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'Tis the season of creativity, connection, and celebration—and yet, it can also be the season of overwhelm.
As an artist, December often brings mixed emotions. While we celebrate our art, our inspiration, and the people who support us, there’s also a pressure to meet year-end goals, wrap up projects, and find balance between family obligations and personal time. The joy of the season can be clouded by the stress of deadlines, gift shopping, and worrying about the perfect holiday gesture.
For many of us, it’s not just about making art—it’s about making it through the season with grace. But here's the thing: Give yourself a gift this year—peace of mind. Take a moment to step back, breathe, and appreciate your journey.
Don’t let the chaos overshadow the beauty of what you’ve created and the people you’ve touched.
As artists, when we take care of ourselves, we nurture our creativity and focus. This allows us to continue creating without burning out, giving us the energy and clarity to bring our best work to life. Here are a few practices that have helped me, and maybe one or two will inspire you to give yourself a gift this season:
🧘♀️🌅 Mindfulness. As an artist, I carve out quiet moments before diving into my work. I reflect on my goals for the day, the direction I want my creativity to flow, and the impact I hope my art will have. At the end of the day, I don’t just turn off my mind—I ask myself what went well, where I can improve, and what I’ve learned. It’s about reflecting, not just creating.
🤸♀️🎉 Movement. Whether it’s a short walk outside or a more intense yoga session, movement is crucial. It recharges my energy and helps clear my mind, especially during long studio hours. A healthy body keeps my creativity flowing and gives me the stamina to keep creating without losing momentum.
💼👥 Assume Positive Intent. This is a gift I’ve learned to give myself and others—believing that everyone around me, from fellow artists to clients, is doing their best. Mistakes happen, but they can be fixed. Instead of focusing on blame, I focus on finding solutions and learning from each experience.
📖📚 Study. The most impactful artists I know never stop learning. I feed my curiosity by reading, listening to podcasts, and studying new techniques. Whether it’s a book on creativity, an inspiring podcast, or a documentary, I make time to sharpen my skills and stay inspired. This constant learning keeps my work fresh and evolving.
🙏🏼✨ Gratitude. Gratitude is a practice I’ve found essential for maintaining a positive mindset. By focusing on the positives, I reduce stress and boost my well-being. It also strengthens my resilience, helping me face challenges with optimism and creativity.
These practices don’t require much more than time, but they’re invaluable gifts we can give ourselves. When we take better care of ourselves, we can nurture our art, relationships, and the communities we serve. This season, don’t forget to gift yourself moments of reflection, movement, and growth.
What gifts are you giving yourself this season? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and thank you for supporting my journey and blog—it means more than you know.
With gratitude,
Alexa
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