I had previously believed that I was undisciplined, slack and many other unfavorable words I threw at myself in frustration after avoiding my art. Now I really love creating but I have for some reason I had put a mental block on it.
When I thought about making art I had a gazillion ideas of what to do and felt really motivated to try them. That was until I actually had the time set aside to go through with all my ideas. I thought that was because I was slack, a bad artist. Well the other day I was watching the tenth (not actuate but you get the idea) positive, heart warming, motivating video on Facebook. I thought they would cure me of my inertia watching them. Well several clips later I was no closer to actually creating than I was before I watched them. One stood out though, it was about our interpretation of stress. It says that how you think
and how you act can transform your experience of stress.
http://www.upworthy.com/a-whole-new-way-to-think-about-stress-that-changes-everything-weve-been-taught-2?c=ufb1
This made me think, I can apply this to any situation and transform my life if I choose to. If I think positively about something, it can and will have a positive impact on the event as can a negative thought. So while making some new art I came the realisation
that this time I “wasted” looking for motivation was in fact not wasted if I choose to see it that way. I could view it as research, life experience or whatever, as as long as I saw it in a positive way. Then I would feel better about my use of time use it more effectively
because I was no longer plagued by the guilt of not creating.
So I have decided to view it that way and I am now feeling so much happier. This is not to say I won't and haven't had bad days since this realisation, but I feel better about it all and about me.
I need to remind myself it's OK to take your time to do it your way, to give yourself a break because it all contributes to the person you are and hopefully that person will be an amazingly successful artist doing what she loves. If that doesn't eventuate well let her be one creative individual, happy with her lot in life.
The most important thing is to always have time to create because even on a small level it feels great. You don't have to be an "artist" to enjoy the act of creation, think of parenthood, making a special dinner for someone, writing a speech, putting together a rocking outfit for a great night out, making an inspiration board, designing your house, throwing fruit into a savory salad (my mum chucks whatever is in the fridge into hers and she it the salad queen). Nothing is too small or too big! Just create because it feels so #### ing amazing and you are the master of your world when you feel like that.