Kate Spade provided the world with color and FUN via her beautiful accessories. Every time I walked past her store at the mall, I was so happy. The super bright and shiny displays could turn any frown upside down. Years ago, I was able to snag a pair of her shoes for $15.00 at T.J. Maxx (when they actually had true discounted designer items and not just items made specifically for the store). The shoes reminded me of Cinderella's slippers and that is just what I wrote on their storage box. They are clear acrylic and rubber heels with a transparent yellow bow. They are simply beautiful. They aren't in the best shape because I've worn them like crazy, but I still love them.
Kate Spade's death was sad, but it didn't shock me. As a creative myself, I know how much the creatives of the world feel. Feelings get to be so overwhelming and we get to such a dark place sometimes that we don't know how to turn back the light back on. Creatives tend to be very doubtful of their talents and have a hard time seeing all the good they provide to the world. You can tell a creative a million times how awesome they are, but it often falls upon deaf ears, especially when we are trying to break through a new creative wave.
I dedicate this writing piece to all the creatives in the world. Whatever type of creative you are, know you are needed. Even when you get to a really dark place, please know your talents are helping someone if you are putting them out into the world somehow. I encourage you to push through the "dark days" and turn on your light.
If you are waiting around on your dark days for someone to come in and sweep you off your feet and tell you you are awesome and amazing and everything is going to be okay, it may not happen. You must verbalize your feelings. No one knows how you feel unless you tell someone. Sometimes just talking about your feelings can make you feel a million times better.
I am fortunate to have someone that I can verbalize my feelings to. My husband has heard me doubt myself, hate on myself, and watched me lie crumpled up on the bathroom floor in a pool full of tears. I talk to him when I get like this and every single time, I've made it through. He doesn't always like the things I say, but he listens to me so I can get it out of my system. I let him do the same when he needs to. He is more calm natured than I, but has doubtful periods too.
Humans don't tend to tell creatives how great they are (unless they are famous, and even then, they aren't sure if someone is saying it because they really mean it or because they are famous). Don't wait around for someone to say you are talented. Keep putting your talents into the world and figure out more ways to keep doing it.
When you are having a dark day, and are able to finally pick yourself up off the floor, listen to some fun music, put on some fun clothes, and just go have FUN, FUN, FUN in whatever healthy way you know how. It's so much easier said than done, but you MUST find that inner strength and courage to keep going. Breakthroughs and miracles happen when you cast aside the darkness and continue to shine your light no matter what.
Art by Carolyn J. Braden
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