Rhythm over Perfection

As a life coach, authenticity is the most important part of my journey. It's essential that as I assist others on their journey, that I allow space for my own changes as well. I have been a professional artist for over 15 years and it has been a catalyst for my healing through many chapters.

Rhythm Matters was birthed as an idea to help my clients find grace within their life transitions. Once I took time to write it all down and apply it to myself first, the universe answered quickly.

I received a call from a good friend that I'd met over 10 years ago during an internship in Chicago. She let me know that I'd come to mind as someone to introduce to a very special space on Stoney Island Ave. She went on to share that she was the artist in residency in the space and her exhibit was coming to an end. When the owners of the space asked for a recommendation for the next artist, she mentioned my name and called to see if I'd be interested in meeting with them.

She didn't know at the time, but this was such a divine happening. I'd been working so hard to push my newest pathway of life coaching that my art had been on hold and with that so had my soul journey. Creating art is a love language that I have with myself and God. I knew something had been missing for the past year and struggled with how to 'make it fit' into my new life.

I eagerly accepted the invitation and from then the process has been a beautiful mirror of calling in all that God has for me. As part of Rhythm Matters, I journal with a guide (The Weekly Rhythm Guide) and it holds me accountable to both my goals as well as honesty. When it is time to let go, pivot, or face uncomfortable truths we don't always allow this to happen willingly. I took time to allow this process to unfold publicly as I launched Rhythm Matters on my substack and spotify via a podcast. I was scared and excited at the same time.

The call to be the next art resident came within a week of launching Rhythm Matters and when they asked me the name of my exhibit, the moment felt like a test. After years of healing and creating, the only thing left to do was to tell my story. It was time to choose me, foreal this time. I'd easily slid by opportunities to tell details by focusing on abstrack visuals and sticking to the script of teaching wellness. Now came the time to get more vulnerable, to be transparent, and allow people to meet me on a deeper level.

May 9th was the opening reception for "Rhythm Matters" the art exhibit. As people arrived to witness paintings I'd created over the last 11 years, I felt a jolt of joy and relief. I hadn't imagined that I'd be sharing the art in such a beautiful time in my life when I'd created it during the most challenging, dark experiences of my past.

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I was able to share each painting with the story behind it, giving meaning to the art that many adored without knowing the pain points. It felt cleansing, mirroring the imagery of waves I'd painted throughout the room.

I left that night a new person, ready to explore what the future holds with a lighter load.

The steps ahead are about Rhythm over perfection.

Rhythm Matters is on display until August 2026.

Located at Pen & Paper: A Joint Creative 6900 S Stoney Island Ave, Chicago, IL.