As the wheel turns: Challenges and choices.

Throwing a 5 pound ball of clay on the wheel was too much for me.  After breaking my wrist a few years ago, I didn’t have the strength to do it.  It's so easy to stay in the past, even when it's not where you want to be.  Last week, I decided to present myself with a challenge.

I cut up three 5 pound balls.  Got out the bats and threw.

I had no idea what I was going to throw, actually.  I didn’t plan ahead.  I just threw the clay on the bat and let it take me for a spin.  The first ball came out as a platter over 14” in diameter.  I was amazed.  I’ve never thrown a platter and my plates have only made it to 8".  Encouraged, I threw on the next 5 pound ball.  This time, it shaped up into a bowl.  I’ve done many bowls in this shape, but, again, not quite this big.   I felt I could’ve pushed this one to be a little wider, but I got nervous and stopped.  I threw on the last ball.  I felt more relaxed now and stared at the ball a while trying to figure out what to make it.  Another bowl or platter?  A vase?  As I pulled it up, it became a wide, curved pot and I saw I was making a container for one of my Angel Wing Begonias or African violets. 

Suddenly, I realized the challenge was over.  I won in more ways than one.

I learned I’m stronger than I think I am.  And what was really holding me back wasn’t my wrist but my fears.  The fear of injury and the fear of failure.  I faced up to the fear of re-injuring my wrist and found out I was ok.  I faced up to my fear of not knowing what I was going to make and found three beautiful forms that I love to throw. 

Most important of all, I see that the challenge in life is always about choice.