As an artist, and a human, I can get caught up on the things I haven’t done (yet). For example, I may count the pieces in my latest body of work and lament that I only made 14 paintings.
Of course, another way to look at it is, “WOW, I made 14 paintings in two months!!! That’s amazing!”
The second perspective gives me something to celebrate, to honor and to build my creative-self up with. It leaves me feeling good, feeling worthy, and feeling like a success.
Yet, so often, I hear my inner voice start from the place of not good enough. It takes awareness and conscious reframing to claim the positive. Through working with other creatives over the years, I’ve learned that this mindset is not uncommon. Perhaps you can relate.
As creative beings, it is important for us to celebrate our creative wins. We can learn to cultivate an inner champion capable of drowning out the voice of the inner critic. The first step is to notice when the inner critic starts whining in our heads. Pay attention to what it is saying. Then consciously reframe the internal dialogue to highlight a creative win within the situation.
Take a moment to celebrate that win! Tell a trusting friend, do a mini victory dance, write “I did it!” on a post-it, or take yourself out for tea. Find some way to authentically honor your unique self-expression.
There may be more to do at a later time. Touch ups, revisions, rewrites, resubmissions. But just for today, honor and celebrate the creative wins in your life.
For me, that looks like celebrating the new series of 12 paintings I have made inspired by my retreat this past summer to the Cotswolds by hanging them in a local cafe and inviting friends to come celebrate with me on Nov 7th. There may be more paintings inspired by the trip, but for now, I will celebrate this collection.
What win will you celebrate today?
