I continue to work on my inner self in order to put the best of me out there.  I have been struggling with perfectionism and insecurities again, something I thought I had outgrown and moved on from.  Guess not!  Must heal more parts ; )  I struggle with accepting the process that is life.  I want to be complete even though I KNOW that I/we will never be.  So I press on.  Working with mentors to help me find confidence in order to be good to myself which allows me to be good to others and put my true self out to the world.
This picture is from the closing reception for 'Roots: A Homecoming' group show at Art In Motion in Holdingford, MN.  I felt pretty and like I was living from my inner spirit self that day.  I want to be her every day, but know that I have to accept and honor the days that I'm not.    
We have choices every minute, to choose to be better, kinder, more pure, more aligned with our hearts.  Choices to see ourselves as beautiful and radiant in order to put that back out into the world.  I believe that is what we are here to do as humans.  Integrate and love all parts of ourselves because we are all that is.   

I am finding that you are only able to be your authentic self once you have realized, accepted, honored and released subconscious ideas of who you are.  There are many stories that we tell ourselves that do not serve us as they once did.  In order to grow and evolve into our highest selves, we must be willing to look at those stories and decide whether they help or hinder our growth.  And then choose and change accordingly!  I'm not saying this is easy, but it is necessary.  However, as in all journeys, be gentle with yourself.  For those stories served you at one time and helped you get to where you are now.  Thank them and then let them go.  Some may be more graceful than others and that's ok!  Let go of your personal judgment of how you need to get through something.  Again, be gentle with yourself.  
In order to manifest my dream of being a successful artist making a living off of my art, I am working on getting rid of self defeating beliefs about who I am and what I deserve.  I am saying goodbye to old stories of unworthiness.  I am worthy.  I am deserving.  I am brave.  I matter!  What I do matters!  For I am a maker of beautiful things!