Day 2: Write down a reason for why you want to live the freedom lifestyle. Bonus points if you can figure out how to make a positive impact in the world by living this lifestyle. I do want you to think about it deeply because it will help you start to create a life you love – trust me. – Natalie Sisson, The Suitcase Entrepreneur, 10 Day Blog Challenge 2016
Why do I want to live the freedom lifestyle? You see that drawing up there? That’s me, with a chunky graphite stick, at 16. I was screaming into my sketchbook and kicking out on canvas. Trying to make sense of what was going on at that time in my life. It was painful and heartbreaking. Broke me down. And, built me up into who I am.
Drawing had helped me find my voice, express my feelings and process my story.
It has continued to help me throughout the years – through all the ups and downs that make up a life. It’s helped me release stress, express myself, stand up for something, get people together, spark fresh ideas, find a way forward – and so much more.
Later as I got older and began experimenting with work opportunities, nothing gave me more joy than sharing what I’ve learned through drawing.
I saw people light up.
People who thought that they weren’t creative. People who thought they could never, ever draw. I’ve heard people say that they found themselves. Others have told me that they felt connected. A recent client said she had new eyes and could see the world differently. Another client told me she’d had coaching before, but had never understood her place and purpose as clearly as when she began drawing. She hadn’t drawn anything since the 3rd grade.
One client said she wanted to better connect with her son and is now working on a children’s book. Another client wanted to think differently, to get out of the left brain and into the right.
The most powerful story is what I observed in a small fishing town following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami here in Japan. About a graffiti artist, Shuhei Sakimura from Onagawa. Onagawa was largely washed away in the disaster. Shuhei Sensei (aka D-Bons) began painting fishing containers. Colour on a barren landscape. He then opened a small shop to sell his work. He printed t-shirts. He helped create a skate park. He’s literally been building back with creativity and is a key player in his small town’s regeneration.
I have experienced what creativity, in all its ways, has the power to do. And this is the why that keeps me going.
It can inspire and influence. Empower and rebuild. In terms of how the world is changing, not only in terms of technology and an increasing demand on our attention, but also given our current political and environmental climate, more people than ever are on a search for meaning, purpose and connection. A way back to themselves and a way back to each other. The need has never been greater to find ways of harvesting inner peace. For many people, with unprocessed stories, stress rules and inner peace is hard to come by.
Wow. Feel this post in my heart and mouth. The why is what keeps me practising and keeps me sharing what I’ve learned about drawing. Something we all did as kids. Something all too often left behind at school. And something I’m bringing back.
I want the freedom lifestyle to continue this work in a location independent and flexible way, that allows for change and growth. I want to be able to work from anywhere, at anytime and be free to create a schedule that will change as I do and focuses on my family. I want the freedom lifestyle so that my work can continue to reach those who need it and become increasingly more accessible to more people around the world.
This is day 2. If you found this useful, do come back again for my response to Challenge 3. Best wishes for a good week ahead friends, back soon, DMK x This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1 #10DBC #freedomplan
Previous 10 Day Blog Challenge Posts
Day 1: DMK’s Challenges Click here or on the pic above
Hi, I’m Divya and I champion the arts for speaking a universal language that inspires and influences change. I share drawing as a way to keep moving forward with purpose and presence and recently married my best friend. We live in Tokyo, Japan. Best way to keep in touch is here on Instagram:
divyamariekato
Divya Marie Kato | “When in doubt, draw”
