best laid plans

Great Expectations: How to manage the inevitable deviation from a plan
 
As poet Robert Burns accurately and eloquently said: Well laid out plans of mice and men often go awry.

We all have good intentions which usually involve being better versions of ourselves. On our paths to betterment, however, we may encounter unexpected bumps, curves and discouragements. How we choose to respond to these unwarranted, often challenging circumstances, is often referred to as ‘character building’.
 
I usually start a painting with a vision of how I would like it to turn out. More often than not, the painting will unfold and ‘tell’ me otherwise. Do I resist or give way to the inevitable dilemmas facing me?  I’m continually readjusting, reassessing and realigning my thoughts and expectations. How I, and many artists, respond to all impasses on their ‘canvasses’ defines their style and is in part- ‘character’ building. Some of my most successful pieces are created from being open and responding to ‘miss takes’.
 
Whatever your set goals or intentions are for 2020, I wish you openness and truthfulness to yourself and others. May all your best laid plans result in personal discovery and growth.