From time to time, when we go through droughts of creativity, periods of sadness, or times of dissatisfaction, we often throw a bit of a pity party. We tend to look for someone or something to blame. We search with increasing frustration for the answer, the happiness, the next successful project. We lose equilibrium and sleep, gain stress and wrinkles.
We're going about it all wrong.
When these little bumps in your path arise, hit the pause button. Take these little blips as reminders. I find that when a project isn't coming out like I have imagined it, I have a choice. I can force it, or I can take the reminder. When I look at a full day of clients on my schedule, and suddenly have cancellations or no-shows, I can get upset, or I can take the reminder. When I am out in the world, wondering why people can't think like I do, I can give out angry finger gestures or I can take the reminder.
What is the reminder?
The reminder tells you to be patient. To set your struggles aside for just a little bit and look around you. What can you see? You might see other projects you've successfully completed. You might see evidence of past peaceful, happy times. You might, for just a small time, look at the world in new ways. You might realize that you have been going non-stop for far too long, and that your time for stopping to smell the roses is long overdue. You just might recognize the need to take some good old-fashioned care of yourself.
Don't freak out when the painting isn't just right! Don't stress when the words just won't form brilliant paragraphs! Don't go off the deep end when your day isn't as booked as your checkbook needs it to be!
Take the reminder...and rest.
Take a walk. Take a nap. Watch a movie. Catch some rays. Read a book slightly below your normal reading level. Play with some kids or puppies. Chat with a friend. Kiss someone you love. When you take some time to be open to the little things, which, as we all know, are the big things, your being slows down and opens up. Your senses take in things in completely different ways. Your guard is down, your enthusiasm is up. And guess what happens then? The answers sneak up behind you and lovingly make themselves known. Your projects turn out more gloriously than previously imagined. The next full work day you have will be one of your best and most rewarding. Your ideas will astound you and all those they reach. You will amaze.
Love yourself. Be as compassionate with yourself as you are with everyone you meet. Take the reminder when it comes, and witness the ripple.
