Hills and Valleys: Navigating the Emotions of Exhibiting One's Work

When my husband and I were going through the process of trying to adopt my two boys (who are the lights of my life), I went through some days of exhilaration followed up with intense moments of debilitating panic and depression. Believe me when I say that this past experience was nothing compared to the tumult of feelings that I have experienced since deciding to put my work out there to sell. Granted, the two experiences are not even remotely comparable with the former being a question of a life rather than simply related to ego or economic damage. Yet, I cannot help but compare them nonetheless.

Seriously, for those of you who are contemplating starting out on the venture of putting your work out there for others on which to comment, please know that the process can be a slow and painful one. As long as you keep focused on the prize and avoid letting all the little trials and tribulations distract you, you will be fine. Keep the faith!

I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as failure. Instead every setback, in my view, is a learning opportunity. I find that as long as I remind myself of this philosophy I can weather any of the valleys and can remain reasonably sane through those wonderful hilltop moments. I hope these reflections help you as you set out to pastures unknown in your own worlds.

Until next time, stay sane, stay reasonable, and continue to dream big.