Be nice to yourself.
I think we all know it’s a little crazy right now. So many things that we once took for granted are now up in the air and a lot of us are having to make some decisions on what to do next. For the last couple of years I have been going hard trying to figure out how I can make a career out of photography and art. I can honestly say that I am still figuring it out. I have accepted that that is okay. I will admit that I thought I would be farther along on my artistic path. On the other hand, I am extremely blessed to have been presented with all the opportunities that I have received. I feel the opportunities around me and I just want to seize them. Lately though, I think my mind has changed in a certain regard. There is one question I am really asking myself lately. What do I REALLY want to make?
This entrepreneurial process is not for the weak of heart. If you are on the climb right now I just have one thing to say. Be nice to yourself. I think I forgot that a little bit along the way. If you are in the field of creativity, there are so many things to consider. You know that if you are in it. It’s our job to bring the story to life. With so many moving parts and X factors you have to consider, it can definitely get overwhelming at times. I have been thinking for a long time about this move and there are still factors I have to consider if it is going to be successful the way I envision.
About a month ago I contracted Covid-19 and while it wasn’t the worst case, it definitely took me out for a little bit. I was forced again to face some hard truths about life. It got me for a second and made me question honestly how I spend my time. How do I function at my best? What are my optimal environments? Am I doing my due diligence to be the best artist and businessman I can be? Do I have the proper systems set in place? While I definitely did not want to get sick, it has forced me to reset. I had to reschedule some interviews and cancel a couple of paid gigs. I felt like I let my clients down as well as myself. Everyone was more than understanding, but it just made me realize again how important it is to have health. It made me realize I might have to work another way as well. I also had to accept that everything’s not going to go as scheduled. I don’t always remember that. I had to take a moment and remember to be nice to myself.
I am still making art. I am still figuring it out. I feel even more the need for community and a network and how we have to watch out for each other. It’s also okay to take a breather every once a and a while. Life is forcing me rethink a couple of things. It’s a process for sure. Be nice to yourself. I encourage you also to take a breather before life forces you to take one. It’ll most likely be a more relaxing time. It’s okay to be nice to yourself.