Making Art in the Apocalypse

Trying to focus on our good work in the midst of chaos

I am constantly underestimating how long things take. I can’t think of a single time that I was plotting a project in my head where I didn’t incorrectly assess the amount of time needed to get the job done. I am a chronic over thinker and last minute scrambler; always looking for some outside pressure to force me over the finish line.

I also tend to forget about asking for help, or overlook opportunities for delegation. Not every project needs to be completed asap, and often times there is a special season for each great idea. Even though I find myself designing planners, I cannot claim to have mastered any secret tricks when it comes to the elusive idea that is time management. I have accepted the fact that as much as I love to plot and create new realities, it’s my scattered attention that is the backdrop of most of what I accomplish. Never perfection, always pretty much ‘good enough’!

However, for the past few years my attention has been split like the fine hairs of a summer peach. I have often felt ripe with juicy ideas (sorry, I had to) but to implement them has been a daily battle of who gets to my consciousness first - the latest terrible news, or me? Staying alert and aware of what’s happening in the US and abroad is more important than ever, but it has taken its toll on our spirits. While my physical safety is not currently being threatened there is a continuous hum of uneasiness that I think many Americans feel right now, and yet, many of us have to keep banging our creative drum in order to pay the bills. So what gives? How can I hold onto the belief that my ideas are still good and worthy of pursuit? And how can I also keep getting paid?

I could blame a few other specific things taking my attention away: my damned phone, the lack of a consistent meditation practice, being a busy parent, and maybe even lack of funds to take a real vacation to recharge. Probably too much coffee too. Most days though, I think it boils down to my tendency to recoil when I need to check in, especially during these tougher political times. Self-preservation is one thing, but so often this reclusiveness can become my go to. Whether the ‘apocalypse’ is happening on the outside or inside my mind, I know deep down that tapping into a community of likeminded, creative folks is where the medicine always lives. Incase you missed my essay last week I sort of touch on that big truth there. I know that societal change takes time, and it’s not all up to me to make the change. But even while my rational side will understand this, I find that all other parts of me remain in the mud, unable to inch forward. To feel paralyzed daily by the momentous times we are in is to be human with an empathetic heart, and yet, I know I have a massive human community out there feeling the exact same way just beyond my keyboard.

So, all this to say: I’m starting a chat. If you are not familiar with Substack’s chat feature it’s simply a typed chat box that will be hosted on the Forever Flame page. This is a total experiment so thank you in advance for bearing with me while I try something new! My main goal with this chat is to open up a space where we can share our experiences when it comes to pursuing creative goals during shitty times. If you are a person with creative dreams and ambitions, this chat is for you! I’m hoping by opening up the conversation we can all gain a bit of support, connectedness, and maybe learn some new tools when it comes to staying focused on our individual projects and goals no matter what our world is going through.

This will be a safe space for open discussion and I plan to post a new question or prompt on Mondays. For now this will be open to all subscribers but could change. Again, this is a total experiment. I hope you’ll join me!

Be on the lookout shortly for an email invite to join the convo if you wish.

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Shop News:

I am working on a new series of self-guided workshops. I have an assortment of topics I’d like to cover but I would love some help picking which one to focus on first! These workshops will be geared towards artists and small business owners who are trying to either launch their business or expand their knowledge in key areas.

Click an option below to give your two cents:

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Buy in bulk and enjoy discounts

Just a reminder that when you purchase multiples of our journals, notebooks, or greeting cards you get an automatic discount. Plus! Orders over $65 now enjoy free shipping within the US.

There are a few new notepads now in the shop, plus our Rare Rose shirt is now 20% off. Snag one before they’re gone forever.

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Thank you as always for your support and following along on this messy ride with me.