"My job is to get you comfortable with being uncomfortable." -- Glynn Hodges
I'm just going to say it - I'm exhausted. Mentally and emotionally exhausted. Over the past three weeks, I've introduced myself to strangers, entertained guests, asked people for help/favors, and given an oral presentation of my work. It may not sound like much to you but to a shy, introverted, small town artist, it's a LOT! In all these situations, even having friends stay at my house, I felt very exposed and unsure of myself. But I put myself in these situations intentionally because I know it's good for me. I know it will help me to grow as a person and as an artist.
Several weeks ago I found out about an opportunity for North Carolina artists to present their work to a museum curator. Five minutes to present 15 pieces. It's a fabulous opportunity but I did NOT want to do it. So I played a little mind-game with myself. I could easily talk myself out of doing it, but I knew if I told my business coach he would challenge me to do it, and I can't resist a good challenge. So I did, and he did, and that's how I ended up spending most of the last week writing and practicing for this presentation. (I cut the first half in the interest of time)
Afterward, I realized the presentation wasn't that big of a deal. The curator's response, however, was. She simply confirmed my thoughts on the bull painting. The validation felt good, but it also stung as I realized that I have a lot of work to do to get where I want to go with my paintings. That's the result of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable: growing pains. It's not my first experience with them and it won't be my last. It's what drives us to reach new heights.
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