Chapter 4 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO CREATING

I've been revisiting portions of my book, Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics, and am amazed at how relevant the writings are concerning my current creative journey.  Chapter 4 addresses obstacles us creative eclectics often struggle to overcome. I highlight topics such as dealing with depression (typical of the artistic temperament), …

The Creative Calling: 10 Suggestions for Overcoming Self-Doubt

"You were born to create. Never forget it! It brings joy to you and to others." My dear friend, Kristi, Zenno, sent me this encouragement after I sent her a photo of the Christmas card I'd made for my Zazzle Store. Little did she know I was struggling with doubt concerning my creative calling. The …

Clarity

Have you ever longed for clarity? Or noticed that when vision blurs, daily life frustrates? It's not as if you can tell yourself, "I have to do this now, but I'll get back to ___________ later" because you don’t know what _______________ is. Every interruption increases internal turmoil. You feel as if life's daily demands …

Depression and the Artistic Temperament

If you’re an artistic soul, then you’ve battled depression, this enemy of soul. You’ve got this light, bright side most people see and admire, and then there’s the dark place only those closest to you know you crawl into at times. Berit Grogard D.M.Sci., Ph.D.’s article, “Positives of Depression on Artistic Expression,” presents a scientific …

When Change Causes the Blues

Have you ever noticed that change can cause dips into depression? I sure have! In fact, even the anticipation of change can stir up sadness over leaving the old to pursue the new. And even though you are thoroughly convinced the new home or new job or new location is best, you might find yourself …

When a Writer Grows Restless

I’ve noticed an interesting dynamic that occurs in my writing life. When a message begins to form, it often masks as a mild depression, a sense that all is not well in my soul. Sometimes the struggle to figure out the reason for my malaise lasts for days. And what befuddles me the most is …

Live Towards the Light

Live Towards the Light is a mixed media piece that addresses the artistic soul’s dark side. Those times when cloaks of confusion, anxiety, and despair fall over your heart, mind, and soul. Depression runs in my artistic family, and I know we’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve talked to countless other creative people who struggle …

Full Wings for Full Flight

I wonder whether bouts of depression occur when an artist’s soul goes into creativity’s womb to conceive an artistic expression. Dark, damp places of soul wrap around huddled form, smothering mind with doubts, obstructing hope from filtering through a mood so somber that it makes her flinch. Then in the chrysalis of creativity, she comes to …

The Dance of Depression

I’ve heard it said that depression is anger turned inwards, but I wonder whether depression often blankets my soul when change is in the air. Perhaps I’m out of sync with my Savior and the darkness of mind is an indication that I need to listen more intently. Maybe my path needs to alter and …