Day 11: Madelyn Mulvaney
“Follow your heart instead.”
Such a startling and provocative prompt ‘Asking for impossible things!’ There is something so magnificent to me about this – a spotlight on desire, on hope, on dreams. And yet – often in conversation when I talk with people they say “oh I could never … I can’t possibly… it couldn’t possibly work out.”
Impossible things seem to point to big ideas for passionate wishes fulfilled – ultimately to create a more colourful happy life.
So often people marvel at my life – my beautiful, thriving Arts studio, the loving relationship with my friends and family – my upbeat charismatic dog. They are happy for me but a little envious as well. They often mention how they “thought about opening an arts studio too… or this and that” but then their voice drifts off into the ‘buts’ and the obstacles, ultimately dwindling into a dismissive wave of the hand.
The simple truth is, however, that if I had listened to the fears of others around me – I would not have my thriving Arts studio.
My Mom was afraid, my friends were doubtful and worried, my accountant said it simply couldn’t work – (statistics pointed to 96 percent of most small businesses failing within a year or two at best.) Terrifying lack of support all around me.
I had no money, no business plan – simply a dream, an impulse and and upbeat energy. I was persistant. I was positive and outgoing and hopeful and excited – and my belief in myself was infectious. A small loan came in from my petrified Mom – and off I went.
“May I have the courage today
To live the life that I would love,
To postpone my dream no longer
But do at last what I came here for
And waste my heart on fear no more.”
If I had listened to the fears of these beautiful people around me I wouldn’t be who I am – a happy, vibrant business owner with a strong Arts Studio now five years old. I wouldn’t live in a bright apartment around the corner of the studio supporting a loving staff of 5 and my own everyday needs.
The truth is I was afraid. Every single day. I had and still have bouts of anxiety that can really pull me down and taking bigger leaps of faith in my business daily terrified me. Still. To this day. It’s not for the faint-of-heart for sure. Uphill. Twisty. Unknown territory.
But I went forward anyway. I took the next step and the next and the one after that.
When I took my first step I asked myself if I was passionate about my dream, did I love it? Would it use my unique talents and skills? And was it going to make me a better person for having done it? And finally: was there a chance that, by creating this business, it would help someone else in some way?
Yes, yes, yes YES.
I deserved a successful outcome to my impossible dream.
Somehow, my energy and determination and good heart attracted energies, resources and good fortune along the path – clearing the way for my desires and intentions. It seemed that beautiful resources and people would suddenly appear when needed.
And I quickly understood that choosing a supposedly ‘difficult’ or impossible journey was not getting the credit it deserved.
I just knew I would get there and I kept on walking and being utterly grateful for the small and bigger moments of success and joy amidst the inevitable challenges and setbacks.
I refuse to live in fear even when I am profoundly afraid.
I live in hope, I live in joy, I live BRAVE. I never give up and all these good things continue to show up in my life and attract angels.
One of our main mottos in the studio is CREATE YOUR LIFE. Create your art, create your intentions, create your tribe and take bold colourful steps to live a fulfilling, beautiful life.
I can promise you this: There will ALWAYS be people all around you (people you admire, people you love, people wandering in and out of your life) who will say not to be brave, not to take risks and to settle for good enough.
Abundance, joy, love, magical things WILL all show up when you are brave enough to show up for YOU. You have to be brave and believe in impossible things – for the sake of braveness and magic alone. It seems basic but I was continuously reminded what a huge impact these tiny actions of bravery can make to us.
And then one day you too will say:
”Wow, I prayed for this. It’s here. It’s happening.”
Madelyn is a teacher, speaker, photographer and passionate advocate for self awareness through the arts. Founder of the Luminous Elephant art studio, she creates bright, imaginative curriculum for children and adults. She is a writer for various print and online magazines, and a photographer for Getty images. Madelyn's mission is JOY and to help people of all ages find their true voice and make the world a more colourful, good-hearted community.
The touchstone of her heart is the love she shares with family, friends, her beautiful children, and her Bernese Mountain dog Lucy. Maddie adores stories of love and triumph.
Asking for Impossible Things
Read more awesome essays
