Stay in Your Lane (Literally and Creatively)
Fine Art Friday #62
You know what really gets me?
When someone crosses the turn lane in an intersection.
I KNOW you’ve seen it happen too.
I’m pulling up into my turn lane, and all of a sudden, thank GOODNESS I’m paying attention because this person takes over the entire lane upon taking his turn.
Like—sir (because tbh it’s typically a sir, no offense guys). That is not your lane. We are all doing our best out here with preschool pickups, Target returns, and lukewarm lattes, and now I have to brake in the middle of my turn lane because you decided geometry doesn’t apply to you?
The audacity.
It’s as if the road is a polite suggestion instead of a painted boundary meant to keep us all alive.
The thing is, they’re not doing it maliciously. They’re just impatient. Distracted. Maybe a little too confident that their way is faster, better, more efficient.
But most of the time? That shortcut slows everything down.
And last week, as someone casually cruised into my turn lane (while on the phone, no less), I thought… how often do I do the same thing in my own life?
How often do I skip the step I know I need? Rush the sketch? Ignore the voice in my head that says, “pause here”? I veer off course, thinking I’m saving time, when really I’m creating more mess — in my paintings, my plans, my home.
I forget that the lane I’m in is there for a reason.
Art Tip of the Week:
Don’t skip the quiet parts. The pencil sketch. The underpainting. The second cup of coffee before a busy day.
Stay in your lane — not because it’s rigid, but because it’s yours. And trust that the space you’ve created for your process is worth honoring.
The masterpiece doesn’t come from speed. It comes from presence.
And I promise — the people who wait their turn? Their paintings (and turns) end up a whole lot smoother.
xo,
Courtney
P.S. Next time someone cuts across the lane, take it as your reminder to slow down and check in with your own boundaries. Creative or otherwise. You’ll thank yourself later.
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