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Acceptance Accepting two ideas: 1. Artists may be broke or doing okay with money - and that has nothing to do with the true value of the art or the artist. 2. Artists must live a life that nurtures the artist-child-spirit, in all the ways that might seem unconventional, quirky, even irresponsible. And when we do that, the responsibilities will be easier to achieve and get done. Art is life: life is art. We must live our art every day. Give to ourselves the gift of making art and being creative. Success Creativity is a practice, not a destination. And we need to balance this practice with our 'responsibilities', mostly described here as the process of generating income. We are also told that creativity is an ever advancing finish line, we cannot rest in our laurels, our artist selves will not be healthy if we figure out a formula and repeat that over and over. It is normal, good and necessary that we remake, restart, journey to new places and begin again with creativity or unknown ideas and skill sets. If we do not do this, our artist will wither and die. The Zen of Sports This section is about the importance of getting out of our heads, and out of our perspective of only seeing ourselves, and instead connecting with the outer world - connecting with our physical bodies; the physical world of beauty, joy, intrigue, excitement. We are told there is tremendous importance in spending some of our time being in our bodies. And the result of that is essentially that it helps us solve problems/overcome obstacles. The reason given that this will happen (the answers will come) is that this is a method or practice of connecting with the great creative energy of life, the universal well all things come from. Building your artist's altar We are told to nurture our spirituality by creating a small space which holds items which feel spiritually significant and uplifting, beautiful. We are told to devise small rituals which will help ground us and celebrate and magnify this spiritually. And again we are told that our artist is a child - and we need to fulfill and honor that child's playful, excited, childlike wonder.

(Only two more weeks!) In this chapter, Cameron focuses on how artists and creatives can protect their newfound creativity and artistic growth. She highlights common obstacles that can sabotage creative progress and offers strategies to safeguard one’s artistic journey. Dangers of Creative Sabotage Cameron discusses how, after making progress, artists often encounter self-sabotage. This can come in the form of toxic relationships, self-doubt, fear of success, or procrastination. She encourages readers to be aware of these destructive patterns and take steps to counter them. The Role of Workaholism Many creatives overwork themselves, either as a way to avoid facing their emotions or as a socially acceptable addiction. She explains how constant busyness can drain creative energy and leave artists too exhausted to make meaningful work. The solution: setting boundaries, allowing rest, and making time for creative play. Dangers of Competition and Criticism Comparing oneself to others can be damaging, especially in the early stages of artistic recovery. She warns against taking criticism too personally and advises trusting one’s own creative instincts. Instead of seeking validation, artists should focus on their personal creative path. Cameron urges artists to guard their creative growth fiercely. By recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors, avoiding toxic influences, and setting healthy boundaries, artists can continue to develop their craft without unnecessary obstacles.