#NerdsUnite: The Ramblings of a Raconteuse (the sky is falling)
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Helenna. We met on twitter not too long ao, and she's totes mcgotes one rad chiquita banana with a flare for all things flair! That's right, Helenna here is what we call an artsy fartsy nerd. She's a poet, into all things dramatic arts, and she's going to come on board to write each week about her love of said drama. Well not like actual drama drama, like some cat fight shit - but you get the idea.
I only have one thing left to say ... HIT IT HELENNA!!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Helslevy
The sky is falling and we are all in it together. At least, that’s how this week has felt.
It’s kind of crazy how so many of the artistic people in my life have been having similar experiences lately. For a lot of people myself included, it seems like it’s been impossible to have something really great happen without something bad happening to balance it out.
My friend Leah Cevoli, a fellow Talk Nerdy blogger, wrote a piece about how things felt like they were crumbling down for her this past week and it sparked a lot of discussion. Kristen Nedopak, one of the #GeekGirlsCreate ladies then said
There was definitely something in the water this week and for creative types, we tend to feel the hardships pretty intensely.
I’ve blogged before about “burn out” and the “curse of the creative,” but one of the other things that is rarely spoken about is feeling like you want to give up because the path of the artist is just too dang hard.
Often times when someone talks about why they are having a hard time keeping in pursuit of their career it can be seen as complaining and not “staying positive,” but I’d like to put out there that sometimes you just need a good verbal pukefest to get your head back on straight.
Like I said on facebook“I think it’s important to know where you’re at and admit that everything isn’t always sunshine and roses especially for artists. It’s a constant ebb and flow, and I think there is a real difference between complaining, and being truthful about where you are at and seeking friendship, guidance, and even solace.”
I think this is extremely important for artistic types. If we get filled up with all of the negative events and circumstances that happen without letting our frustrations and angers out, then we’ll either explode from the weight of it all, or find ourselves without a glimmer of hope.
Now, I definitely think that there is a difference between infecting other people with your venting, and confiding in a trusted confidant.
I’m a big believer that what you put out into the world you get back. I would never say that when your angry and the world is looking dark, to vent to anyone who will listen. I would however make sure that you have people who “get it” and understand what you are going through. Specifically, a person who can acknowledge your struggle and just allow you to be heard, because spewing those chunks (thanks Wayne and Garth) will allow you to regain the reigns and help you be open to new possibilities. Afterall, Leonard Cohen wrote that “there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
So, if you’ve had the kind of week it looks like a lot of us have had, I say let it out, let it go, and let the light on in.
#xoxo hels
tweet me at: @helslevy
browse me at: helennasantoslevy.com
email me at: contacthelenna@gmail.com