I thought about skipping my regular Friday blog post for today. I have company from out of town. School starts soon and I have much to do to get ready for it. My new house, in the middle of remodeling, requires an overload of physical and mental energy. My mom's health is failing and I try hard to spend time with her every day. I provide transportation for her and my sister and housemate as well and I have to juggle my schedule every day to make sure I get them all where they need to be.
In fact, I’m under such pressure trying to balance all the different parts of my life that I’ve canceled the September Highlights workshop I’ve been looking forward to teaching for over a year. That hurt--but I couldn't see another way.
But writing for the blog is fun. And I promised Tina I’d have a post for her every Friday. I’m the kind of person who keeps my promises, right?
And that thought stopped me short. I do keep my promises—to everyone else. But the promises I make to myself, especially my artist self…. Not so much. Why is that, I wonder? Why, for instance, have I stopped writing daily morning pages? Why have I stopped taking my inner artist on weekly dates? Why am I not working on a new story, or illustrating one of my old ones?
The truth is, when I take care of my inner artist, I find I have the energy and creativity to deal with the rest of life. It’s like the spiel you hear when your plane is getting ready for takeoff: in case of emergency, grab the breathing tube and take care of yourself first. Only then should you help those around you. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be of any use to anyone else.
It’s so easy for us creatives to make the needs of our loved ones more important than the needs of our artist selves. I know I’m not the only one. I led an amazing group of women through Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way earlier this year, and we all dealt with the same issues.
What about you?
Today, I’m making a promise to myself: starting back to morning pages. MP’s help me clarify my values and goals. They point the way; they lead me. My creativity blossoms when I'm paying attention to my artist. Pay attention to yours, and you'll find your creativity blossom, too.
What practice have you let fall by the wayside because life is just too busy and your life just too complex? Make a promise to yourself today. Commit to one small thing to nurture your artist. Make her feel like a princess! Make her happy, and you’ll be happy.
And so will everyone else in your life. I promise.
Joyce, my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I know what you mean--I don't at all resent or regret the hours I spend with my mom--in fact, being with her is the one time I'm able to let go of the past and the future and simply rest in the "now." It's a great reminder that life is best enjoyed in the moment! Yes, I do believe the time I spend with her is feeding my artist.
I love your commitment to intentionally spend time in your garden every day! Both mom and dad were gardeners, and I make sure Mom always has fresh flowers in her room. Selecting them and arranging them for her each week nurtures my artist even though I'm not a gardener myself.
As far the Highlights workshop--it's postponed, not cancelled! I do look forward to teaching at the Honesdale campus some day. Maybe you'll join me there!
Posted by: A Facebook User | August 14, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Barbara, I can totally relate to this. I lost my mom this year and during those last 9 months, I gave her some of my best writing energy/hours. But I miss that opportunity now.
Cherish the moments and use them in your writing. This is feeding your artist self in some way. I am quite certain of that.
As for practices I've let go - a few minutes of gardening everyday. Being outside (even just to pull a few weeds) nurtures my artist side and improves my sense of well-being. I'm being intentional about that!
I hate you will miss the Highlights event. That would also have nurtured you.
Posted by: Joyce Moyer Hostetter | August 11, 2012 at 05:47 AM