The Most Important Advice I give Myself As an Artist
I Dare You
The best advice I give myself as an artist has nothing to do with artistic technique, although I am sure that would serve me well. The advice I give myself that makes the most signficant difference is simply this- focus on my own life.
It’s too easy to become distracted and immersed in the drama and lives of others. Focusing on your own life does not mean that you are anti-social. We can still socialize, be fun, connect with others, but you do not allow yourself to be “sucked in”, in regards to problems that are not yours. Instead, by focusing on your own life, you are able to be present enough to create.
At the end of my life, there are two tallies that I never want to be confronted with: One- the amount of money I have spent on Diet Coke throughout my lifetime. Two- the amount of time, during my life, I have spent discussing, worrying, dissecting the issues of others.
I could spend HOURS on issues that I have very little control over, and I am sure you are the same.
Creation requires energy, focus, and attention. Seldom does life demand such “in the moment” presence as does the creation of art. When our focus is pulled by others, in a less than healthy way, our creative energy and focus sags.
So, I encourage myself to be a compassionate, aware person but I don’t take it all on. I allow myself the freedom to observe life, use life’s moments, and simply create.
We only have so much energy to use each day. Make the creation of art a higher priority than the drama of others.
So very true. This has been in the front of my brain this last week.
Drama of others completely drains us and I do believe it limits our creative energies. Good luck!
Drama, yes. I agree.
Time to cleanse.
I agree with you. Many of my worries are about others. Altering my spirit.
What a great line “Altering my spirit”. so, so true!!! Thank you.
Thank you for your words of wisdom!
Thank you! I have been meaning to comment on the craziness associated with your blog postings. What an exhausting situation.
sometimes there just isn’t anything that can be said, exhausting only if we let it, I don’t, I just do what must be done and keep going, there will be a time when it will be resolved…I know it. in the meanwhile I try to do what you words suggest
I agree completely. I don’t have the energy to take on other’s drama or gossip. I care deeply for people and will listen if they truly need an ear but I can’t fix anyone. I can only live and tell my own story. I create by putting my own experiences into words. This is my way of connecting.
This is really beautifully written. Our energy is limited and it serves others better when we don’t use it for gossip, drama, etc. Thank you.
No matter how hard I try or how powerful I feel, I do not have the power to alter God’s plan. Spending time in an attempt to craft a plan to control someone else is such a waste when there is so much beauty on this earth to behold. I’d much rather spend my time noticing the many shades of green in a single tree or viewing a magnificent display of a golden sunset.
Thanks for putting these words down for us to enjoy and ponder!
~N
Wow!! Very, very well said- beautiful, with such depth and so true. thank you!