Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, you've likely come across a piece of art that made you think, "I could never create something like that." Or maybe, as a professional photographer, painter, or designer, you struggle to bring your unique style into your work, feeling like you're simply going through the motions to earn a living. Perhaps you even doubt your ability to build a successful business.
Thoughts swirl like whispers in your mind:
“There's so much incredible artwork out there. It feels impossible to reach that level.”
“Look at how they left their agency to create a thriving studio while I’m still stuck doing client work.”
“Maybe I should turn my hobby into a business, but am I brave enough?”
“I’m not as fortunate or connected as they are. I won’t attract enough clients.”
These thoughts arise in your mind, often without your awareness, whenever you encounter something you envy. You then shift to the next task -washing the dishes or doing the laundry- unaware that this symphony of inner voices is quietly shaping your emotional landscape.
We all have those moments! As you reflect on the hero of your story;
- What narrative do you tell yourself?
- What influences the depth and effectiveness of your inner strength?
Just a reminder, our true power is deeply connected to the stories we create about our ability to express it.
The unfortunate truth is that we often don't recognize what is happening. We feel a weight of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and a sense of being stuck. Naturally, we yearn for change, as Buddhist philosophy reminds us, that all beings seek happiness.
So how is it that we’re not always aware of these thoughts? After all, aren’t we the ones thinking about them?
The challenge lies in the nature of the thoughts. Most of them are fleeting, barely lasting a second. However, when these thoughts frequently resurface, they become more than just passing ideas and they become a narrative.
Because our brains seek efficiency, these repetitive thoughts help streamline our daily processes. But if these recurring thoughts are governed by "fate" rather than conscious choice, they can steer our lives in unintended directions.
What story do you tell yourself? Maybe it’s, "I didn’t get enough care from my parents, and things just didn’t go right." The messages you received -whether directly or indirectly- might have left you feeling inadequate. If this was your experience, know that they all happened for a reason and it can ultimately work in your favor. You have the power to rewrite your narrative.
As a result, no matter how far you’ve come or how successful you are, you may struggle to feel your own power. This leads to doubts about your ability to quit a job that exhausts you and to bring creativity to what you do, like the friend you envy. You might not believe you are brave or capable of fighting for what you want.
It's important to remember this: even if our hero believes in themselves and connects with their inner strength, they might still find it challenging to start a business or create their best art. And even if they succeed, they could face challenges like bankruptcy or not earning enough. Let's accept that we live in a world filled with unpredictable variables.
We often hear phrases like "Think positively, and the universe will manifest your desires" or "If you're struggling financially, it's because you haven't manifested wealth." But is this really the solution solely?
While I believe in the magic of manifestation, I learned that this Eastern philosophy is often misunderstood in the Western world. We will go into this later.
Our true focus should be on discovering our inner strength and rewiring the negative voices that cloud our minds. It’s not about controlling life's unpredictable twists but mastering how we respond to them. We can choose how we think, act, and react.
Let me share an example from my life to show how this applies. Recently, I faced a paperwork issue that forced me to take a few weeks off from work. Everyone around me, including my family, grew anxious and worried about me. I had two choices:
- Cry, play the victim, and blame my lawyer and employer.
- Use this time wisely, let go of things I couldn’t control, and allow the transformation I needed in my life.
I chose the latter. Today, I’m happily back to writing my newsletter, taking photos, exploring ways to enhance my creativity, and even discovering alternative approaches to improve my work life.
Had this happened a few years ago, my reaction would have been entirely different. In the past, when faced with similar challenges, I was consumed by fear of being alone in a foreign country, losing my income, and even doubting my creative abilities.
This time, however, I remained calm, a testament to years of mindfulness practice. I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and I feel much better, as it’s reshaping the narrative I’m writing, and I’m eager to see the new results this time.
If you embrace mindfulness, you’ll begin to uncover the stories that limit you. You might be surprised to see how often your thoughts undermine your potential. Neuroscience reveals that by choosing which thoughts to prioritize, we can strengthen our autonomy and embed positive intentions into our subconscious.
As you cultivate awareness, you’ll also recognize your pain, just like everyone else. Compassion will blossom. You’ll notice how often your mind criticizes your body or talents. With mindfulness, you can distance yourself from these toxic thoughts and replace them with seeds of love.
The next time you witness someone else's success, eventually it will start inspiring you. Instead of feeling envy, you'll embrace joy for their achievements. Over time, you’ll begin to believe more in your own abilities.
True magic happens not just when you finish an art piece, but also when challenges arise. You may face setbacks or unkind feedback, but when you connect with your inner power, you will learn and grow rather than complain. This is how your art and creative ventures evolve.
In essence, when you embrace your inner hero and hone your awareness, transformation begins. If everything is constantly changing, so too can you and your narrative!
With love