Every year between Christmas and New Years Eve, my son Jason and I spend a couple of days in NYC. We pack in two days of seeing as much as we can and this year we hit the Rubin Museum.Besides really enjoying their unique presentation on Asian Art and culture, we were really enamored with their bookstore and merch shop and I bought this amazing little book called “One Year Wiser.”

Attached to each day on the calendar, there is a really simple positive thought and a really cool drawing that helps me affirm and appreciate things more. Today’s Monday Thought comes directly from that book. It really speaks to me because I have spent the better part of the last ten years teaching adolescents how to be creative…and also how to be authentic.

That is what art is about. It is this wonderful part of us, when activated allows us to proudly be ourselves, no matter how different we are. It allows us to do cool things that shape us and allow that shape to take us to new places.

I never really understood this as a kid or a young man. I am certain I tried way too hard to be what Ithought I should be. Somehow at 54 years old, I am listening to a different voice and I wish I listened to that voice a long time ago.

Matt Ross
Founder
#BeYourself #OneRiverSchool
matt@oneriverschool.com