Artistic Discouragement

Yup, it’s those feelings again creeping in. They pay a visit every once in a while and when they do…it can feel hard to get out of.

Hopelessness / discouragement / heartache / judgement / imposter syndrome / anxiety / questioning yourself / comparison, ya know? All of those untrue narratives we may tell ourselves.

~ sighhhhhh ~

 Frankly, I think it’s very normal, very human and it happens to every single one of us. I also believe I’m finally coming to terms that perhaps I’m a “mope about it for a lil bit, maybe cry about it a lil bit and then I’ll start moving through it” kinda person. Ya know? Distractions are good too, but I would try to keep those as healthy as possible??? Cause then that’s another rabbit hole to get out of lol. 

I experienced these feelings a few weekends ago, where I was vending at a new market I hadn’t before. It was a very popular market & I paid a good chunk to be there. I felt so uncomfy most of the day & didn’t feel quite like myself.

But…it wasn’t because of the market at all—it was allll me, questioning and doubting myself & my self worth, comparing myself & putting a lot of pressure on myself when all I needed was to be an observer and student at the moment. (It also doesn’t help that we’re in eclipse season & the Fall Equinox was happing as well but that’s besides the point.)

To me, discouragement mostly happens when I’m in a comparison mode or when I put too much pressure on myself. I think some advice I’d offer that I believe is deeply important is to have is a good support system by your side, for any time but especially in times like these when you need that push a bit more. 

Some words someone in my orbit offered me was that looking back at “accomplishments” we’ve had in the past really helps moving through these feelings and I deeply agree. We’re a lot more powerful, more talented, more successful, more artistic and creative than we may give ourselves credit for, especially when we’re in these moments.

I wanted to share my experiences on this because I feel it may be very important as artists/entrepreneurs/business owners. I wanted to start a conversation— we’re just human and we’re all trying to figure it out. I hope if you’re reading this you find some resonance and know you’re not alone and you’re okay for feeling this way at times. I hope you know you’re talented and I hope you continue doing all of the things that light you up inside. 💛

-xo, besitos, Esperanza