Embracing Mindset Shifts: Summer’s Inspiring Journey Through Art, Yoga, and Life’s Unexpected Twists

As part of Day 2 of the Your Art Matters Book Launch Summit, we had the privilege of reconnecting with Summer, a former community member with a truly inspiring story. A passionate artist, yogi, and teacher, Summer joined us to share her transformative journey of rediscovering art, navigating personal growth, and embracing mindset shifts that have helped shape her creative career.

Summer’s story begins, as many artists’ do, with a love for art from childhood. From the moment she could hold a crayon, art became a natural outlet for her creative expression. Encouraged by her parents and entering art contests throughout her youth, Summer was always creating. However, life led her down different paths. She pursued social work and Spanish in college, eventually becoming a special education teacher—a job she loved, but one that left her disconnected from her artistic self.

Like many of us, Summer reached a crossroads in life. She left teaching to escape the bureaucratic pressures of the school system and embarked on a new adventure. During a stint teaching yoga in Bali, she rediscovered her artistic passion. One fateful day, Summer passed a small art shop on the island, bought some supplies, and began painting again. As she said, “My soul felt whole again.” That spark ignited a flame, one that would lead Summer back to her artistic roots with renewed purpose.

In 2019, she found Your Art Matters, a community that helped her refocus on her art. She enrolled in our “Seven Keys” program and began making art consistently, gaining confidence in her ability to create and sell her work. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—her journey came with a powerful lesson about mindset.

The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

When Summer first entered our Seven Keys course, she thought she had mindset work under control. With years of yoga practice and a strong meditation routine, she assumed she didn’t need much help in that area. “I have a positive sense of self. I don’t need this part,” she thought. But a few months later, after diving deeper into the program, she had an eye-opening realization: she did need a mindset shift.

Summer shared an “aha” moment that forever changed her perspective. During a live session in the program, she began to recognize how the labels she had internalized over the years—such as being “disorganized” or a “procrastinator”—were limiting her. These words, though seemingly harmless, had shaped her self-identity and held her back from reaching her full potential. Through the mindset work in the program, she realized that these so-called “weaknesses” could actually be her greatest strengths.

“I am differently organized,” Summer declared. What she once saw as disorganization, she now reframed as a unique way of approaching tasks, especially in her art. Her love of spontaneity and the pressure of last-minute deadlines, which had been seen as procrastination, became strengths that she now uses in live painting events. “I thrive in live painting,” she said. “It’s my biggest money-maker and something that fuels my creative energy.”

This mindset shift allowed Summer to embrace her authentic self, turning past limitations into empowering forces for her creative career. She no longer felt boxed in by labels, but liberated to explore and capitalize on her strengths.

From Live Painting to Personal Growth

The impact of Summer’s newfound mindset was immediate. Shortly after her realization, she applied to a live painting competition, where artists had two hours to create art in front of an audience. That experience, while nerve-wracking, was exhilarating for her. It ignited a new passion for live painting, a form of art that allowed her to embrace her spontaneity and thrive under pressure. Since then, live painting has become a central part of her business, bringing her both joy and success.

But life threw another curveball when she became pregnant with her first child. During that time, art became a therapeutic outlet for her as she dealt with postpartum depression and the challenges of motherhood. “I wasn’t selling as much,” she reflected, “but I was connecting deeply with people through my art.”

The connections she formed during that period, both with herself and her audience, would prove invaluable as she continued her artistic journey. Her followers connected with her personal story and became long-term supporters of her work. She learned that even during slower periods, it was okay to simply create for the sake of expression and connection.

The Unexpected: A Car, A House, and A New Perspective

Just when things seemed to be settling into place, life threw another unexpected challenge her way. At 30 weeks pregnant with her second child, a car crashed into her home, directly into her studio. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident was traumatic. “It was surreal,” Summer said. “We had a hole in our house for four months.”

While this event could have been a major setback, Summer used it as an opportunity to reflect and grow. In many ways, it reinforced the mindset shifts she had already embraced. Life is unpredictable, but through every twist and turn, Summer has shown an incredible ability to adapt, shift her perspective, and use her creativity as a way to heal and thrive.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Mindset and Community

Summer’s journey is a testament to the power of mindset and the importance of community in nurturing creative growth. Her story reminds us that sometimes, what we see as weaknesses can actually be our greatest strengths—if we’re willing to shift our perspective. And, as she’s proven, having a supportive community can make all the difference in navigating life’s ups and downs.

As Summer continues to grow her business, teach yoga, and raise her children, her story is an inspiration to anyone who’s ever felt limited by labels or faced unexpected challenges. She’s proof that with the right mindset, we can transform our lives and our art.

To everyone reading, take a moment to reflect: Are there labels or limiting beliefs that might be holding you back? If so, perhaps it’s time to reframe them—because, like Summer, you might discover that they’re actually your greatest strengths.

Learn more about Summer here.

Learn more about our 7 Keys to Make Art A Living course here.

*This 9-week course starts on 16th September.

 

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo