As an entrepreneur creating her business or an artist creating her art or anyone creating their life step by step, don’t you find it gets lonely sometimes?  Even in the midst of family.  Even in the midst of girlfriends.  Even in the midst of community.  Because in the end our masterpiece, influenced as it may be by other things, comes through us.  We have the final say about what goes in and what stays out, what gets added, what gets erased.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you aren’t really alone in some of those those hamster thoughts that sneak in.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know that it isn’t just you?

1.  It isn’t just you.  We all have those days when the shadows rear up, loom over us and say things we don’t want to hear.  Shadows are ghosts – sit them down (write them down).  Have a look at the stories you’re hearing.  Call a friend if you must, but recognize that the stories don’t serve you, and you can change the story any time you want!

2.  I conducted a survey among artists about the business of art:  what they need, what works, what doesn’t.  BIG surprise from the report.  The #1 one challenge artists face is pricing their work.  Not marketing it, pricing it.  And let’s face it, doesn’t pricing really drag in:  Who am I to think I can sell my art? will anyone buy it?  where will I find them?  (More shadows, different disguise.)

Here’s a link to my  interview on Art & Soul radio about the business of art where I share some thoughts on Sell Your Art, Keep Your Soul.  

3.  Persist. You are a hero on a hero’s journey.  Your greatest gifts may dress up as demons to see if you really mean to continue.  Unmask them!

4.  Treat yourself kindly.  When you are tired, rest.  When you are disillusioned, have a look at your expectations (and where they came from). When you are confused, spend some time with a friend who loves you enough to listen but not try to fix.  (Notice I didn’t say “if.”  I said “when.”  When you acknowledge things, you are prepared for them.  Acknowledge cycles in your life, because they’re going to happen).

5.  Reflect often.  Everything we do changes how and what we see.  Know who and where you are by taking time to be quiet and listen to your heart and intuition.  Don’t fill up your day with doing.  Leave some time for be-ing the human you are in all your complexities.

6. Celebrate even the small joys with at least one other person.  Anything celebrated becomes automatically bigger, and a foundation rock to build on and spring from.  Celebrating can be lighting a birthday candle, saying “You Go, Girl” out loud, smiling big (BIG) and then blowing it out.  3 minutes.  Don’t tell me you don’t have time!

7.  Define “important.”  Know that you have all the time you need for the important things in your life.  How much time are you currently spending on the important things in your life?  Adjust accordingly.

Wylde Women’s Wisdom

The ring of fire is the emotional process we must go through in order to reach the core of peace.  There are only two ways to accomplish this.  We can disbelieve any false ideas that are causing unnecessary pain.  And we must grieve any unavoidable pain – loss of health or a loved one, for example…Sound like fun?  Oh, it isn’t.  But when you get the opportunity, I’d advise you to do it anyway.   Martha Beck