Week 10: Recovering a Sense of Self-Protection
(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.
I have to say that I put accordion before other things. I kind of set dates with myself of when I'm going to practice and for how long. I too feel like I'm addicted to practicing and seeing improvement.
I've found that in doing the morning pages, and externalizing my thoughts, that I look at these negative thoughts differently. Like, really, that's what I was worried about? Or, gosh that's crazy that I was thinking that. Rereading these pages has helped me see some of the problems in a much starker light. As the pages have been written, I had less and less to say, because I had less negativity flowing out. This conquering of my censor has lead to more positivity in my view of my playing. One thing that has really resonated with me is my connection to a higher power. I have to have faith that opportunities will present themselves. I had never connected spirituality with creativity. This book has taught me that I need to take care of myself in order be a creator. Creativity comes from the soul, and if my soul is in pain or suffering from previous hurt, I need to address these problems. Things like the artist's date have been great, because it's something that puts me first and enriches my inner artist. These are definitely some of the things that resonate with me that have come to mind.