Meet Holly – Painting Mandalas and Murals in Midlife
Welcome to the second edition of my blog series, Women of Wisdom, where we celebrate the extraordinary lives of women who continue to inspire and thrive in their golden years. As a functional nutritionist, I believe that true wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Relationships, personal growth, and resilience play vital roles in living a fulfilling and vibrant life.
Every month, I interview a woman who inspires me to be better and who exemplifies all of these sentiments. As I have learned through interviewing each of them, these remarkable women are not only full of grace and wisdom but also have a little mischief sprinkled in. In this series, we explore the stories of those who have embraced their later years with grace, wisdom, and a sense of playfulness, continually reinventing themselves. Their experiences provide invaluable lessons on resilience, joy, and holistic wellness.
Join me as we delve into the rich tapestry of their lives, learning from their challenges, triumphs, and the timeless wisdom they have to share. Let’s be inspired to live fully, embrace every stage of life, and nurture all aspects of our well-being.
Read my first edition,
Meet Dodie – 95 Years Strong.
Embracing Creativity and Reinvention with Holly Rees
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with my friend Holly Rees, a remarkable woman in her 60s who has embraced a new chapter in her life as a mural artist. From a self-doubting novice to a confident creator, Holly’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of creativity and reinvention. Despite being an introvert and stepping far outside her comfort zone, Holly faced her fears and took a leap of faith to share her inspiring story. In this edition, meet Holly Rees: a midlife woman who has reinvented herself by painting vibrant murals and exemplifies the courage to explore new passions and do what you love.
THE MURAL THAT STARTED IT ALL
Discovering a Hidden Talent
Holly’s story began with a simple desire to have a jaguar mural in her home. Initially, she hired an artist to create the mural, but the experience was disappointing—the jaguar looked more like a tapir. Her husband, Jonty, had to step in and show the artist how to correct the jaguar’s head. This frustration sparked a determination in Holly to learn how to create murals on her own.
However, Holly’s first mural was not of her own design. She assisted in painting the traced lines projected from an overhead image of a traditional native Haida Gwaii art piece. The woodworking artist who owned the property and created the sketch from a photo encouraged her, instilling the belief that she could create something original.
Taking the Leap into Mural Art
Holly’s first steps were filled with trial and error. She decided to focus on mandalas and symmetrical circles, creating art from her own creativity rather than copying others. The process involved countless sketches and perseverance, but it was deeply rewarding. Holly shared that the hardest part was not the execution but coming up with the design and scaling it up. She even made her own mega compass for some of her designs, showcasing her dedication and resourcefulness. (see photos below)
Support and Encouragement
Throughout her journey, Holly received immense support from her husband, Jonty. Their mutual respect for each other and his encouragement were pivotal. Holly emphasized how Jonty never discourages her ideas, no matter how ambitious. This unwavering support helped Holly overcome her self-doubt and fueled her artistic endeavors.
Embracing Creativity
Choosing to paint a heart chakra mural was symbolic for Holly. The green heart chakra represents openness and love, aligning with Holly’s journey of self-discovery and creative expression. Initially unaware of its significance, she now recognizes the importance of self-love and overcoming negative self-talk. The most rewarding aspect of her journey has been discovering her creativity through art, which has opened up infinite possibilities and choices. She appreciates the diversity of artistic expression.
Finding Balance and Joy
Holly balances her art with other hobbies like practicing guitar and learning a new language. She emphasized the importance of constantly learning and chasing what brings joy. For her, this means exploring new creative outlets and embracing the process without putting undue pressure on herself.
Life in Tulum
Holly and her husband moved to Tulum, Mexico, drawn by its artistic and spiritual vibe. The move was part of their plan to live in a vibrant, culturally rich environment that resonated with their values. The beauty and tranquility of Tulum provide the perfect backdrop for Holly’s artistic journey.
MORNING SUNRISE
WALKS IN TULUM
Advice for Midlife Reinvention
Holly’s advice to women looking to reinvent themselves is to follow their passions without hesitation. She believes that everyone has a latent talent waiting to be discovered, and it often takes someone else’s belief in you to bring it to the forefront. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and the joy of creative expression.
Staying Healthy and Grounded
To stay in shape and recharge, Holly loves walking and yoga. She starts her day with a 45-minute walk with her dogs, regardless of the weather. She also enjoys walking to the gym, which is about 2 miles away, as part of her routine to keep her in shape.
Although she practiced yoga for six years, she realized the need to lift weights to build muscle.
Meditation also plays a significant role in her life, helping her maintain mental clarity and focus.
She started meditating in 2014 with Headspace and now uses various apps and YouTube resources. If she has a sleepless night, she does a 30-45 minute Yoga Nidra session.
She practices self-love through positive affirmations and enjoys learning Spanish as a lifelong hobby, and is trying to take the pressure off herself to master it quickly.
Holly’s dogs are a constant source of unconditional love, providing joy and comfort during difficult times. They remind her to stay present and cherish the simple pleasures in life.
Final Thoughts
Holly’s journey is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to explore new passions and reinvent oneself. Her story encourages us to embrace our creativity, seek support from loved ones, and find joy in the process of learning and growing.
Whether it’s through creating art, practicing yoga, or starting a new hobby, Holly’s example shows that midlife can be a time of exciting and fulfilling transformation. Her dedication to her passions, balanced lifestyle, and supportive relationships all contribute to her inspiring journey of reinvention and creativity. Her dogs, her morning walks, and her creative pursuits all intertwine to create a life full of joy and purpose.