I used to think if I bought the right course, or organized the perfect art space, or finally finished a project without stopping, I wouldn’t feel behind anymore.
Karen, I love that! It’s such a beautiful reminder. The joy really is in the making, not just the final piece. Thank you for teaching that — we need more of that kind of encouragement in the world.
Earlier in the week I made a pig's ear of dome printing I was trying to get the hang of (by trial and error, because I can't follow instructions. Long story...). All the usual 'failure' spiral stories kicked-in.
BUT I put the pieces aside, and days later I am still working on them, learning from them , having fun , and making art 💙
Oh Janey, I love how you turned your "pig's ear" into an ongoing art adventure! It's such a great reminder that those messy starts often lead to the most joyful discoveries. Keep following your instincts—clearly, they're leading you someplace wonderful. 💙✨
I had a stroke in December. When I got home from the hospital, I gave my studio to my daughter to turn into a library. Bless her heart, she left room
For me to continue my art! I think that she believes in me more than i do! She keeps telling me that I should be teaching the courses that I keep signing up for. When I read this, it really resonated with me. Thank you for writing this!!!!
Oh Judy, thank you for sharing this — what a powerful and tender story. Your daughter sounds like such a gift… not only making space for your art but holding space for you and your creative spirit. Sometimes it takes someone else believing in us to remind us of what’s still possible.
And maybe she’s right — maybe you should be the one teaching! You have so much wisdom to share, especially after walking through something as life-changing as a stroke and still showing up with creativity in your heart. I’m so glad this resonated with you. You’ve inspired me today.
You’re so right! If she didn’t believe in me, I would’ve given up…I don’t think that it would’ve been permanent, but it would’ve taken a lot more time to get going again.
That kind of belief is everything, isn’t it? Sometimes just one person holding the light for us makes all the difference. I love that she showed up for you like that. And I believe you would’ve found your way back eventually—but how beautiful that you didn’t have to do it alone. We all need someone to remind us of who we are when we forget.
Wow this post really struck a chord with me! I feel like I've tried and failed at so many things and feel completely behind in life as a result. Thank you so much for rewriting that story and helping me to realise that being creative is like that. Ideas don't always become finished things, they evolve and change and lead to different things, or somethings nothing and that's ok! My 100 day project has really helped me get through a lot of barriers lately. I've been missing days and not thinking of myself as a failure because of it, I just pick it back up when I can. And some days, what I create is pretty awful, but that's ok too.
Thank you so much for sharing this — your words really moved me. What you said about ideas evolving, changing, or sometimes leading to nothing and that being okay is such a beautiful truth. I love how you're approaching your 100-day project with so much grace and resilience — picking it back up when you can, letting the "awful" days be part of the journey. That's real creativity. I'm so glad you're rewriting the story too. You're doing such important, powerful work. 💛
Awe thank you. I think this modern world, where we only see the best of people and what they make, is giving people a skewed impression of reality. And just because someone has worked their way up a particular ladder, doesn't make them any better than someone who has taken a different path in life, one that hasn't always lead to "success". Anyway, thank you for posting such a great article!
Yes, Esta — exactly. The highlight reel we’re constantly shown can make it so easy to forget that real life is messy, winding, and full of detours. I love what you said about different paths — success isn’t always about climbing the tallest ladder; sometimes it’s about finding peace in the one you're on. I’m so glad the post resonated with you. Thank you for sharing your heart — it means a lot. 💛
This really hit home. When i was growing up i was a serial crafter/artist, moving from one art form to another, abandoning projects when they either got too boring (too easy) or too frustrating (too hard). My dad’s words hit hard and stuck: “YOU NEVER FINISH ANYTHING!”
I was just a kid trying new things, finding what was right for me. Eventually I found art forms that provided endless opportunities for learning and growing (the whole point of art making to me) and have never stopped working/exploring/playing for 70 years. I’m still excited, determined and eager to get in the studio every day, even (or especially?) now at 76.
Only in the past couple years though, have i let go of finishing, perfection and/or finishing to perfection. Now i can let things rest at a point a dear friend calls “Good enough for Jazz.” Because then i get to start the next one.
Jana, this resonates so deeply! Those childhood words stick, don’t they? But you’ve beautifully transformed that old criticism into lifelong creative fuel. I love that you’re still discovering, growing, and playing at 76—it’s inspiring proof that creativity has no age limit. “Good enough for Jazz” is now officially my new favorite phrase. Thanks for sharing your story—it’s truly uplifting. Keep joyfully creating!
Oh how seen I feel in this post Lynn! I developed a similar rule at a young age - 'If I don't finish, I've been wasting my time' aka I haven't been productive. Reinforced in the work environment, this became part of my identity for so long. As a result, down-time still meant doing something rather than nothing and true rest felt like slacking off. Some days, I still have to remind myself that I don't have to 'earn' rest. Thank you for casting light on this dark place so many of us get lost in 💙
Michelle, I felt every word of this—especially the part about rest feeling like slacking off. That message gets so deeply wired, especially when productivity becomes part of our worth. I love how you named it with such clarity. You are not alone in that rule… and I’m so glad you’re rewriting it. Rest isn’t earned—it’s essential. Thank you for sharing this truth so beautifully.
This post did make me breathe a little easier. I know better, but sometimes forget that it’s ok to take my time - in my own way. I have all the art supplies, the room devoted to art, inspiration galore, and love making art for the therapy and joy of it. At 71 I am realizing more and more that I can be happy and successful even while resting. In some ways though, I feel that time is running out. Then I tell myself to be in the moment and just be. The next minute I’m berating myself for not taking advantage of my access to art-making. It’s silly! I live in the PNW and the beauty here in spring makes my heart sing. Sinking into that feels so good. Thanks for the reminder to settle in and breathe.
Debbie, thank you for this beautiful reflection. I felt every word. That tug-of-war between gratitude and urgency is so real—and so human. You’re not alone in it. But the truth you landed on? That is gold. You can be happy and successful while resting. Your art, your joy, your being—none of it is on a deadline.
I love that spring in the PNW makes your heart sing. That’s art, too. Just noticing. Just being. And yes—settling in and breathing is sometimes the bravest thing we can do.
Oh Debra, I hear you — so much of what you said is heartbreakingly familiar. That feeling that creativity is somehow indulgent, or that it means we’re slacking... it's a lie so many of us have been conditioned to believe. But the truth? Making art is not slacking — it’s soul work. It’s how we reconnect to ourselves in the midst of all the juggling.
And as for being “good enough” — you already are. Right now. Not when you finish the perfect piece. Not when someone else approves. Just you, showing up, creating — that’s more than enough. 💛
My creative life is very similar to yours, I don’t remember how I got to the ‘you never finish anything’ part but it’s always there (in more than creativity)!!
I have many ‘unfinished’ projects which I am going to re-define if I can think of a positive description instead……. thanks for this 😊
I love that you're thinking about redefining your 'unfinished' projects — it’s such a powerful shift. They’re not failures; they’re proof that you’re showing up, exploring, and creating. That "you never finish anything" voice can be loud, but it’s not the truth. Thank you for sharing this — you're definitely not alone! 😊
Marge, I’m so glad it resonated! Yes, honoring your own pace truly does make for a lovely and fulfilling life. Thanks for your kind words—here’s to moving gently and joyfully forward!
Oh, Janice, I feel this! Those boxes are familiar friends (or foes!). But I've learned they often hold hidden gems—maybe not masterpieces, but certainly wisdom and surprises. Trust your heart about what to keep and what to lovingly let go. Either way, you're making space for new creative magic.✨
Two thoughts. In a similar vein, somewhere along the line I learned that my creatuvity has to result in a product, be for a purpose other than just enjoyment. It is really hard to break that feeling. Secondly, I am thinking about the fact that school teaches us this, not just about creativity. Our students rush through their work or reading just to say "I'm done!", regardless of quality or enjoyment. And it starts young.
As a former art teacher I’d tell my students “enjoy the process and don’t worry about the product.”
Karen, I love that! It’s such a beautiful reminder. The joy really is in the making, not just the final piece. Thank you for teaching that — we need more of that kind of encouragement in the world.
Earlier in the week I made a pig's ear of dome printing I was trying to get the hang of (by trial and error, because I can't follow instructions. Long story...). All the usual 'failure' spiral stories kicked-in.
BUT I put the pieces aside, and days later I am still working on them, learning from them , having fun , and making art 💙
Oh Janey, I love how you turned your "pig's ear" into an ongoing art adventure! It's such a great reminder that those messy starts often lead to the most joyful discoveries. Keep following your instincts—clearly, they're leading you someplace wonderful. 💙✨
I had a stroke in December. When I got home from the hospital, I gave my studio to my daughter to turn into a library. Bless her heart, she left room
For me to continue my art! I think that she believes in me more than i do! She keeps telling me that I should be teaching the courses that I keep signing up for. When I read this, it really resonated with me. Thank you for writing this!!!!
Oh Judy, thank you for sharing this — what a powerful and tender story. Your daughter sounds like such a gift… not only making space for your art but holding space for you and your creative spirit. Sometimes it takes someone else believing in us to remind us of what’s still possible.
And maybe she’s right — maybe you should be the one teaching! You have so much wisdom to share, especially after walking through something as life-changing as a stroke and still showing up with creativity in your heart. I’m so glad this resonated with you. You’ve inspired me today.
You’re so right! If she didn’t believe in me, I would’ve given up…I don’t think that it would’ve been permanent, but it would’ve taken a lot more time to get going again.
That kind of belief is everything, isn’t it? Sometimes just one person holding the light for us makes all the difference. I love that she showed up for you like that. And I believe you would’ve found your way back eventually—but how beautiful that you didn’t have to do it alone. We all need someone to remind us of who we are when we forget.
Cheering you on always,
Lynn
Wow this post really struck a chord with me! I feel like I've tried and failed at so many things and feel completely behind in life as a result. Thank you so much for rewriting that story and helping me to realise that being creative is like that. Ideas don't always become finished things, they evolve and change and lead to different things, or somethings nothing and that's ok! My 100 day project has really helped me get through a lot of barriers lately. I've been missing days and not thinking of myself as a failure because of it, I just pick it back up when I can. And some days, what I create is pretty awful, but that's ok too.
Hi Esta,
Thank you so much for sharing this — your words really moved me. What you said about ideas evolving, changing, or sometimes leading to nothing and that being okay is such a beautiful truth. I love how you're approaching your 100-day project with so much grace and resilience — picking it back up when you can, letting the "awful" days be part of the journey. That's real creativity. I'm so glad you're rewriting the story too. You're doing such important, powerful work. 💛
Awe thank you. I think this modern world, where we only see the best of people and what they make, is giving people a skewed impression of reality. And just because someone has worked their way up a particular ladder, doesn't make them any better than someone who has taken a different path in life, one that hasn't always lead to "success". Anyway, thank you for posting such a great article!
Yes, Esta — exactly. The highlight reel we’re constantly shown can make it so easy to forget that real life is messy, winding, and full of detours. I love what you said about different paths — success isn’t always about climbing the tallest ladder; sometimes it’s about finding peace in the one you're on. I’m so glad the post resonated with you. Thank you for sharing your heart — it means a lot. 💛
This really hit home. When i was growing up i was a serial crafter/artist, moving from one art form to another, abandoning projects when they either got too boring (too easy) or too frustrating (too hard). My dad’s words hit hard and stuck: “YOU NEVER FINISH ANYTHING!”
I was just a kid trying new things, finding what was right for me. Eventually I found art forms that provided endless opportunities for learning and growing (the whole point of art making to me) and have never stopped working/exploring/playing for 70 years. I’m still excited, determined and eager to get in the studio every day, even (or especially?) now at 76.
Only in the past couple years though, have i let go of finishing, perfection and/or finishing to perfection. Now i can let things rest at a point a dear friend calls “Good enough for Jazz.” Because then i get to start the next one.
Jana, this resonates so deeply! Those childhood words stick, don’t they? But you’ve beautifully transformed that old criticism into lifelong creative fuel. I love that you’re still discovering, growing, and playing at 76—it’s inspiring proof that creativity has no age limit. “Good enough for Jazz” is now officially my new favorite phrase. Thanks for sharing your story—it’s truly uplifting. Keep joyfully creating!
Oh how seen I feel in this post Lynn! I developed a similar rule at a young age - 'If I don't finish, I've been wasting my time' aka I haven't been productive. Reinforced in the work environment, this became part of my identity for so long. As a result, down-time still meant doing something rather than nothing and true rest felt like slacking off. Some days, I still have to remind myself that I don't have to 'earn' rest. Thank you for casting light on this dark place so many of us get lost in 💙
Michelle, I felt every word of this—especially the part about rest feeling like slacking off. That message gets so deeply wired, especially when productivity becomes part of our worth. I love how you named it with such clarity. You are not alone in that rule… and I’m so glad you’re rewriting it. Rest isn’t earned—it’s essential. Thank you for sharing this truth so beautifully.
With love,
Lynn
This post did make me breathe a little easier. I know better, but sometimes forget that it’s ok to take my time - in my own way. I have all the art supplies, the room devoted to art, inspiration galore, and love making art for the therapy and joy of it. At 71 I am realizing more and more that I can be happy and successful even while resting. In some ways though, I feel that time is running out. Then I tell myself to be in the moment and just be. The next minute I’m berating myself for not taking advantage of my access to art-making. It’s silly! I live in the PNW and the beauty here in spring makes my heart sing. Sinking into that feels so good. Thanks for the reminder to settle in and breathe.
Debbie, thank you for this beautiful reflection. I felt every word. That tug-of-war between gratitude and urgency is so real—and so human. You’re not alone in it. But the truth you landed on? That is gold. You can be happy and successful while resting. Your art, your joy, your being—none of it is on a deadline.
I love that spring in the PNW makes your heart sing. That’s art, too. Just noticing. Just being. And yes—settling in and breathing is sometimes the bravest thing we can do.
You’re doing it beautifully.
With so much warmth,
Lynn
Thank you for this . I feel this way ll the time. I know it’s nonsense but I’m used to having to juggle more than is practical . creativity seems like
I’m slacking. And I’m not a good enough artist.
Oh Debra, I hear you — so much of what you said is heartbreakingly familiar. That feeling that creativity is somehow indulgent, or that it means we’re slacking... it's a lie so many of us have been conditioned to believe. But the truth? Making art is not slacking — it’s soul work. It’s how we reconnect to ourselves in the midst of all the juggling.
And as for being “good enough” — you already are. Right now. Not when you finish the perfect piece. Not when someone else approves. Just you, showing up, creating — that’s more than enough. 💛
My creative life is very similar to yours, I don’t remember how I got to the ‘you never finish anything’ part but it’s always there (in more than creativity)!!
I have many ‘unfinished’ projects which I am going to re-define if I can think of a positive description instead……. thanks for this 😊
Hi Penelope,
I love that you're thinking about redefining your 'unfinished' projects — it’s such a powerful shift. They’re not failures; they’re proof that you’re showing up, exploring, and creating. That "you never finish anything" voice can be loud, but it’s not the truth. Thank you for sharing this — you're definitely not alone! 😊
Thank you for this beautiful and timely message. I can relate and thank you for reminding me I do things at my pace. It makes for a lovely life.
Marge, I’m so glad it resonated! Yes, honoring your own pace truly does make for a lovely and fulfilling life. Thanks for your kind words—here’s to moving gently and joyfully forward!
Reading this made all the difference as I assess the box(es) of unfinished (unsatisfactory) "tries"..to finish (pitch) or not to finish (pitch)
Oh, Janice, I feel this! Those boxes are familiar friends (or foes!). But I've learned they often hold hidden gems—maybe not masterpieces, but certainly wisdom and surprises. Trust your heart about what to keep and what to lovingly let go. Either way, you're making space for new creative magic.✨
I love the idea of creativity being a circular motion. Not a straight line. It’s refreshing to feel validated when not finished and to know it is ok.
Two thoughts. In a similar vein, somewhere along the line I learned that my creatuvity has to result in a product, be for a purpose other than just enjoyment. It is really hard to break that feeling. Secondly, I am thinking about the fact that school teaches us this, not just about creativity. Our students rush through their work or reading just to say "I'm done!", regardless of quality or enjoyment. And it starts young.