One Key Tool for Navigating Change

What happens when (unwelcome) change occurs? In particular change that happens unexpectedly or without explanation. This type of change can be the most frustrating because we don’t have a chance to prepare for it. In regards to our creative work, when something changes that suddenly takes us away from the coveted creative flow, watch out world, because we will not be happy.

I speak of personal experience here, especially in the last few weeks. My daughter has been sick with the most persistent cough, then I got sick (big surprise there). A trip away for a week, then coming back and we’re all starting to get sniffles again. This is week three of not feeling 100% and with a few other things happening that has taken priority over my work, I’m completely winging things at the moment. With a show coming up at the end of the month, I’m starting to feel frantic about having the stamina to get things ready in time.

But, here’s the secret to when things feel really, really difficult/frustrating: Reframe.

This is a beautiful way to switch the pity party….I mean story in your head, to a widened perspective so your problems don’t feel so heavy anymore. It’s a way to take yourself out of the equation and lessen the frustrations that you may be feeling.

My current reframe is this: there are many people that are in a much more difficult circumstance than I am, so even on my bad days, I am so grateful for what I DO have. I have support, I have a loving (and very patient) family, I have access to a doctor if I need it, I have the tools I need to get through this. And I will be okay - and that is a gift I do not take lightly.

So yes, unexpected difficulties will come up from time to time. Conflicts will happen that will deter us from your plans, people will come in and out of your life and our artwork will sometimes have to take the sideline, but are you here? Are you breathing? Did you see the sun outside today? Do you have fresh water to drink and a warm meal to eat in the evening? Then you are still capable of carrying hope and things will get back to normal. You will find your flow again and it will be magnificent.

I will mention that reframing a situation is not always easy and it takes practice (and perhaps some therapy) to be able to do it regularly. Some circumstances are very difficult and I never want to downplay those. But our day to day frustrations can feel a whole lot lighter if we do the work internally. You are the one in charge of how you feel, so remember that. And t echo one of my favorite quotes: As with your attitude, so goes your life.

I hope this has been helpful for you, know that it is okay to ask for support when you need it and also know that this is something we all face. So let’s talk about it more and make it a habit to do a reframe as often as we need it.

From my studio to yours, shimmer on.