Horns of Victory- Using the secret language of flowers to make room for growth this year.

We all know that January is pitched as a time for self reflection: to take stock of our lives and see where we'd like to invite change. I both love and hate New Year's resolutions. I mean, I make one almost every year. This year, my resolution is to practice my writing and send a monthly newsletter. But I've also made some really crappy resolutions in the past.

The goals in themselves weren't bad, but I made them from places of self deficiency: I need to make this change because I am currently not enough as I am. 

Growth is complicated and often messy.

You are absolutely worthy and enough exactly as you are right now. 

At the same time, you are allowed to take all the time and space you need to grow into something new.

The flowers in this painting are Gentian flowers- or Horns of Victory.

I picked them because they are part of a Victorian secret code system.

In Victorian times, certain flowers were assigned special meanings- White Roses: "I cannot." Yellow Marguerites: "I will come to you soon." Canterbury Bells: "Your letter is received."  The idea was that you could silently communicate a secret message by displaying them. For example, a lover could talk to their secret suiter simply by putting a flower in their hat or lapel. 

The meaning of Gentian flowers is: "Be Strong."

You can watch a short video of the painting being created HERE.

It takes a lot of strength to grow. I think it also takes a good bit of humility, because I don't know about you; but I can't try something new and look good at the same time. My first attempts at a new painting technique are usually a blechy mess, and definitely don't show up on Instagram.

But let's keep showing up for each other. Let's keep making room for ourselves without judging and overly criticizing every step of the journey. Let's keep giving ourselves permission to grow.

GROW If you'd like to check out available prints of this painting, the button below will take you to my online shop. GROW PRINTS