The hardest part is over

Painting with a palette knife keeps me from getting too precious too soon

My first memory of working out on purpose was at home with my mom, following along to Jane Fonda’s Workout Record. I was probably in kindergarten or first grade, just wanting to do what Mum was doing. It was fun, and over the years, as the world advanced to VHS tapes and DVDs, we had all the greats: Buns of Steel, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, and Tao-Bo. 

Working out has always been a part of my life. After I met my husband, who is also a lifelong exerciser, I learned more about weight training. As we get older, we are focused on things like VO2 max and mobility. We’ve built a home gym that we all share, and when all the kids are home, we actually have to schedule time slots. We work out on vacation, and if someone is feeling off or too sassy, one of the first suggestions is to hit the gym. 

One of my favorite Peloton instructors, Jess Simms,  says before every workout, “The hardest part is over-you showed up.” I also think about this in my art practice.  I can swirl in my head for hours or days, thinking I’m not good enough, stressing about time, comparing myself to others, or allowing overwhelm to envelop me. It’s when I decide to take action and just start making marks, collaging, or painting, I remember how good it feels.

I’ve made some recent updates to my Aston Mills Studio for better natural lighting and flexibility in moving works-in-progress around.

The same is true for movement. Laying out my clothes the night before, scheduling tennis, or committing to a workout shifts something.

Making art and moving my body have become ways for me to return to myself. They are familiar and grounding. I never regret showing up, and more often than not, I leave feeling not just better and more confident, but genuinely awesome.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that I don’t need to feel ready; I just need to begin. Whether it’s moving my body, stepping into the studio, or doing something I’ve been putting off, showing up is usually enough to shift everything.

If there’s something you’ve been circling, maybe today is a good day to start, just a little step.

All the best,

Gretchen Ann