Be Gentle with Your Artist Soul
by Kathy Beekman, Art Career Coach and Professional Artist
The thing I often need to remind my clients is to be kind to themselves. We are the most important person in our lives. As artists, we often compare ourselves to other artists, if we take a break we think about how lazy we are or what else we should be doing with our time, and we assume we are not "good enough" because we don't get into a show. The list goes on and on.
Being kind to yourself changes the way you feel about yourself which influences every aspect of your artistic life and beyond. Being kind affects your stress levels and leads to a happier, healthier you. Speaking affirmatively is life-changing because in order to speak positively, you must think positively.
I'm presenting you with 7 affirmations to start you down your "being gentle with your artist soul" road. Affirmations are statements that help you to overcome self-sabotaging negative thoughts. They help you visualize and create positive change in your artistic life. To begin, I suggest adopting one of the following affirmations. You can print it out and place it in your creative space as a reminder to be kind to yourself.
I am an Artist. If making art makes me come alive, then I am an artist. I don't need validation or permission from anyone else.
My creative time is a priority. My creativity is important. It makes me who I am. I make time to create and nurture my soul.
I develop my artistic style. I take the time to explore my personal colors, marks and textures. They are part of my artistic language and help me find my artistic voice.
There are no rules. The "rules" are only helpful guidelines. They are there only if I need them. I always trust my artistic intuition.
I am gentle with myself. I let go of perfectionism and take time to find out what inspires me and resonates with my soul.
I make friends with my inner critic. It is a voice of concern and is trying to protect me. I breathe, relax, thank my inner critic and move on.
My art matters. My artistic vision will connect with someone. Through my art, I have a positive impact and inspire others.
Do you already have an affirmation that helps you? Would love to hear it.