"You Are Not Late to Your Own Party:
Imagine having your own art show at the Whitney at age 81!
My fellow dreamers, if there is one thing that Alma Thomas’s life teaches us, it’s this: It is never too late to reignite your dreams. Alma’s story is a shining beacon for anyone who has ever felt that time has passed them by or that their dreams are too far out of reach.
Alma Thomas spent her early years teaching art in Washington, DC, but it wasn’t until the age of 69 that she began creating art professionally. Think about that for a second—69 years old. And yet, by the time she turned 81, she was not just an artist, she was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman of color to have a solo show at the prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Alma’s journey wasn’t about waiting for the “perfect moment” to pursue her art. She didn’t wait for validation, and she didn’t think about how her work might impact the world—she simply followed the call of her soul.
And that’s the most powerful lesson of all: The call of your soul is paramount. It shows up in the form of gentle nudges, in the whispers of your heart that remind you of what you’re meant to do. Alma answered that call, and through it, she not only transformed her own life but also left a legacy that continues to inspire.
I, too, have answered that call in a way I never expected. I had no idea, when I first began creating and sharing my art, that I was on the verge of a magical reinvention—one that would reshape me in ways I could never have anticipated. At first, I was just trying to sell my art. I focused on telling stories, creating strategies, and reaching people who might connect with what I was doing. I was learning how to present my work, share what it meant to me, and be authentic in my approach. I didn’t realize that this was more than just selling paintings. Every step, every effort, was reshaping me.
What I’ve come to understand is this: reinvention isn’t an instant process; it’s a journey, a slow accumulation of moments that build something bigger than you can see in the beginning. Every email, every social media post, every art show—it all added up. It wasn’t just about getting my art out into the world—it was about finding my voice, my purpose, and my why.
Now, as I channel those lessons into building my community on Substack, I see that what started as an effort to sell has evolved into something far more profound. I’m no longer just presenting art; I’m creating a space where I can connect deeply with others. My journey isn’t just about sharing my work—it’s about inspiring others to dream boldly and live authentically. I’ve learned that reinvention is a journey of aggregation, not a singular event—and it’s always worth it.
Just as Alma’s late-blooming career showed us, we do not need to let age or perceived limitations stand in the way of our dreams. Our soul’s call is never bound by time or circumstance. If we listen—truly listen—and answer that call, we create space for transformation, not only for ourselves but for everyone we encounter.
Who do you know that re-claimed their dreams? Are you ready to reclaim YOUR dreams? Let me know in the comments, I have something for you.