064 Embracing the Flight
By
One of my greatest joys is sharing and experiencing the art of education. I equally enjoy being both student and mentor.
I’ve also been blessed to coach some of the most brilliant creative talent in entertainment and graphic design. I watch as soon-to-be graduating college seniors sprout their wings and lift into their career. Those first steps outside the safety and comfort of the university are truly frightening. I remember how nervous I was to put my art and myself out into the world. Would I find work? Would I be appreciated for my individuality? Would I be able to support myself and my future family? Did my portfolio have enough pieces? Was I expressing the right messages in interviews? Does my resume say enough? How long will all this life shift take?
Yes, shifting from one place to the next can be downright terrifying. What’s even more frightening is allowing our self critic speak to our words and deafen us to the messages in our hearts. Like Icarus, we must lift our wings and bravely fly closer to the sun. When we feel ourselves weighted down we compensate, not criticize. We make new choices without giving up on the flight.
The Ease of Release & Letting Go 
That exactly I feel now, at the time to close to graduation. I decided this year would be the year of change, letting go my routines and accepting different values that I was grown up with. I have been facing many situations that I need to change… When I was driving to go to work today, I remembered the feeling of the time when I first moved to Canada from my country, Japan. It was a huge decision that I made in my whole life at that time, but I felt so excited to follow my heart and make my dream come truth. Now, I feel so nervous changing things, such as my career. Maybe because I am older… or I have to think about not only myself but also my family… We need more courage to make change when we grow up.
Wow Yumi! Your story is so inspiring to read! And I officially want to publish, here, online HOW absolutely proud I was to see your work in class the other night. You showed immense creativity, passion and commitment towards your love for design. It was such an honor to witness that 🙂
Yumi, it’s such an honor to know you personally and watch your creativity blossom. These changes you, and all of us face, help us create the person we are meant to be. Embrace them. Cherish them. Honor them. I’m right there with you honey 😉