When my daughter hit the 5-6 month mark the separation anxiety era hit us full force.
Attached to my boob all the time it became impossible to do anything alone.
Although, as a writer this posed no issue to my creative consciousness…
Yet as an avid theater goer and dabbler in various dance classes, my evening escapades because harder to do, eventually deciding to give them up all together.
Which any artist knows, the majority ( if not all) is when classes and events are held during that prime bed-time hours 6-9pm.
Don’t get me wrong! I loved this baby era of sweet cuddles, feeding on demand, and having the privileged to be present for my baby.
I couldn’t shake the feeling like I should be doing more in my creative endeavors.
That I was failing, a failure.
All this to say:
Mothers in art face many hurdles when trying to balance their creative pursuits and the demands of parenthood.
I hope these 3 tips gift you with more self compassion as you navigate the ebbs and flows of the creative seasons.
PROCESS
Transformation is a process, and as life happens, there are many ups and downs. It’s a journey of discovery. There are moments at mountain tops and moments in deep valleys of despair.
Rick Warren
When I feel pressured I’m not at the height of my creative dreams, I remind myself to slow all the way down.
Often, we feel rushed for future results we stop living in the present.
It’s liberating to let go and enjoy the process.
The process of slowness,stillness, productivity, and inspiration that make up this creative ride.
SUCCESS
What does success look like for you?
Too often, we are swayed by our family, friends,and society’s ideal of success, we don’t realize we’re striving towards someone else vision.
Success is diverse for anybody, including mothers in art, depending on values:
For example:
- Perhaps, you value family and community. Building a home is your main focus, and you love creating on the side as a hobby.
- Maybe you love sharing your creative knowledge and dream of becoming a teacher in your field.
- You enjoy business and reading and can’t wait to open up your own book store
- All you do is dream about publishing a book or selling out of your art pieces
AKA :
Dreams can be big or small!
SOUL CARE
As mothers in art, it’s so easy to become wrapped up in taking care of everyone else, we forget to take care of the most important person:
Ourselves!
Because If our cup isn’t full, how can we show up for our families in a loving and meaningful way?
It sounds bold to say, because as women,conditioning has taught us to dim our light ( and boundaries!)
Yet nonetheless mothers in art ( or any endeavor) has the right to demand boundaries to spend time on your creativity ( while still being the most attentive and amazing parent!)