There is something all creatives go through at one time or another, often referred to as "shiny object syndrome" where there are so many ideas (and sometimes distractions, overriding focus) pouring in, that overwhelm can take over.
The kind of overwhelm that shuts you down; complete creative paralysis! But wait, how can we be shut down when there are SOOOOOO many AMAZING ideas in our brains?
I have experienced multiple seasons of this in my career as a creative professional, and have also coached many artists through these seasons in their own creative journeys. Most of the artists I know and have coached, fall into the category of what I call "super-creatives".
What I mean by this, is that they are gifted in multiple creative genres. Many painters also sculpt, write, sing, compose music, play musical instruments, act, perform, design clothing or homes, sew, knit, paint furniture, make furniture, etc., etc., etc.
Even if your gifts are more streamlined, "shiny object overwhelm"
(that's what I like to call it) can rear its head.
What do I do next? I want to paint florals, no, I want to paint landscapes. Wait, I've been wanting to paint a new series of abstracts!!
People are waiting for Aspens. Seascapes are my specialty, But... I miss teaching. Should I teach? Am I ready to teach again? What would I teach? Do I teach in person? Do I teach online? Wait, what about my nearly finished book? I miss doodling in my art journal! Winter is coming, I really want to crochet my special scarfs!
UGH, my brain....I think I'll go have ice cream!
I just gave you a glimpse into the gist of one of my own journal entries!
We don't want to give ANYTHING up! The question is, do we have to? Do we have to give something up? There are coaches that would say "you must choose 1 thing, focus all of your attention on it, and let all else go". I am NOT one of those coaches, because I would NEVER force my own self to give up any practice I truly love. Sometimes, with so many ideas, we feel as if we're being pulled in a 1/2 dozen directions. I believe that if there is something or some "things" we truly feel a long term, deep desire or calling for, that those things are Meant for us. They are part of our Divine Destiny. My joy as a coach is in affirming what my clients' feel is true for them, and guiding them in orchestrating their Divine Calling.
There is such inner conflict when we feel pressured by ourselves or others to dismiss something important to us. I'd like to invite you to give yourself permission to take the pressure of by changing your thought from "Which things am I going to give up?" to "which THING am I going to do first?". "Which THING am I going to do NOW?".
I've learned over time, that what can seem like a 1/2 dozen different ideas, are sometimes ALL part of one big Divine Plan. They are not separate in and of themselves; they are related and connected, BUT there MAY be an order in which we will experience the most EASE, FLOW and JOY. Don't Ease and Flow sound good?
Here is how I go about deciphering an order.
(There are many ways, this is just one that feels good to me).
I look at all of the things, decide which thing feels the easiest, or quickest to complete, is joyful, AND positively impacts others. Why begin with the easier, quicker one? Because completion, or success, builds momentum. The feeling of accomplishment is empowering, and inspires us on to the Next thing. If we choose the hardest, most time intensive thing first, it's easy to get discouraged and not follow through, then come the feelings of shame and failure, then creative shutdown. What we need to do is create some immediate momentum.
Why do I first choose one that will positively impact others?
Because it's not all about me, and it's not all about you! We are all connected here on this earth. I believe we all have a responsibility to use our God Given Gifts and talents to the benefit of humanity. And when we do that, Blessings Flow. When we see that something we say, do or offer, positively impacts the life of even ONE, our momentum is elevated, and we are also operating within our purpose. The important thing, is to pick one and take the FIRST step.
We don't have to have it all mapped out ahead of time. I've found that as I bravely step out in faith and take that first step, the next step magically appears, and the path reveals itself in perfect timing. I believe all of our gifts and talents have a purpose, and that if we tune in to our inner guidance system, AND bravely act upon that guidance, these gifts will unfold into each other in perfect order. Someone is waiting for exactly the artwork you are being guided to create. Someone needs to read exactly what you are being guided to write. Someone has feelings to be expressed through your creative exercises.
Someone has written lyrics that are waiting for your melody. Someone needs the guidance that your experience and education can give. Someone is needing that FEELING your gifts and talents evoke.
Let's agree together to be unselfish with our gifts.
Let's agree together to be BRAVE!
In case no-one has told you today,
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE LOVED!
Now-Go DO the THING:)
Kimberly
