I find myself worrying a lot if I'm not careful. The habit of negativity and complaining can slip into my daily life so fast and it makes me feel terrible and exhausted. I need to remind myself to refocus on what I can control and slowly work towards my goals. I'd much rather list 5 things at the end of the day I am really proud of, or that made me happy, rather than fall into an endless pit of self-pity and doubt.

„Focus on what you can control”  

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 116,8x80,3cm (~45.6x31.5“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching” art collection

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week.

No but really? When was the last time you rewarded yourself for a job well done? When did you last celebrate how far you've come? Because I know I usually zoom past any type of achievement because I'm already locked onto the next thing. But buying that champagne. Getting that thing you saved in your cart for "later". Using your best perfume. Booking that vacation... Rewarding yourself shouldn't be optional. It's a wonderful reset before you tackle your next project.

“It's like a reward“

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 90,9x 65,1cm (~35.4x25.6“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching“ Series

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week

When we were asked in school what we'd want to be later I wrote down "Hollywood A-List actress and fashion designer who wins an Oscar in both categories".

I got feedback saying "Aim for the stars and you might land on the moon". It soured my mood a little to be honest. It felt like what I wanted was considered unachievable. Like I was being belittled even if it was meant as a kindness.

That's why I only focus on the first half of the statement. Reaching for the stars is a beautiful thing to me. Full of possibilities and wonder. I have always aimed high, I love a good challenge, and once I achieve something I am on to the next thing. Watch me zoom past.

“Reaching for the Stars“

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 116,8x80,3cm (~45.6x31.5“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching“ Series

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week

Some moments are harder to endure than others. Sometimes you get up only to be kicked back down. Even if it feels impossible, things will look up. Feel the ground beneath you. Let it ground you. Anchor into it and grow strong, deep roots.

They won't be able to kick you over so fast next time.

“This too shall pass“

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 116,8x80,3cm (~45.6x31.5“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching“ Series

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week

Not every day is a winner. I don't know why I thought I'd be able to perform 100% every single day like a machine. We are humans. Our energy fluctuates. So I'm getting better and better at recognizing a 50% or 60% day and not expecting what I would be able to do on a day I'm feeling closer to 100%. The guilt that comes with it though can be excruciating. But I noticed the days I concentrate on moving the needle even the tiniest bit are better than the days I just gave up. Small progress is still progress. And I recognize that 30% you is still doing their absolute best.

“Doing your best step by step”

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 61x73cm (~24x28.7“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching“ Series

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week

While I have immense support from most of my family and friends whenever I have a crazy idea like, let’s say becoming an artist or moving to Seoul, South Korea, there are some people who think I could be more… sensible... practical.
They don’t see my vision and try to convince me to not reach for the stars. To get a “normal job” and live a “normal life”.
But “I have never been normal and I don’t aspire to be”.

When things get tough and my hopes and dreams seem unreachable. The pure conviction not to prove the doubters right is a part of what keeps me going.

“Giving up is not an option“

Painting (made 2024) - acrylic on canvas, 116,8x80,3cm (~45.6x31.5“)

Part of the “Seoul Searching“ Series

Will get signed at the bottom right and shipped within a week