It’s time to do something for yourself
I know that painting gives me so much joy and contentment. It puts my mind at rest and fills my inner tank every time.
But even though I know all that, I struggle to take time for painting. So I'm starting a new sketchbook to collect a colorful mix of beautiful memories in it. I hope this sketchbook will remind me to do something for myself, to care for my well-being. Because that’s just too important to neglect.
A creative hobby isn’t a waste of time. It’s an investment in yourself. There is an analogy I often heard in a business context, but it fits here as well.
Have you ever listened to the security instructions before a plane takes off? When the pressure in the cabin drops and oxygen masks come down, you must first put on your own mask. Only then may you help children or other passengers.
There’s a simple reason for this rule: If you faint, you won’t be a help to anyone around you.
And it’s the same in everyday life. Only if your tank is filled, if you are well and have enough energy, can you be there for others.
I experienced this myself when burnout hit me some years ago. During that time, my reserves were so depleted that others had to take care of me, and I could hardly give anything back.
This will fill your inner Tank
If you're looking for a creative hobby to balance your life, watercolor painting is ideal! You can progress in small steps and don't need much space in your home. Something else I learned from my burnout is that not every break has the same value. Some things help us to really switch off, while others just numb us. Painting will never be just numbing, because we're not just consuming.
Don't get me wrong—there can also be breaks where we consume and still recharge. That's how I feel about a good novel or calm, relaxing art YouTube videos (which is why I make these kinds of videos myself, because I love them). But there should also be a part of our free time that is active.
And “active” doesn’t equal “action” here. Being active can be very calm and relaxed. But it’s not passive. When we talk about doing something for yourself, well, DOING is part of it.
Watch the full painting process on YouTube and learn more about what helped me to do something for myself finally.
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