Grove of Trees . 9 × 12’ . Oil . Pat Thompson
You have a creative heart. You have the creative spirit. You are at peace when you paint or draw, when you write, when you play the instrument you love; but where to find the time? Life is busy.
It can be discouraging for sure; I get it, I’ve been there, I’m still there. LIFE IS BUSY!
At times it just seems easier to forget, or at least try to put it behind you, waiting for a better time. You wrestle with so many obligations, taking care of and raising children, or a job or career that takes all your energy and time. Taking care of your home, meal planning, shopping, and preparation. Family holidays, family obligations, and at some point, caregiving can often become part of our lives.
This has been my life, and I’m guessing for many of you too. Can you relate? Does your own life have a similar version?
Whenever I tried to put my creative life behind me and focus only on the needs of today, I would lose a little of my authentic self.
What is the solution? It isn’t easy, and I wouldn’t recommend what I’m about to say if I haven’t lived this myself.
Don’t wait.
We think that perhaps waiting until the kids grow up, waiting till the mortgage is paid, waiting for retirement, waiting until things are more settled. Perhaps then we can get back to our creative life?
I have found that the slowdown we anticipate might not show up. The slowdown has never shown up for me, and when it looks as though it might be around the corner, something new turns up.
I have had to take breaks myself; I get it. There are things that will completely shut you down. I had a long stretch I called the Pampers years. Yes, I have two sons, and there was a five-year stretch of diapers, sleep deprivation, childhood illness, and scheduling. It was also a magical time filled with so much love that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
This is also what is known as a full life, so it’s actually a wonderful thing too. What’s important is not to think of your creative self as an extra, disposable part of your journey, waiting for the right time. Don’t wait.
Once my youngest was out of Pampers, I found a weekly art class. It wasn’t always continuous, but I had to find a way back to myself, who I truly am at my core.
A once-a-week class, an occasional workshop if possible. Or choose a time once a week for a few hours, almost like a date with yourself to create. It will make a difference. It isn’t easy, but I realized I couldn’t keep my authentic self locked in a closet until the time was perfect.
I have a friend who moved into her new home with a dedicated studio. It also came at a very overwhelming time in her life; she just couldn’t squeeze in time for painting. So once a week, she would sit in her studio with the door closed and read art books for an hour. It’s all she could do for a while, but it kept that part of herself inspired and moving forward.
Make it a priority. Sketch a teacup, sketch a sleeping family member or child, practice the piano, write in a journal, just make it happen even if it’s not ideal. It will keep your momentum going even through slow times and, sometimes, when complete breaks happen, get back to it as soon as you can. You will be moving in the right direction. If you don’t claim some time for yourself, no one else will do it for you.
Don’t wait for the time to be perfect; just do it now. Don’t wait.
“Expectation”
9 × 12’ . Pastel . Pat Thompson