Last week I was weeping because I didn't get into a show - causing one dear and faithful reader (you know who you are) to email the following:Okay, what's this about "two steps back" and not impressing someone?? You guys need a blizzard and four feet of snow like we just got ~ puts everything into perspective. Cute shoes are still key, but I am just sayin'. Don't let the turkeys get you down.
This week I received the biggest order I've ever had times ten and I'm in a panic trying to hire a helper - which is rather less instantaneous than I'd prefer. So my question is this: Artists and makers, how do you handle this roller coaster ride? Liane, Faith, Laurent and Nicole, I'm talking to you.
photo - which is in no way stupid - by Jane Heller.
Wow, that woke me up being talked to like that. ;) The roller coaster ride is so tricky, and I wish that I could say, "Oh Yes, I've conquered that, here's my trick." But, reality is that you can still finding me weeping if I don't get into a show that I really wanted. More and more I have had to ground myself with my own happiness in making the work. I know that I am on the right track if I really like what I am making, and then I can draw confindence from that, even if it doesn't get into the show that I wanted. It helps to recognize the tricks that I play on myself too... even as my business is growing and I get more great feedback, I still tend to dwell on the one rejection instead of the 20 wonderful responses to my work, I now see that this is part of my own inner doubting dialogue, and not reality based! Being a maker/artist makes us so vulnerable. What I remind myself everyday is that the more others see us making our craft, and doing the best we can, then the more they will be encouraged to do their "thing" the best that they can, and it all just spreads goodness. I think that it really helps to look at it all with this big picture perspective so that the bumps on the roller coaster don't feel so huge! xo
ReplyDeleteSorry to call you out like that, Faith - but I knew you were good for some insight. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteHow to handle the roller coaster ride?
ReplyDeleteMeds. What else?
Just kidding.
I think that it helps not to strive on appreciation too much. It is a little dangerous to allow outside events or other people to define your worth or empower them with what will make you happy or sad.
And the other thing is to try and stop being afraid.
Fear is such a powerful trigger for self sabotage.
What's the worst thing that can happen? Really?
A lot of it probably has to do with setting limits for ourselves, being afraid to succeed. I think ironically that as we get older, we tend to feel comfortable within those limits that we created but at the same time we have more maturity and finally possess the tools to go beyond those limits and keep opening more doors and getting more opportunity.
It's really about reprogramming ourselves a little, putting things in perspective and not letting old mechanisms get in the way of possibilities.
Blah BLAH and more blah ...