Oh I love this! And it feels like it was written at a perfect time for me. I just published my second Substack, i’m in the midst of doing an online sale of my art, I am experiencing one of strongest vulnerability hangovers I’ve ever had, and yet my brain goes “what’s next?!” Thank you for the reminder to slow down, feel all the feelings, and celebrate the wins!
So well deserved- you are such a bright light to so many in the writing and artist community, I hope you take much patient time to celebrate that! ❤️☀️
I had a realisation about this recently. As a self-employed musician, I was shocked to realise that I have never celebrated a milestone or accomplishment or anything! I go from one thing to another, never feeling like the work is done or enough. Creatives need to set our own milestones/occasions and celebrate them, however small or big. It’s a big part of unwinding and reflection after a period of work.
Yesterday I exhibited and had a stall at a market for the first time. There was barely any footfall, but two people I didn't know paid to have me draw them and were happy with the resulting picture. I was so afraid, tried so hard to weasel my way out of doing it, but I did it. I did it!!! My friends bought me flowers and bought my pictures and told me they loved my art and I was brave. And now I'm just looking around like! It happened! It's such a small thing but I feel like if I can do that even when I was afraid I can do the next thing and the next thing.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I panic when I have these moments, and it's really helpful to hear that you have them too. You're doing the most by showing up authentically and it's really helping me conceive so much more clearly that life as a 'successful artist/author/art-maker' is something I could have.
Also, tell the "logical" part of your brain that it's okay to pause the marketing of We Need Your Art if you need a break - because right now, everyone who is reading it is recommending it to everyone they know. The readers are busy posting 5 star reviews. We are posting it on our Instagram. We are buying it for our friends. We are telling our partners to read it. You can take a few days off and let your readers do the work for you ;)
Also, like you've said before, we have no idea how our art touched other people's lives once we let it out into the world. This book is going to ripple & will take time as Artists read or listen
Thank you for sharing your journal entry Amie. I love the tenderness of your process & am glad you are taking time to let your 2017 self sit in wonder at what you've achieved!
Your book found me, Amie. And because of that I finally allowed myself the time and permission to write about my family. It helped me to understand how to focus on one project at a time and for that insight alone (and there were SO many others!!) I am very grateful. Thank you so much for creating this book and putting it out into the world.
I think this is right. Yet I have a hard time seeing it. Now I see it in many ways.
We had people over for dinner not long ago. They asked me to play guitar and sing, it was right there. They love music. And hearing applause and seeing people enjoy art can be so humbling. But it’s celebration. I couldn’t take it. I actually said, “no more compliments!”. Ha, ha, what?!?
I think we’re conditioned to expect celebration for productivity and not for expression. I’m getting angry just realizing this! Thank you, Amie. Celebrate the wins. Deep breath! Fu•k!! The programming layers are so deep…
Oh I love this! And it feels like it was written at a perfect time for me. I just published my second Substack, i’m in the midst of doing an online sale of my art, I am experiencing one of strongest vulnerability hangovers I’ve ever had, and yet my brain goes “what’s next?!” Thank you for the reminder to slow down, feel all the feelings, and celebrate the wins!
vulnerability hangovers - wow, this speaks to me!
Gently, gently… you have given us so much & whether you know it or not, you are transforming peoples lives — on a cellular level!
Thank You for shining your star 🌟 so that others remember to shine theirs. The Universe is limitless!
Shine ✨ On, beautiful one, Shine ✨ On!
💗🙏🏼💗✨🌟✨💗🙏🏼💗
FYI: I fUking LOVE your book! It’s changing my life in every moment & I’m recommending it to every creative I know! 🤩
I threw myself a book shower to celebrate my accomplishment.
I've been following you since 2020. You help me through each day whether I'm conscious of it or not. The biggest congratulations to you!
Just watched your Ted Talk and grrrl did you burn on that stage! Loved it! 🔥
Will now put my phone away and start painting my legacy.
Take all the time needed to celebrate your brilliance! ✨
Love this ❤️
So well deserved- you are such a bright light to so many in the writing and artist community, I hope you take much patient time to celebrate that! ❤️☀️
I had a realisation about this recently. As a self-employed musician, I was shocked to realise that I have never celebrated a milestone or accomplishment or anything! I go from one thing to another, never feeling like the work is done or enough. Creatives need to set our own milestones/occasions and celebrate them, however small or big. It’s a big part of unwinding and reflection after a period of work.
Yesterday I exhibited and had a stall at a market for the first time. There was barely any footfall, but two people I didn't know paid to have me draw them and were happy with the resulting picture. I was so afraid, tried so hard to weasel my way out of doing it, but I did it. I did it!!! My friends bought me flowers and bought my pictures and told me they loved my art and I was brave. And now I'm just looking around like! It happened! It's such a small thing but I feel like if I can do that even when I was afraid I can do the next thing and the next thing.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I panic when I have these moments, and it's really helpful to hear that you have them too. You're doing the most by showing up authentically and it's really helping me conceive so much more clearly that life as a 'successful artist/author/art-maker' is something I could have.
Love love love.
Also, tell the "logical" part of your brain that it's okay to pause the marketing of We Need Your Art if you need a break - because right now, everyone who is reading it is recommending it to everyone they know. The readers are busy posting 5 star reviews. We are posting it on our Instagram. We are buying it for our friends. We are telling our partners to read it. You can take a few days off and let your readers do the work for you ;)
Yes to celebrating ourselves! Thank you for sharing your honest and beautiful words! ♥️
Also, like you've said before, we have no idea how our art touched other people's lives once we let it out into the world. This book is going to ripple & will take time as Artists read or listen
& apply it's wisdom.
Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re an inspiration and a gift to us all. 📚💕
Thank you for sharing your journal entry Amie. I love the tenderness of your process & am glad you are taking time to let your 2017 self sit in wonder at what you've achieved!
Your book found me, Amie. And because of that I finally allowed myself the time and permission to write about my family. It helped me to understand how to focus on one project at a time and for that insight alone (and there were SO many others!!) I am very grateful. Thank you so much for creating this book and putting it out into the world.
I think this is right. Yet I have a hard time seeing it. Now I see it in many ways.
We had people over for dinner not long ago. They asked me to play guitar and sing, it was right there. They love music. And hearing applause and seeing people enjoy art can be so humbling. But it’s celebration. I couldn’t take it. I actually said, “no more compliments!”. Ha, ha, what?!?
I think we’re conditioned to expect celebration for productivity and not for expression. I’m getting angry just realizing this! Thank you, Amie. Celebrate the wins. Deep breath! Fu•k!! The programming layers are so deep…