So I planned to be painting every day and building a portfolio, but, well, life went a different direction last week. A family emergency took my energy and attention, and my physical body too, away from doing any artwork.
I am back at home and the crisis seems to be over, but now I have to deal with the aftermath – the stress. I have read many articles that will say that creating art can reduce stress, but I can’t even think of picking up a paintbrush when the adrenaline is still flowing, or when I am in full body exhaustion from the crash later. For me, creativity is something that happens in my natural state, and can’t ever be forced. It feels like my head is not attached to my body at the moment, much like my son’s Halloween costume.
(c) 2014 Amanda Balough
I think maybe those advice articles refer to normal stress, like tons of laundry and hectic schedules. Making time for creativity in every day life is a great way to keep stress manageable. But I’m not sure how long it will take to recover from this level of stress I feel currently or how to get back to the easel. It seems that no matter how tired I am, I can always write though, and so here I am blogging instead of painting. Nothing creative though, just the facts and some research.
Here’s a link to an article on the science of creativity.
Today I plan to take the advice in this article and sleep. I will also eat healthy foods, and make sure I nurture myself to allow the stress to melt away and the creativity to flow freely once again.
Here’s another blog on how stress kills creativity.
I hope everyone else has had a much less stressful start to their new year, and I hope to be back at painting and sharing my new projects here soon.
Amanda Balough Art 
I am sorry you had a rough week. I hope you are able to find a way to de-stress and get back to what you love!
Thanks Jen! Your support really helps me stay motivated 🙂
I agree with Jen. Hope you will soon get back to your love of art.
Thank you. I am painting again and loving it! Nothing can keep me away for too long now – I have a dream to chase 😉
EXPECTATIONS
Life isn’t as we all expect
It doesn’t go that way
We have to make the most of it
And take it day by day
Have no regrets about the past
And do not live in fear
Of what might come, and never does
Just put your focus here
Here in this moment, that’s the place
To make the most of life
Whatever comes, just turn it ’round
Create some joy from strife
I know you have that strength in you
I’ve seen it there before
Just draw on that to see you through
Don’t look back anymore.
That’s lovely and exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks! 🙂
Sorry to hear about the poor start to 2014. Just remember to take baby steps- sit down with some crayons and doodle a beach scene with with a palm tree, a rainbow, a treasure chest full of pineapples and a surfer juggling coconuts! Just something to get you started….
Crayons are underestimated, that’s for sure. I loe your ideas! Funny though, I did draw a beach scene, see today’s post! Thanks for making me smile 🙂
thank you, the article and the true happiness rays began to warm hearts, when we share it with sincerity. Greetings from Gede Prama 🙂