KEYWORDS: Creative Living, Creative Energy, Trusting in Your Creativity, Shadow Work

This card is showing up today to remind you that every part of your creative life is valuable. It all matters. Sometimes, the smallest thing we do in our daily life ends up becoming an essential piece of something we’re working on later.

Every act of creating—whether it’s cooking, painting, writing, or working with numbers, plants, tile, or found objects—contributes to the projects you’re shaping. Whatever medium you choose, it all matters.

“Nothing is ever wasted. Every morsel of your existence is being transformed into your art, even the tough lessons, even the mistakes, even the boring parts.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

Not everything you make has to be polished, pretty, or easy to look at. Some of the most honest and powerful work comes from what’s raw and uncomfortable. Vincent modeled this beautifully in his self-portraits, showing us that the more vulnerable we’re willing to be, the stronger our work is. People can feel it.

Creative expression reflects all sides of who we are—not just the parts that feel good or harmonious. Some of the most meaningful work comes from the darker, messier places inside us. When you make a conscious choice to not judge your creative output or expression, it can be very liberating.

Having reverence for your creativity means honoring the ups, downs, breaks, and pauses that naturally happen along the way. The Reverence card is asking you to trust that your creativity won’t ever go away. It’s an intrinsic part of who you are. Being creative is the same thing as breathing. You don't think about every breath you take. You just breathe.

INSIGHT: Value your creative expression, no matter how it shows up.

Creativity is not a talent, it's a way of operating. It is a way of being. — Joan Didion

ABOUT THIS PAINTING:

This fabulous portrait lives in New York City at The Museum of Modern Art. I have developed so much affection for the man in this painting. Vincent drew him and painted him many, many times. Mostly because they were close friends and would see each other almost every day when he would deliver the mail and take Vincent's letters to Theo back to the post office. This guy went to visit him when he was in the hospital. Not too many people did that. His name was Joseph Roulin. He was like a brother to Vincent and he cared for him during one of the most difficult times in his life, offering steady support through the major onset of his epilepsy that started in 1888.

Their bond ran deep—so much so that Roulin’s entire family sat for portraits. Vincent painted Joseph, his wife (La Berceuse), and all of their children, creating a permanent record of their relationships.

WRITING PROMPTS:

When you look at this portrait, can you see the love, the trust and the friendship? How was Van Gogh able to express his feelings using line and color?

PAINTING CREDITS: Vincent van Gogh

Portrait of Joseph Roulin

Arles, 1889

Oil on canvas

25 3/8 x 21 3/4 inches (64.4 x 55.2 cm)

MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art, New York