I've been feeling the fear a lot lately: that paralyzing feeling of uncertainty and self-doubt.
There have been a lot of moments in the past few weeks where I really doubted that I could make this work, or that this was even a good idea. This includes being an artist, running my own business, even blogging -- everything is new for me, and even some of the little parts of it can be intimidating.
This weekend I visited the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit at the De Young Museum and was really interested to learn many of her paintings came out of moments of negative feelings -- pain, sadness, maybe even anger. Yet (I think) they are truly beautiful paintings and create a lightness and happiness within their own world.
This quote of hers really rang true for me:
I've been terrified every moment of my life, and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to.
-- Georgia O'Keeffe
Yes and yes. Pushing through the hard stuff today. Best of luck with everything you're trying to make happen!
xo Diana
P.S. As I was working on writing this piece, Emma's post on a similar topic popped right up! Always reassuring to know that other people are going through similar things!
Yes. That quote is it. I still deal with fears/doubts every day, but my biggest moment was a couple years ago when I started teaching biz + web courses. Terrified. Each time I teach, I'm a little more comfortable, but I recently realized there would probably always be at least a little fear.
ReplyDeleteI love you post because I think the biggest/best question we can ask ourselves is: What am I willing to do even when I'm terrified?
Good luck as you push through the difficult things today. You're not alone!
P.S. Love your blog space that I just found.
Oh hun, you're right - there ARE other people going through the same things/feelings as you (take me, for example!), and we're here to support, encourage, and inspire each other! It's so hard not to compare yourself with others, not to doubt yourself, or think that things are just too hard. But I've learned that overcoming those fears are what makes us better - as people and as creatives!
ReplyDeleteIt's so crazy that there are so many people thinking about this topic right now! I feel like it's not often that people talk about it and then when I say that "out loud" I see everyone writing about it! It is nice to know I'm not alone, and I definitely wish you the best in your endeavors. You are wildly talented and your blog is so so great! Pursuing your dreams is scary, but when you have other people that are similar to you that are cheering you on, it's not so scary anymore. Thanks for supporting me and I will most definitely be supporting you in any way I can!
ReplyDeleteEmma
I'm right with you dear. So often I find myself questioning, "what the hell am I doing?" (pardon my French), "I should know exactly what I want to do by now." But to be honest, I am having a blast still figuring it out, creating every day, and connecting with other creatives. I have always loved Georgia O'Keeffe, and now she resonates with me even more. I love this quote! Thank you for sharing, and know you're not alone. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Regina -- thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment! You're absolutely right that the more you do things, the less fear you have, but it never does quite go away (I definitely remember that from my days teaching). I think the fear might be a bit necessary -- to push us that extra bit to make things awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by your blog and loved it! Great resources -- especially for a newbie blogger like myself. :)
Aw, thanks so much Jessica for your kind words! I was definitely a bit nervous to put this post out there, but was so amazed by the positivity and support that flowed in after. I am always amazed by how lovely the blogging community is! :) Best of luck with all the things you're pushing yourself to achieve!
ReplyDeleteI know, right!? Seems like this general feeling is kind of sweeping through the blogging community. I really appreciate that so many people seem willing to discuss these feelings -- and step in with supportive comments to others. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new blog design by the way -- it looks great! I'm thinking of switching back to a two-column design as well. :)
Haha yes, exactly! It's definitely a roller coaster of highs and lows to do this type of work -- I definitely go through periods of "how am I so lucky to get to do this???" followed by "why am I doing this to myself???" Haha -- hoping to even this emotional ride out a bit. :) Best of luck with all your design work -- I've been loving your sneak-peaks of moodboards and in-progress work. :)
ReplyDeleteI just have to say that it doesn't seem like you are new at this! Reading your posts and looking at your breathtaking art makes it seem like you are a veteran artist and totally comfortable in what your do!!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you for saying that, La Tache! I'm glad to hear that's the sense the blog gives off (I'm definitely trying!), but this is really the opacity of social media at work -- there's so much figuring out on the fly that happens here haha! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this! Everything is scary when it's new and even when it's not. But all things happen for a reason and you were meant to be an artist and a blogger because you're so very talented!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! And thanks for the reminder that things can be scary even when they're not new. :) I recently watched Lisa Congdon's talk on "Embracing the Abyss" and it was a great lesson in how the same issues can come up for even people really established in their fields.
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