A Light in Dark Times
It’s about what’s right, not who’s right
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
The Only Way
Dwelling on good things helps.
Our troubled reality is too big for us to solve as creatives. But we can come together.
Ok, what I’m about to say may feel bad in its realism.
No matter the country, citizens feel lost and neglected by rulership. Candidates present shiny, yet hollow promises. Political rhetoric is lofty, but power corrupts as it always has. And division seems to come standard in so much of our culture. As long as peace, dignity, justice and security for all elude humanity, there will always be those who are marginalized and oppressed.
So, how does a good soul survive? Give up on creative pursuits? Live out angry, bitter lives? We come together. Because it’s the only way left for reasoning, thinking people.
Questions for humans
Let’s ponder some things, just for a minute.
Can we agree harming another person through words and/or deeds is wrong? That projecting hurt only breeds hate and causes us more hurt in turn? And that it’s a show of strength when we seek forgiveness for our mistakes? We agree on that.
Can we agree disagreement isn’t hate? Having differing views is part of the live-and-let-live values most claim to have. So how then does disagreeing with someone become a reason to wish others ill, incite violence or worse? Does it have to be that way? It doesn’t.
And, can we agree any extreme view is likely harmful to ourselves, our families, our communities? We live in a world of subtlety and nuance. Just as the natural world is diverse, complex and mysterious, people are equally so. At times we’re all insecure and vulnerable even in our most confident moments. Can we pursue more balance in our views? We can.
Everyone has their own answers to these questions. Most would agree bringing good into the world is important. For our families and children. But it takes conviction and patience to champion this. That’s why so it’s difficult.
Reasons to believe
People are mostly good. When a neighbor’s house is on fire, even the grumpiest guy on the block will act to help someone. Most want to do what’s right, even if that’s not the message online. Not everyone in our neighborhood is a rage monster.
Perspective helps a ton. Just because vocal minorities scream, shout and demean others online, doesn’t mean we have to buy-in to their approach or spend time viewing their “content.” We choose what’s important to us.
Listening still helps. Letting a neighbor vent may be tough in the moment, but what if it makes them feel listened to? Ask questions. Ask them how they feel things might be better right here, in your community, on your street. Let them speak.
Creatives support each other. As creative individuals, think about the talents and skills we have. Isn’t it awesome to get to make our ideas happen? No matter how big or small? Encouraging fellow artists of all ages spreads goodwill.
We aren’t born bullies. Someone once said “hurt people, hurt people.” It’s true. It’s also true that not all those who mock and intimidate others will listen to reason. But some will. Can we be a force for reason in our community?
Most want peace. We all know living a life dominated by rage and conflict contributes to bad health, broken relationships, lost wages, unrealized dreams and ultimately an untimely end. (Research* it.) Help someone breathe easier when possible.
Words heal too. Much of online culture is about toxicity, hurtful gossip and words used to tear down. But the time we spend with people in search of common ground and understanding, is golden. Think of your favorite person as a kid. It was likely someone who helped you and made you feel better. What if we could be that person for someone?
I think a lot about these things, but don’t have all the answers. And with the way things are, I’m trying to remember others don’t have all the answers either. I just know we’re all in need of something we can only get by coming together and seeking to humanize each other. And we need it now.
The days ahead
What does “coming together” look like? Practically speaking, it means doing more in-person events. Such as the recent Family Funday I participated in at Phoenix Art Museum. It was great getting to talk to others while drawing and hearing their stories. It also means hosting some free and ticketed events of my own. Virtually too. Making chances to chat and connect with others for real.
You see, the days ahead will be what we make of them. (Mostly.) Sure, good and not-good things will continue to happen. Socially. Politically. Economically. Those things aren’t us, but they do happen around us and to us. ALL of us.
So let’s keep giving others some grace. Let’s smile once and a while for what we have as creatives. Let’s go out of our way for someone now and then. Our communities need it. And together is the only way we’re gonna make it.
–E
*BTW – This 2006 article about anger is helpful when it comes to outlining the damage anger does. “The hostile heart, is a vulnerable one.”