As a writer, author and content creator, I spend A LOT of time staring at my computer. I bang away at the keys day after day hoping for a brilliant thought or a least a helpful bit of information for you, my readers. But, as the weather kept me inside last week on the East Coast, I felt the urge to get out of my space and into the world in search of creative inspiration.
I’m a fan of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and have written about her recommendation for periodic “artist dates.” I took her up on it this weekend with a trip to the Delaware Art Museum. It’s not the Louvre, but it is close to home, free on Sundays and it provided me with exactly what I needed — creative inspiration.
I’m not an art aficionado and I don’t know enough about art to pick out the intricacies, but I can relate to the feeling it brings. The featured exhibit this month was Pre-Raphaelite art named such because of the artists’ fondness for style focused on simplicity while a railing against intrusions of the industrial revolution. Of course, that’s not as important as what I read about the artists and the artwork itself. There are three things I took away from my visit.
Community
The Pre-Raphaelite artists formed a community, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. They worked together and supported each other, even when the larger artistic community was against them. Although many forms of art are solitary pursuits, these artists found a common bond and succeeded in developing a unique style.
How often do we stay in our own space, afraid or unwilling to gather with others who share our common interests? How much better would it be if we found a community and supported each other on our journey? I thrive in places which focus on shared success. Maybe you do, too. I belong to several organizations and groups both online and in my community like NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and Delaware Writers Network among others.
Sense of Purpose
The Pre-Raphaelites were driven by a perceived undoing of art and society and set out to use their talents to influence others. They felt that artistic style was on the wrong track with the coming of artists like Raphael and the emergence of the Renaissance. They also saw the Industrial Revolution as harmful to the natural world. Their art was a throwback to a simpler time and place. (Sound familiar?)
I’m not suggesting you should rail against cell phones and the undoing of society (whatever that means to you). I’m suggesting that we approach our work, our writing with a sense of purpose to make life better, leave a legacy and make our mark on the world. Money is not a clear enough motivator for me and I can ‘t change all of the ills in the world. But, I need to know that what I do makes a difference in people’s lives. Helping people find their words, develop their voice and share it with the world drives me to succeed. Empowering others empowers me.
[bctt tweet=”Does what you do make a difference in people’s lives? #purpose #writing”]
Mentorship
The third thing I found again and again in descriptions of the artwork was a note about who the artist studied under. The artists didn’t become great on their own. They found a teacher, a mentor to show them the finer points of the craft and support them through the process.
I used to try to do it all alone. If I only worked harder. If I only read more. If I only…. But, the reality is, it is hard to do it alone. I have a business mentor who looks out for me and guides me and keeps me on track. I have someone who I can look to for support and who I can look up to. Donna Duffy is successful in her own right and is there for me so I can find my success, too.
I know how hard it is to write a book. I know how hard it is to battle the distractions and uncertainty of the long process.
Who do you lean on for support? Do you have a mentor, coach or accountability partner? Do you have a community that makes you feel like you are part of something bigger?
Leave a comment and share your experience.
I love your points – it’s great when you can take something and find deeper insights within it. I am a huge fan of the Pre-Raphaelites – loved their paintings and also their desire to be different and get back to what they believed art really should be.
Thanks, Leanne. It was fun to get out into the real world and make those connections.
Hi Lois! I’m a HUGE fan of Julia Cameron and because I so wanted to write I began doing her “Morning Pages” to inspire me back in the ’80s and have been doing them ever since. Yes…that’s over 30 years now. They’ve become such a part of me that I can’t imagine my life without them….and yes, they have helped to create the writer I have become. Because of them, I’m happy to announce my 5th book!!! I also agree that we writers need support and purpose to stick with it. The good news is that the internet has changed the game and made that all possible. ~Kathy
Kathy,
It’s amazing how one small shift in our efforts can make such a big impact on our lives. Congratulations on your 5th book!
I love this! I really don’t have anyone to lean on I do everything myself. I don’t have a mentor but I do try to be one. Thank for this post! I am going to bookmark it and come back to it.
Thanks, Sherry. Having a writing partner, an accountability partner and now a coach, it really has made a difference in my confidence moving forward. And a kick in the pants, too!
Love this post! I am currently getting my health and wellness coaching certification and part of the program is coaching and being coached by someone else in the program. This sort of paired mentoring is incredibly helpful to me so that I am both working on my own stuff and I understand how it feels to be coached. I have been working on creating #SundayFunday as a result because I work 7 days a week (I’m an entrepreneur) and I’m not feeding myself spiritually or emotionally or creatively enough.
Stephanie, After going non-stop (and loving it), I’ve found that I need to step back so that I recharge. It is SO important!
Hi Lois,
I still have not heard back from Amanda about my Ebook. I need to contact Upworks, I think. I know many people here. They all seem to love your post. I appreciate the support you provide for us wannabe authors. Would you say two months is a reasonable or unreasonable length of time to compile an Ebook? I’m not sure if I should be panicking! Thanks!
Janice
Awesome post thanks. I am fortunate to have my husband to lean on. We check and edit each others writing, it is such a big help.
I love that you have come with a quality post for our Blogger’s Pit Stop
I found you through mostlyblogging, and I’m glad I did! You have a lot of good information here. Thanks!
I especially agree with the idea of mentorship. I think that’s a key element in any successful endeavor but one that too often women haven’t had enough experience with (perhaps that’s just my own experience). But it does help me remember to try to serve as a mentor whenever I can.
Shelley,
Sometimes we think of needing a mentor is a sign of weakness. I see it as a sign you want to grow. Serving as a mentor and encouraging people to seek you out is an awesome way to spread the love. Thanks for commenting!
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