It is not easy to stay positive.
Especially in a fallen economy, when you're a student/artist, and you're constantly on the search for another job to supplement the small income you're maintaining. Everyone has their own struggles they deal with day in and day out, but in the arts it is ESSENTIAL to keep a positive outlook and attitude.
Having a positive energy about yourself will impact other people's willingness to recommend you, hire you, promote you, and enjoy what you offer as an artist. Maintaining an air of graciousness and appreciation for every opportunity you are given will lead to other opportunities to network, be promoted and GET MORE WORK!
Easier said then done, right?
That is why I am beginning this blog with the wisdom and words of Max Ehrmann.
Some of you may already be familiar with his work Desiderata, but I like to reread it time and again to recenter myself. I find that it helps to take my mind off of the "me centered" thought patterns I can fall into when I'm stressed about work (or lack of work) and into a wider mental scope of the world, my place in it, and the place of people around me.
We are all struggling, but if I can stay positive within myself, maybe I can help other people stay positive too. Then if nothing else changes within the situation, we can all at least be a little happier. And THAT would be enough for me. We all want to be happy, right?
Think about it. ;)
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Desiderata
(Latin: "things desired")
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
