Progress Over Perfection, Trust Over Fear, and Finding Balance

Sunday, May 31, 2026

As May comes to a close, my head is spinning a little.

This month brought a lot of movement, a lot of paperwork, a lot of proposals, a lot of things happening at once—and not nearly enough time in the studio.

But two messages came through very clearly.

First: it is better to do than not to do. Not at any cost, and not without thought, but perfection is often the enemy of progress. Sometimes the search for perfection is also a way of postponing completion because we are afraid of failing.

It is okay to recognize that we are afraid. After all, it is a big deal to push ourselves to create, to build, and to bring new things into the world. Sometimes that fear shows up as hesitation, doubt, or cold feet.

The strength is not in never being afraid. The strength is finding a way to move beyond the fear.

It is not easy. But if we let fear take control, everyone loses—because all the things we were meant to create, share, and contribute may never see the light of day.

But I also know there are moments when we stop not because we are avoiding failure, but because we are simply tired. Because life has become too much. And that is okay too.

The challenge, I think, is learning the difference.

Keep moving forward. Do not wait for perfection. But also learn when to let go, pause, and rest.

It is not about success or failure. It is about life. About finding a balance that allows us to keep building without living in constant survival mode.

Second: speak. Tell people the story behind your work. Tell people about your journey.

Interestingly, the first lesson reached me through two remarkable women over the past six weeks. The second came through a man.

Different people. Different moments. Yet somehow the same feeling: life quietly sending the messages we need when we are finally ready to hear them.

Yesterday was Shabbat.

Once again, I was reminded how much this weekly pause has shaped my life. It forces me to step away from the constant pressure to attend, produce, respond, and chase. The rhythm of my life is not dictated by deadlines and art fair schedules but by a Shabbat schedule, because I decided to accept that gift and honor that part of my identity instead of bending myself to a world that doesn’t fit Shabbat into its schedule.

It is a gift: 24 hours to rest, celebrate, share meals, spend time with family and friends, and step away from the ordinary demands of daily life.

Of course, it comes with choices. Sometimes it means saying no to invitations, events, opportunities, or gatherings you would genuinely enjoy attending.

And that is okay.

Distance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family, my friends, and the people I love are spread across countries and continents. I am grateful for the life we have built, but FaceTime is still not the same as being together in real.

This weekend I stayed in Miami with two of our children and our dog while my husband was in the Netherlands helping our daughter move out of her university dorm. At the same time, one of my closest friends was celebrating his birthday in Paris.

Sometimes life asks us to be in several places at once, and we simply cannot.

On the brighter side, thanks to all of your support, I moved back into the Top 10 of The People’s Artist. The next five days will determine who reaches the Top 5, and every vote truly makes a difference.

If you would like to vote:
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/jessica-de-vreeze

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to support me.

Tonight is also the final evening to experience If You Would See, Unchained Mothering’s public exhibition at Peacock Park. I’ll be guiding visitors through the exhibition around 6 p.m.

And one last thought before June begins.

A museum exhibition opportunity I was being considered for—a solo show this fall that would have coincided with Art Basel Week—will likely not happen because a donor gifted an entire Chagall collection to the institution.

Honestly, that’s a pretty wonderful reason.

The fact that I was even part of the conversation is a milestone worth celebrating.

Because I have learned that when you stop chasing, what is meant for you arrives at the right time. And if it does not, perhaps it simply was not meant to be. That is okay too.

That is not defeat speaking. There are moments in life when you must stand your ground, work hard, and push forward despite the obstacles. But there are also moments that call for gratitude, trust, and the wisdom to let go.

Sometimes making space is just as important as holding on.

And I have learned enough by now to know that when one door closes, another is often quietly opening.

On the reading side, I finished The Pot Thief Who Studied Georgia O’Keeffe and started The Pot Thief Who Studied Escoffier. I am really enjoying this series. Thank you to the person who recommended it.

My to-do list is enormous and has started making its way into my thoughts. Usually, by Saturday night or Sunday, I am already thinking about the week ahead and getting back to work.

Today, though, I am choosing to acknowledge that I am tired.

The list will still be there tomorrow.

For those joining me tonight in Miami for the final evening of If You Would See, I’ll see you later.

For everyone else, wishing you a beautiful Sunday.

And a very happy birthday today to my dear Arianna in Luxembourg. 💕

This week was also the birthday of Ale, Cecile, Arthur, Elias! (and last Sunday Lucile Meï)

— Jessica with love and light

Also again congratulations to all graduating this year and to all the parents and mom’s that helped support this 😉