ve picked up the paintbrush, put pencil to paper, or eye to camera lens.

In a way, I’ve come so far. At the same time, I still have so far to go. Nurture your creativity. Encourage your creativity. Put it to use and let it evolve. You’ll be astonished with what you can create.

Each and every Wednesday night, I have the pleasure of joining a group of painters at the Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery in Canandaigua for an evening of painting. Come hell or high water (or snowstorm or stomach bug), I get myself there.

Not just because it’s an evening of doing what I love, or because I know the best way to refine my craft is by doing it more often. I make it a priority because despite loving the quiet that painting solo can bring, I know that there are certain parts of creative work that only other creatives can understand -- and surrounding myself with those creatives is crucial to my own success.

The group that I paint with on Wednesdays has become my painting family. These are people who understand the personal side to painting. They understand the “rejection” -- both the obvious external rejection all artists deal with as well as the internal rejection that keeps us stuck. They understand the incredible passion that goes into creative work, as well as the indelible hurt that can accompany it.

They struggle with the same internal monsters attempting to slay our spirit. They witness the subjectivity with which our work is often judged. They have such a deep understanding of the heart and soul that goes into painting that their empathy is unlike anyone else’s.

A creative’s work is a paradox in and of itself. While painting lifts my soul up, it also has the ability to stamp on it. The highest highs and lowest lows can be brought on in one single session. And sometimes, you just need someone who understands; someone who won’t pretend to have all the answers, but can see where you’re at and can assure you that you’re not alone. And sometimes, you need to be that person for others.

I am incredibly grateful to have found my people. Fellow artists: I encourage you to find yours. Surround yourself with people who understand. People who can lend a hand, a shoulder, or a word of advice. People who will ultimately help you deepen your creative soul and be better, all over.