Inspiration from the Art room

Can you believe that two months have passed already? The few weeks after camp always seem almost surreal. It's so hard to believe that only a mere two months ago we were together. I hope that each and every one of you has had an absolutely fantastic time so far, and that you are continuing on your upward journey.
I always find the days right after yuntif a bit disconserting as we were on a spiritual high that has suddenly left us. I just wanted to share a thought or two with you in hopes of starting off the rest of the year with some inspiration.
For those of you who came to art this summer [and no hard feelings to those who didn’t ;-)] you will know that the two most common lines are as follows:
"I hate art. I can't do it."
"Cyou do it for me? PLEEEAAASE?!?!?!"
One by one.
1. I hate art… I cant do it. Let's analyze that for a second, bear with me. Do you really hate art? Or do you hate the fact that you might not feel successful in the creative process? And why don’t you feel successful? Is it because you really aren't successful, or is it perhaps because society tells you that to be a good artist you have to paint and draw a certain way? Why can't a stick figure be a beautiful expression of your innermost emotions?
Meaning, its so important to be careful with our words. How often do we come out of a class saying "my teacher HATES me!" ? Do you honestly think she hates you? Probably not. Our words have tremendous power and we would be wise to use them wisely.
2. You hate art and you can't do it. [sigh] how often did we hear that being repeated again and again? And how often did those same girls walk away with beautiful projects. What happened? You hate art…yet you come back. You can't do it…yet you have stunning art to show. Each and every one of you has crazy potential. There will be times in life where you think 'Hashem. I hate this. I can't do it." It's uncomfortable and I don't think I can handle this test that you sent me. And you know what? With a little push, or a big shove, you will be able to accomplish so much. You will come away from a potentially frustrating situation with a beautiful art project to show for yourself.
And perhaps the most important…
3. "Can you do it for me?!" And the answer was always – I can help you, but I can't do it for you. That's life. You can have people to help you, advisors who care, parents who love you, teachers who are incredibly inspiring…but they can't live your life for you! At the end of the day, it is all up to you. You're life is in your own hands. But it's more than that. As Rabbi Shippel says "Your Judaism should never be based on anyone but YOU and HASHEM!" it is a private relationship, and while its fantastic to take advice and ideas from other people… sof kol sof [at the end of everything] only YOU can do it for you!!
And finally… you can find inspiration anywhere. If you can be inspired by the kvetches that came out of the art room, you can be inspired by anything! I challenge you to go out and find inspiration in the most random place – and share it with someone!