A Light in Dark Times
It all seems… all-consuming. Here’s a few ways to keep going as creatives.
A couple things before you read this. While I’m a spiritual person, I’m not impressed by religiosity. Second, I do not involve myself in politics. Lastly, I believe that most people are capable of doing what’s right.
Why mention these things?
Because you’re here, reading this. It’s important to me that you know where I’m coming from. I strive to live my life without harming others, while at the same time holding to my principles. It takes constant effort to keep balanced. Especially since I want to maintain my creative energy.
In view of all that’s concerning us these days, I thought I’d capture where I’m at right now. I say this often: my blog is mostly for me. Through it, I’m able to revisit my thoughts. And perhaps be reminded of what’s important to me.
Silence news outlets
The “news” has changed. Most big box news outlets are biased sensationalism. Meanwhile, a charismatic 20-something sitting in a midwest basement has a million+ people on YouTube who say he’s a trusted news channel. Ok, cool.
Here’s the thing, I don’t need a daily drip feed of bad news to know things are bad everywhere. After all, this is Earth, so we already assume things are critical. All of it is out of our control anyway. There’s no psychological benefit to dwelling on how horrible things are.
That said, I stay plugged in to my local community using a couple apps and by getting involved with neighborhood events. I look for ways to strike up conversations with my neighbors. And I visit the NPR and Associate Press websites for broader world updates.
My main focus remains creative education and information gathering. There are a few Twitch channels, YouTube profiles and smaller Zoom meet ups that keep me connected to relevant topics, such as growing my creative skills, game design trends and strategies for operating a creative businesses.
Unsubscribe at will
I took an afternoon the other day and reconsidered the various social media accounts I follow. You know what surprises me? How many people use their business profiles to spread lies and disparage others. Isn’t business about serving customers? Sharing resources? Delivering on promises we make?
Anyway, I no longer trust social media companies to do what’s right by people. I used to think they would, but I was naive. Social media is primarily a source of entertainment drenched in ads. That’s it. I know, social media is “crucial to business success,” right? For me, it’s not. Creating useful content, products and services is crucial.
All told, what’s important about life and doing great work, isn’t found online. It’s found within. It comes down to how we use our time. That limited, non-renewable resource we all have – time. Who are you giving it to? Who deserves the gift of our time? How will you spend what you can’t earn back?
Ignore the ignorant
When we make a conscious decision to ignore narcissists, bigots and zealots, we get something amazing – more peace of mind! These individuals are lost to themselves, stuck in their malcontent and bitterness. Don’t get baited into joining them. There’s no growth to be found in vulgar rants, name-calling and posting more vitriol online. It only kills our creative energy and wastes time.
A colleague I used to work with used to be very active on Twitter (X). “We have to call these racists out on their bull*&^$ Eric,” she’d say. After years of such effort, she told me all it did was make her more tired and more depressed. Meanwhile those she challenged, just kept river-dancing on the backs of the people they triggered.
When we encounter ignorance, it is good to offer perspective if someone’s really interested in growing as a person. But when people show us who they are deep down – close-minded, selfish, not open to reason – believe them. That’s when we take a deep breath. And we journey on.
Build creative muscle
I’m the first person to admit to needing more time in the gym for physical fitness. But creatively speaking, I am a powerhouse! It’s not cause of any inborn magic, but constant effort. The “darkness” drains all the joy from our creative pursuits if we let it. We all get down or depressed. Have a pity party. Then bounce back.
Have a little tea or coffee in the morning. Clear your mind. Think of all the little and big ways you’ve grown as an artist.
Doodle something when you sit down at your desk as a way of starting the day. Something goofy or funny, on a sticky note.
Each morning decide on one small or large project to move forward. Choose to feel good about whatever progress you make.
When you’re stuck creatively, ask a friend for help or DM another creative online for perspective. Don’t stay in your own head.
At lunch, watch an episode of a show you grew up with. Sometimes returning to stuff we loved as kids helps us in unexpected ways.
On occasion, ditch Google searches and ask prior employers, mentors or work mates how they accomplish things or approach creative problems. These are people who you know and who know you. And that advice can be worth lots more than a random person’s online.
Prioritize your health. Without it, there’s nothing else.
What are you doing to keep yourself well? What perspectives would you share? Leave a comment some time or share your thoughts with me.
It’s frightening to see corrupt, hurtful and arrogant people in society being supported and even deified. All we can do is hold to what’s right.
Keep your light on.
–E
