Embracing the Nerves: Attending my first Live Painting

As an artist, I've always believed in stepping outside of my comfort zone, but that doesn't mean it’s easy. In just a few days, I’ll be participating in something that is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking: my first live painting at the Inspire & Awaken Women's Wellness Summit at the Alberta Art Gallery on September 27th-28th, 2024.

This isn’t just any event—it's a 2-day summit filled with powerful speakers, wellness activities, and meaningful connections designed to inspire, empower, and transform. The energy that comes from being surrounded by passionate, driven women is something I can't wait to experience firsthand.

What's especially fulfilling is that this summit is also supporting a cause that means a lot to me. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping to grant wishes to children with critical illnesses. Knowing that my participation, and the event as a whole, is contributing to such a life-changing cause gives me even more motivation to face my fears head-on.

Let’s be real though—this is my first time painting in front of a live audience. My nerves? They’re everywhere. But there’s a piece of advice I keep coming back to: if something scares you, it means it’s important, and you should lean into it. So, I’m doing just that. Instead of letting my fear paralyze me, I’m using it to push myself into new territory. I know that by showing up, by jumping in, I'll walk away not just as a better artist but as a stronger version of myself.

The creative process has always been a personal journey for me, but this time, I’m sharing that journey in real-time with all of you. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating, but I believe growth happens when we challenge ourselves to face the unknown.

I’m excited to see what unfolds at the summit—both on my canvas and within myself. This experience is a leap, but it's one I’m ready to take.