Damn I need a break! A real break. It occurred to me recently that I went mostly all of 2023 without hardly taking a real break. I pushed hard and it wasn’t until Christmas that I realized that I need to slow down. Anyone else have those moments like this? When I got sick the week before Christmas (and still feeling pretty sick afterwards), I took that as a sign to chill.
I’ll do better this time.
NEW BLOG POST!
I almost forgot why I started this art life.
Last year was the year for learning and now that it’s 2024 it has to be different. My goals are very simple - learn something new and keep growing every year. Meet new people, minimize distractions and keep exploring other creative avenues. There will be days when I’m not motivated. Who doesn’t feel like that every once in a while? One thing I’m glad I didn’t do was give up. I always went back to my why. I’ve had those nights while I painted and wondered “Where would I be if I just let this all go? Would I be content with my life?”
Content? No, because I know my life would’ve consisted of work and home and longing for a creative outlet. I became an artist because I believe in my heart this is what I was called to do. Looking back to 2010 as that struggling makeup artist that did the best she could to fulfill her calling while taking care of her family, I refuse to throw in the towel now. I’ve come so far and established three businesses to get here. “How dare I entertain the idea of giving up!”
My only regret for 2023 is that I didn’t go outside as much as I wanted to. I did two pop up shops and attended a few art shows. I wanted to attend more and meet the local artists like I hoped for. Friday nights after a long work week, all I could think about was resting and being home with my family. Also, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to leave my kids home alone on a Friday night until either myself or my husband got home. I dwelled about this all year. In exchange for not being present in person, I turned my focus to social media. I still needed to make my presence be known that I exist but I think I may have poured a little bit too much into this idea. I got comfortable with the interaction along with keeping up with home life and my day job. Time and attention got away from me and I later found myself kicking my own ass. “How in the hell did I allow this happen?” After recently discussing this with my husband, he reassured me that the kids were good and encouraged me to go out.
I underestimated the challenges that comes with being an artist. I briefly fell off my square. “I can’t keep doing this. I’m lost in my daydreams and creating excuses again. Remember your why.” A week ago, I took a little trip to Midtown Detroit and stopped inside a few clothing stores and a bookstore. The clothing stores support their artists by displaying their wall art throughout the store. “Where have I been? These are beautiful.” A few brief chats with the owners as I visualized my next opportunities to get my work in there.
“I won’t get far just sitting around on my ass all day. If I want to see more change, get better opportunities, build more for myself and my family, I can’t do it all behind a screen.” It’s true. I enjoy talking to people on social media but I enjoy in person conversations better. I’m taking that down a notch and bringing my awareness back to the people in metro Detroit. You just never know who you meet.
I learned some valuable lessons and I won’t let anyone or anything deter me like that again.
Thank you for reading.
Peace,
Alex B
Just the message I needed to be reminded of this week. You’re doing amazing! I look forward to reading more about all the growth 2024 brings you.
You're welcome and thank you so much! I'll be doing more writing this year so I'm looking forward to that.