Adding and subtracting

I don't know if Michelangelo actually said this, but I'll use it anyway

There are a few ways to create sculptures. One is the additive method, where the artist adds material—clay, wax, metal, wood, fabric, plastic, whatever—until achieving the desired form. Another is the subtractive method, where the artist carves, chips, cuts, blasts away excess material, leaving only the desired form.

We use both additive and subtractive methods when we build our lives. We add knowledge, skills, experiences, relationships and, yes, stuff. Some of what we add is good. Some isn't. Then we usually reach various points in our life when we intentionally start subtracting things. Unhealthy relationships, destructive behaviors, burdens and, yes, stuff.

For a long time, my problem was that I had no vision for my life, except that I wanted to be happy. What were the specifics? What would I need to add or subtract? I didn't know. Oh, I had plenty of people telling me what they believed my life should be like and how to make it that way. At least I was self-aware enough to know, "Ummmmm, that's not me."

I think the first step toward happiness is envisioning our authentic self, the angel—or devil—trapped in the stone. Or maybe it's a matter of envisioning the dimensions of your soul in empty space, then adding materials to flesh out that form. Create away.