We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Glenda Freeman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Glenda, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Life is a journey filled with experiences that shape us, and along the way, I discovered the power of resilience. There was a time when I doubted my ability to overcome certain situations, but as I grew older, I realized that tough times are temporary and staying focused on our goals is paramount. Through a myriad of experiences, both positive and negative, I have been drawn closer to my life’s purpose. It is during the storms of life that we truly discover who we are. Resilience becomes our guide, helping us uncover our purpose and navigate the adversities we face. In this story, I share my personal journey of resilience, revealing how cultivating this remarkable quality has empowered me to bounce back, adapt, and grow stronger.
Chapter 1: Weathering the Storms:
Life has its share of storms, but I learned that they don’t last forever. Through my own experiences, I discovered that resilience enables us to weather these storms and emerge stronger. Embracing the belief that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth, I realized that failures and hardships are natural parts of life’s journey. They provide valuable lessons for personal development. By adopting this mindset, I approached difficulties with curiosity and unwavering perseverance.
Chapter 2: Building a Supportive Circle:
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who uplift and encourage us is vital on the path to resilience. Sharing my struggles with trusted friends and mentors not only provided me with emotional support but also offered fresh perspectives and potential solutions. This strong support network became my guiding light during tough times.
Chapter 3: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence:
Emotional intelligence played a crucial role in my resilience journey. Through self-awareness, mindfulness, and practices such as meditation and painting, I developed the ability to navigate difficult emotions while maintaining balance. These techniques promoted relaxation and fostered emotional growth.
Chapter 4: Embracing the Power of Optimism:
In the face of challenging circumstances, resilience taught me the art of reframing negative thoughts and finding silver linings. Regularly practicing gratitude and appreciating the positive aspects of life nurtured an optimistic outlook. Surrounding myself with positive influences further strengthened this mindset.
Chapter 5: Problem-Solving and Adaptability:
Resilience hinges on our ability to adapt to change and find effective solutions. I honed my problem-solving skills by breaking down challenges into manageable steps and brainstorming possible solutions. Embracing flexibility and adaptability, I discovered unexpected opportunities for growth.
Chapter 6: Prioritizing Self-Care:
Maintaining resilience necessitates prioritizing our physical and mental well-being. I dedicated time to self-care by ensuring sufficient sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and nourishing my body with nutritious food. Activities that brought me joy and relaxation became non-negotiable in my routine. Recognizing the importance of mental health, I sought professional help when needed.
Chapter 7: Embracing Failure as a Catalyst:
Resilience thrives when failure becomes a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. I wholeheartedly embraced failure as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-improvement. Reflecting on past failures, identifying lessons learned, and refining my approach empowered me to bounce back stronger and more determined.
Becoming resilient is a transformative journey that requires commitment, practice, and self-reflection. By incorporating these principles and strategies into your life, you too can develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and embrace life’s uncertainties. Remember, resilience is not about avoiding hardships but about harnessing your inner strength and growing from challenges. May this journey of resilience inspire you to navigate life’s storms with unwavering courage and emerge stronger than ever before.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an artist, specifically an abstract expressionist. My paintings are all about the abstract, inspired by the visions in my head. I just paint what I feel and see in my mind. As a self-taught artist, I credit my parents’ teachings and my diverse cultural background, which includes both Eastern and Western cultures, for shaping my artistic identity. While I haven’t studied art history or other artists extensively, I draw inspiration from visiting galleries and exhibitions. I’m grateful for the support I receive from donors who believe in my work, and I strive to find happiness in doing what I love. The creation of art is a powerful force in my life, evoking my senses and speaking to my soul while forging a connection between myself and the world. Through spontaneous brushstrokes on canvas, I express my emotions, capturing every feeling in my artwork.
My goal is to inspire viewers to delve deeply into their own psyches, unearthing their innermost secrets. My art serves as a sanctuary, particularly as a survivor of domestic violence, helping me to maintain my sanity during a period of madness in my life. My work has been exhibited across the United States, and I was featured on the Veria Channel “The Art of Living Gallery,” tv show where I discussed the healing power of art in the aftermath of domestic violence. I was also involved in the making of “Portrait of Abuse: An American Epidemic,” a film that sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic violence in America. My aspiration now is to harness the power of my art to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being an artist and running a business simultaneously can be quite challenging. Striking a balance between your artistic side and the practical aspects of managing a business is no easy task. Finding the time and resources to excel in both areas is often demanding. However, it is crucial to discover a way to make it work if you aspire to succeed as both an artist and a business professional.
When it comes to establishing connections in the art world, authenticity and sincerity are paramount. It’s not solely about what you can gain from these relationships but also about forming genuine bonds with like-minded individuals who share your passion and values. Take the necessary time to cultivate meaningful relationships with those around you, and you will discover that the rewards extend far beyond mere professional gain.
For artists, regardless of whether you express yourself through painting, sculpting, or any other creative medium, dedicating yourself to honing your craft is of utmost importance. One strategy that can greatly assist you is finding your niche—a particular style, medium, or subject matter in which you specialize. This specialization can help you stand out amidst a competitive field and attract a specific audience.
Succeeding in the art world may not always come easily, but persistence and resilience are key attributes. Stay committed to working diligently and do not let rejection or setbacks discourage you. Keep creating and striving towards your goals, and eventually, you will achieve the success you seek.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Reading “The Art of Happiness” by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been a transformative experience for me. It has shed light on the true purpose of life, which is to seek happiness. Once this profound understanding takes root, navigating through life becomes considerably easier, especially in times of adversity.
Suffering is an inevitable and universal aspect of human existence. We will all encounter various forms of suffering along our journey. However, when we directly confront our suffering, we gain a deeper appreciation for the nature of the challenges we face. The remarkable ability to shift our perspectives emerges as our most potent tool in dealing with these difficulties. Through consistent practice, we can cultivate a calmness of mind amidst the trials we encounter, allowing us to navigate them more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glendafreeman.com/dallas-based-abstract-expressionist-artist/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenda_g_freeman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G.FreemanArtistry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenda-freeman-gfreeman-artistry/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gfreemanartistry
Image Credits
Addi Rae Photography
