Since late January, Ross has devoted all his time and energy to caring for his wife Kara during a long, difficult illness as well as caring for his newborn son, and he was unable to focus on anything outside of this. Like so many people who have had to deal with illness, family losses, job losses, and other challenges especially during the pandemic, he found it hard enough to cope with daily life, let alone do anything creative for self-fulfillment. In today's podcast we talk about these difficult situations and the importance of connecting again with your creative self.

Some suggestions for getting back on track in the aftermath include finding a way to fit your creative practice into a schedule, being patient with the time it may take to regroup, and finding it within yourself to commit to your practice again. Your creative work is so essential to your own strength and self-image that its important to not let that slip away completely.

There are many ways that negativity can impede getting back to creative work, though. We can get so used to living with ongoing difficulties and trauma that it is a huge emotional step to lose that outlook and move into a more positive future. Financial issues can also add to the overall pressure of the situation, especially if your income depends on your creative work.

Everyone and every situation is different. But the core idea here is commitment to your creative work. You can weather so much if you hold to the idea that in time, you will get back to doing what you love. Art has great power to heal and to sustain us in hard times.

Thanks to everyone who has been sharing the show and donating! If you would like to donate to the Messy Studio Podcast donate here.
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Have an art related product, service, or event you would like to advertise on the Messy Studio Podcast?
Email Ross at rticknor.core@gmail.com for current mid-roll advertising rates.
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For more from The Messy Studio:
www.messystudiopodcast.com
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For more from Rebecca Crowell:
www.rebeccacrowell.com
www.coldwaxacademy.com
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The Messy Studio Podcast is a Tick Digital Media Production.