When I first learned of World Childless Week’s “Childlessness and the Arts” theme, I did not think I would be able to participate in this day, at least not as someone who created a piece of artwork. My brother is the artist of the family. He received the ability to draw, while my sketches are less than amateur. He knows how to play the guitar and the drums, and he wrote an instrumental piece of music using both these instruments as a tribute to our Dad who died of colon cancer. Yes, my brother is the artist of the family. Not me.
A different perspective…
But as is typical here at Not So Mommy…, I eventually looked at this theme with a different perspective. And I realized that, although I am not an artist in the traditional sense, I am still an artist…
I am an artist through…
Yes, I am an artist through…
- My blog, using words to create imagery and express messages with a unique perspective, my perspective…
- My voice, as I was blessed with the ability to sing. In fact, I sang “I’m Letting Go” by Francesca Batistelli at our Ten-Year Vow Renewal. It is one of my fondest memories of lovely time spent with family…
- My photos, as I love snapping pictures of everyday moments. Using these, I often create digital collages that I post on social media. Our snug is decorated with an assortment of snapshots, which perfectly capture our life. And at the end of our exchange daughter’s stay with us, I put together a photo album with pictures of all our adventures…
- Our remodeling, as my husband and I are creating a home for our non-traditional family. Since we have completely accepted that we will never have biological or adopted kids, we are creating rooms just for us, for our fur baby, for our exchange daughter when she visits…
I am the artist of my life.
And this made me realize that ultimately, I am the artist of my life. And honestly, I don’t really like saying I live a childless life. Because I do have kids—nieces, nephews, fur babies, and an exchange daughter. I would much prefer to say that I am the artist of my CANBACE life.
What does this mean?
Well, while my choice to have biological children was taken due to infertility, I am so much more than childless. So, I redefined the acronym CNBC for myself. I began to think of it as “Creating a New plan Bravely and Courageously.”
But I still wished there was a different way to describe my childless status… A way that would show the world that I survived the struggle, have accepted the what is, and am moving forward towards a beautiful Plan B…
Well, Nicci Fletcher solved the dilemma! Inspired by my redefinition of CNBC, she created the acronym CANBACE, which stands for Creating A New, Beautiful And Courageous Existence. And I absolutely LOVE it!
With CANBACE, the choices are endless because we have the power to create. Plus, the focus is on the future—on our new, beautiful and courageous existence. Do you hear that?! Our existence. Not just a Plan B, but an entirely new way of being…
With the positive affirmation of CANBACE, I am the artist of my life.
How awesome is that?!
Embracing CANBACE…
For me, embracing CANBACE means…
#IAmMe
#RedefiningMomhood
And living my #CanbaceLife
Because I am the artist of my life.
How are you the artist of your life, fabulous one? Tell us about it in the comments!
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For more information about the #IAmMe Photo Challenge, click here…
Click the image below to read some of Nicci Fletcher’s Poetry…
Click the image to read Nicci Fletcher’s Poetry
Featured Photo: Allef Vinicius of StockSnap.io
4 comments
I love Nicci’s words. The life you are creating is stunningly beautiful and courageous!!!!! You inspire…..
Thank you. There are so many amazing people within this tribe who have chosen to look at the bright sides and live the what is… The CNBC / CANBACE tribe is quite inspiring, I agree!
So beautifully written Brandi! I completely understand when wrote about your brother being the artist in your family. Same her. My sister draws and paint beautifully. She’s five years old than me and when the register was called for my first art class at “big school” by heart sank: “Nicci Saunders?” “Here Sir” “Excellent. I taught your sister so I am very excited to have you in my class this year” Fortunately I ADORED Mr Best (because he was the BEST) so it is very easy to forgive him for unintentionally piling on the pressure for me. It took me years to understand that, whilst my sister could paint, I could paint a picture with a thousand years and that is also being artistic. She uses paint and brushes. I use words.
Thank you also for your very kind AND powerful words about how Canbace makes you feel. I would love to share these as quotes on the website if you are happy to give me permission.
You ARE the artist of your life and you are creating such a stunningly beautiful and courageous life right now!
Thank you for your kind, sweet words, Nicci! Of course, you can use quotes from this blog on your site. 🙂