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Let’s talk about some scary stuff: anxiety, self-doubt, and fear.

It feels like a really weird time right now to be an artist, a creative person, or… just a (super) human.

There are technological upheavals, layoffs, wars, mean people in comment sections, and so much heavy stuff happening, in what feels like all around us, and all at once. I think we’re just doing the best we can to get through each day.

But sometimes you have a really bad moment that spirals into a bad day, and it’s just overwhelming.

To be honest, the internet and social media haven’t felt as fun for me lately, and I bet it’s probably felt similar for you, too, in whatever you’re dealing with. As a rule, I generally try to stay upbeat and positive, and feel like I mostly do a good job, but when I’m at a low point… it feels REALLY low.

I had one of those moments yesterday. It felt like a lot of things caught up to me, all at once (you know the expression, “When it rains, it pours?” yeah, that), and I think I just needed to let it out and have a good cry. But if you’re a busy bee like me, finding the time to just let it out is hard. But it’s so, SO important and I’m trying to show myself grace in those moments and schedule it when necessary.

Because once you face it and feel the thing, you can battle it and move on.

So if you were there for me yesterday (or checked in on me today), thank you. If you weren’t and you didn’t know I was struggling, please don’t be harsh with yourself (or me, my anxiety thanks you). I’m still learning how to reach out and accept help when I need it or it’s offered. I’m still learning that it’s not a weakness to be vulnerable.

What I’m trying to say is (and I say this to remind myself as well), that you don’t have to do it alone, and you probably shouldn’t.

See the greatness in yourself. But when you can’t, have a team of people who will remind you.

Then take it one step further, and remind others of their greatness and be the light in the darkness. You never know when someone really needs to see it.

“You’re selfish.”

If that’s the voice of your inner critic, too – maybe take a step back and think. Is that YOUR voice or someone else’s?

Chances are it’s not yours but someone close to you, who you loved, who called you that. Maybe more than one person.

I once read that our meanest inner criticisms are not things we’ve thought about ourselves, but what someone else has called us. Makes sense, right?

So… are you selfish for taking care of yourSELF?

No… At least, not the “bad” kind we focus on in society when we think of the word “selfish.”

Doing what lights you up, what makes you happy, what makes you a better YOU is not the bad kind of selfish.

Being a better version of yourself makes you better for the people you love.

If you can’t take care of yourself, how on earth can you take care of anyone else?

Take back the power.

The next time your inner critic pipes up and calls you selfish when you’re pursuing your dreams, you can always respond with, “Yeah – I am. But this isn’t your story. This is mine.”

Or… Think of something cool, pretend I said it.

I believe in you 💜

Real talk, friends.

I’ve been really tired lately. A lot has been going on. From teaching a camp all day long and then working at night – it’s been nonstop. I’m making plans for big moves. I’m trying to figure out the future.

I’ve missed all of my workouts since Monday. Normally I’d be really upset with myself for choosing to sleep in for an extra hour versus getting that done before work.

But I’m doing what my therapist has been trying to get me to do for two years now: show myself some grace and chill a little bit.

Not all of my progress will be undone in three days.

Getting a little extra rest might pay off for my own mental health, my physical health, and make me a better teacher for my kiddos this week. It might even help me have more energy for the other people in my life who need me.

And it’s okay.

So to my fellow Type 1 enneagrams and perfectionists, I see you and I give you permission to breathe and rest for a little bit.