I can totally relate to the routine grinding you down. I too get sometimes so deep into work, that I work for 10h straight without even doing any substantial breaks other than quickly going to the toilet. Even though I enjoy the activity and even stay "in the flow" for a long time, to my body and mind it ends up being draining and unsustainable.
Reading your story makes me feel less alone in this, and I also like your tips to counter that. Otherwise, I often feel like "Am I even an artist when I feel so drained doing it?"
PS: Also you are one of my main inspirations to start a more personal newsletter of my artistic journey on Substack. Thank you for this! 💌
Dear Goscha! Thank you so much for this lovely comment, and for connecting with me (and other artists who may be reading this) by sharing your own experience.
Burnout—yes, as you say, even with work we enjoy—is still such a prevalent thing in our lives, and I’m glad we’re talking more about it. I think it helps us be more aware of what we’re doing, and the long term impact of persisting in imbalance!
One of the big reasons I write TLB is to foster a sense of fellowship with other folks, so reading that this made you feel a little less alone just made my day. I’m so happy I was able to contribute in whatever small way to good energy and inspiration.
Best of luck with your own newsletter, just subscribed!
Difference of opinion re: prepping egg separately. I like to mix it in so every grain is coated. I remember an aquaintance once saying that was the key to perfect fried rice.
I can totally relate to the routine grinding you down. I too get sometimes so deep into work, that I work for 10h straight without even doing any substantial breaks other than quickly going to the toilet. Even though I enjoy the activity and even stay "in the flow" for a long time, to my body and mind it ends up being draining and unsustainable.
Reading your story makes me feel less alone in this, and I also like your tips to counter that. Otherwise, I often feel like "Am I even an artist when I feel so drained doing it?"
PS: Also you are one of my main inspirations to start a more personal newsletter of my artistic journey on Substack. Thank you for this! 💌
Dear Goscha! Thank you so much for this lovely comment, and for connecting with me (and other artists who may be reading this) by sharing your own experience.
Burnout—yes, as you say, even with work we enjoy—is still such a prevalent thing in our lives, and I’m glad we’re talking more about it. I think it helps us be more aware of what we’re doing, and the long term impact of persisting in imbalance!
One of the big reasons I write TLB is to foster a sense of fellowship with other folks, so reading that this made you feel a little less alone just made my day. I’m so happy I was able to contribute in whatever small way to good energy and inspiration.
Best of luck with your own newsletter, just subscribed!
Thank you for sharing both your work and ideas for working sustainably. I needed to hear that!
Nishant!! Thank *you* so much for reading! I'm so happy when what I share makes another artist feel supported, in however small a way 💪
Difference of opinion re: prepping egg separately. I like to mix it in so every grain is coated. I remember an aquaintance once saying that was the key to perfect fried rice.
I’ll have to try this!!
This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading!! 🙏