ugh-ust

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In the past, I could hold an expansive definition of art while simultaneously thinking I was not worthy to be called an artist. Yep. I could do it. And I was really good at it too. I am recovering from those thoughts and practicing better ones now (link). But still, I am pleased with myself for lately taking some big forward steps in the whole "creating an online art presence" thing.

After having (at long last) realized that, yes, I am an artist–I want to do more of it! I want to put my stuff out there! Share with anyone whose eyes it delights. I am thus eager to find strategies for balancing all the things and making dreams real. I am balancing being a conflicted and private person with the knowledge that I need a personal brand yadda yadda. Balancing a full time job, animal friends, people friends, a household, civic duties, and oh my aching art goals ...

After finishing up How to Keep House while Drowning (KC Davis),  Four Thousand Weeks (Oliver Burkeman), and How To Do Nothing (Jenny Odell), I am quietly please to have found myself on a path where I am getting better at routing around getting it altogether. I have a bunch of daily habits I try to practice to keep myself sane and healthy, but if I miss a day it's ok. I choose not to care if I don't make the bed or change the sheets for weeks or until they are 53% dog hair.  It's ok if I mindfully reschedule an art hustle task if I've already done all I can do for the day.

I have often tricked myself into doing things I'm scared of by sort of circling for awhile. I get closer and closer to the thing in question until suddenly–with luck– I find I am actually doing it.  

So here's to "actually doing it."

May there be more of that for you and for me.

Get on my mailing list to download this month's phone wallpaper. It quotes one of the "Ten tools for embracing your finitude" in Four Thousand Weeks. "Practice doing nothing"