The phrase, “making your mark” has shifted in meaning for me. I used to think that you made your mark when others noticed you, or when you got recognition for your work. I guess external affirmation is what “making your mark” meant to me. We often speak of historical figures having made a mark by effecting change, or musicians and artists who made their mark by creating new forms of expression.
Now, in this moment, I feel that “making my mark” is simply making the marks. It’s the creative impulse to sew a stitch, use a colored pencil, write a few words, or play a few notes. The mark making is enough because of the internal change I feel–the internal affirmation that it feels good to put marks on a page. It feels good to play the piano. It feels good to write. That’s enough for me.
a place of safety, support, and beauty.
pelicansandprose 
I recently returned to needlepointing. I never thought about it as making my mark before. I like that!
I love this shift in perspective. I learned something new about you! I don’t think I knew about your stitching…I may briefly remember something about sewing thought. I think you need a slice about “developing your visual vocabulary.” Making my mark has given me a slice idea–thank you for that! 🙂
what a fresh take on this phrase. It is really making me think. I, also, am readjusting where my efforts go and what satisfies me. I feel part of what you are talking about here is ‘beginner’s mind,’ do you think so? Thank you for a thought provoking piece. And I really like the photos of your ‘marks,’ especially the embroidery.