Can we take a moment and talk about procrastination? I know it’s not the most glamorous of subjects, but it can certainly block a lot of awesome energy in our lives.
Can you relate to being your own worst enemy sometimes? Please tell me I’m not alone. I’ve been deep in the creation process of some new artwork that I’m really excited about and I’m flat out astounded to be face to face with my own procrastination ‘techniques’ (again).
It’s freakin’ funny how much time I spend preparing to do my work instead of actually doing it. Even when it’s something I really love to do.
I’ve always been ashamed of just how much procrastinating I do, even (or especially) when I’m up against my own deadlines. Typically I wouldn’t even discuss this, except I’m committed to loving all the parts of myself and this is an area that I’ve held big shame around.
Just for fun (and maybe to procrastinate even further) I made a list of all the things I did one morning to either distract from or get ready to make art.
It’s liberating to out myself and I hope you find comfort in it or get a good chuckle, at least. And hey, if you’re a chronic procrastinator like me, don’t worry, we are all in this together!
Here’s my list:
Search Youtube for inspiring videos, watch one (or three)
Walk the Dog
Organize all art supplies, color coding markers
Build special altar for project with specific crystals, search all over the house to find the ‘perfect’ ones
Reread the intentions from last week when I was originally suppose to start project
Make sure all pictures are straight on the wall (no joke, i did that)
Burn something (incense, sage, etc..)
File fingernails
Uh oh, really good song comes on Pandora so of course, stop everything and have a dance party
Look around for more dishes to wash
Pull a few cards to add to the altar
Bring out all stimulating essential oils from medicine cabinet and proceed to douse myself
Think about what’s for lunch
Look through old journals for more inspiration
START drawing (Oh boy I’m on a roll now!)
20 minutes later realize it really is time for lunch
Eat lunch
Take inventory just to make sure there’s enough dark chocolate nearby to get through the afternoon of art making
Burn something
Make another pot of tea
Check Facebook to see if anyone liked morning post
Start drawing (YES!)
Oh my gosh, I could go on! Seriously crazy amount of avoidance going on here. BUT within all that is the creative energy AND the golden opportunity to practice what I preach.
Have you ever given someone REALLY great advice, only to realize as you hear your own words of wisdom that they are EXACTLY what you needed to hear yourself? Yea, me too. Like everyday.
I make the Life Is Beautiful calendar (daily affirmations with a heavy focus on Self-Love) because I want to create a more loving world. AND I make the calendar because I desperately need those same words of encouragement and support. I can be hard on myself like you wouldn’t believe. I can judge and shame and pick apart everything I even attempt to do. It’s crazy! At the same time, my mission burns in my heart and most of the time, my heart finally wins.
SO if there is something you want to do, some whisper in your heart, don’t worry about the process of getting there. Just keep that whisper alive. Just let that spark live on and somehow through the “2 steps forward 1 step back” dance of life, your heart will WIN.
Go easy with the judgements. Every so often to tell yourself, “I’m doing a really great job”. “My process is uniquely my own.” “I’m darn good at what I do.” And when the negative voices flare up, try to see that as an old story that might have served you long ago, but doesn’t serve you anymore.
As always, be kind to yourself and laugh as much as possible! Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Sending creative sparkles your way,
Sarah Love
Sarah Love is the visionary artist behind the I Stand For Love movement and the creator of the “Life Is Beautiful and So Are YOU!” calendar. She weaves magical intentions into all of her creations. Besides firing up the Love Revolution her most favorite things to do are facilitate ceremonies, finger paint, hike through lush landscapes, drink jasmine tea and ponder the mystery of it all.
Say hello to Sarah (and find out how to become a Love Warrior) at www.istandforlove.com
