The word on the streets is recession. Yet, with Valentine’s day upon us, a certain sweetness filled the air with much lighter feelings… (thank goodness!) And within that magic, I found hope and an idea, for how to keep creative dreams afloat in today’s uncertain times.
Call me a romantic, but I think the answer is love.
Look at it from a lover’s point of view. If you love your craft and your business, you must nurture it, so it can endure through tough times. You can’t stop loving in hardship. These are the times that make or break a relationship. So in your creative pursuits, it should be the same. Stick to it. Believe in something bigger than the economy. Believe in your journey. Believe in love.
Like in a relationship, there comes a time to show your trust. Take this time to open up to a new perspective. Explore new creative outlets. Exercise your flexibility. Trust the path. Trust your heart.
This is also the time to form everlasting and solid connections. Reveal more of yourself. Bare your soul. You must be willing to go naked. You must be willing to go deeper. You must develop a stronger identity. Whether if it is for your business or just a creative outlet, a stronger sense of self will show you new ways of achieving your highest potential.
Cultivate the same values you honor in a loving partnership. Be truthful about your expectations and how much time and money you can invest on your projects. Confidence is sexy. Stay confident. Honesty is key. Communicate openly. You must surrender your ego. You must swallow your pride. Don’t forget to be compassionate and accepting of your flaws either. The love for your life’s work should be unconditional.
And finally, no matter what… Don’t obsess. Just stay committed, grateful and generous. It’s a love affair after all… You must let it be.
Picture and words courtesy of Honorary Sister / Guest Blogger Alex of Gypsy Girl’s Guide.
What an absolutely beautiful and thoughtful post. So many of my own feelings expressed perfectly. Thank-you for sharing….
I love this post! Thank you!
And I started a new photo project of a place that I love. I am excited and nervous to showcase these photos at the same time!
http://www.mamaofletters.com/Site/The_Focal_Point/Entries/2009/2/15_The_William_Harris_Homestead.html
Thanks for putting into words what I am trying to do. It’s hard for me to trust myself, but so worth it when I get a great shot.
wow, what a thoughtful post. I want love to be the motivator in my life, in every area, why should the creative process be any different?
A really wonderful post. I’ve come back to re-read it several times already, and I’m sure I’ll read it yet again. Thank you.
your words ring true and fill the day with comfort ~blessings ELK
Such a wonderful post. I agree with Renee, I want love to be my motivator too in my life. It has been the word that rings in my ear throughout the day. My favorite LOVE quote:
"I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge."
~ Og Mandino
Oooh. This speaks to my heart. Yes it does.
Thoughts, words and advice that all of us should take in to consideration daily….thank you for putting your wonderful thoughts in to such eloquent words.
Jennifer (www.wishfulthinking.typepad.com)
I have to admit, my business and I are at the obession stage and I love it. But I promise, when it’s time to just be, I will. I’ll be "committed, grateful and generous". Great post. One of my client’s is a photographer and she forward this to me. Now I will forward this on to my other photographer client.
You’re so right, Alex. We mustn’t give up on ourselves and our dreams. All too often, we forget to nurture our own dreams, because we’re too busy taking care of others. This is an excellent reminder to stay focused on achieving our goals. xo
Yes! I agree with you Alex. Love can do wonders for us. The key is "believe".
Why not me?
Why not now?
xoxo!
Girls! You make amazing photographs. You´ve definately got the sensitivity, the talent and the intelligence required.
Well done. I like taking photos too but I am not that good.
Greetings from Spain,
Beatriz
What a great photo! Great post. Made me feel better today.
This is really beautiful, Alex. Thanks for the reminder. xo
Simply divine. -e
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The authoritative message :), funny…
Big to you thanks for the necessary information.
What phrase… super, a brilliant idea
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