The Equation That Keeps Me Honest


Photo by Jarry Photos (aka my talented Son) 

After years of chasing many directions, then moving to a place where I could focus solely on building my art career (seriously building) I built a formula that keeps me centered:


Activity + Art Opportunity = Leveling Up

(Career • Financial Wellbeing • Purpose)


Or 


Activity – Alignment with Art = Depletion

(When what I do doesn’t feed what I’m called to create, it empties instead of fills.)


Every idea I choose gets measured against that.

Does it help me level up — or pull me away from where I’m meant to go?


If it’s not aligning with my art, my purpose, or my peace, it’s a side track… not a side gig. This is a question I face a lot in my career. 



Faith Reset Reality


When my thoughts spiral, I pray. I journal. I talk out loud  to myself, my family (who grew up in a creative house as well) my mentors and sometimes even to the walls of my studio. 


It’s in those moments that peace settles in and I can finally take inventory:

What am I doing?

What do I need to do?

What can wait?


Discomfort is temporary.

Purpose is lasting.

And I can be uncomfortable for a short time if it means living in alignment later for longer. FACTS! 


 The Lesson


To any artist who finds themselves in this same quiet season; unsure, restless, tempted to fill the silence with “busy” Don’t.  Do. It.  Here’s what I’ve learned and passing on the wisdom from my mentors:


1. Do your spiritual work first! Whatever you believe it, Do it! Clarity doesn’t come from chaos. It comes from quiet. Amen! 

2. Seek someone wiser. Find a mentor who’s lived the cycle who can remind you what’s worth holding on to. The is “Seek” 

3. Know your needs, not your wants. If you can go with the bare minimum, do it. You’re working toward something higher.

4. Remember how lucky we are. To be a working artist is a privilege  even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.


The quiet season isn’t a setback. It’s special space, the pause before the next wave of creation. 


If you need me, I’ll be in the studio. Try not to overthink my own  advice!✌🏽


Lyssa 


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