Motivational Monday

(I was accepted as a guest writer for this blog post and here it is)

I’m a newer artist, still learning how to apply my skills and discovering how to translate what I feel into something others can see. And even though I’m growing every day, I’ve learned that it takes real work to get noticed in the art world. Nothing about this path is automatic.

Applying for shows has become part of my rhythm. It’s exciting, vulnerable, and sometimes discouraging. Recently, I applied for one show… and then another… and then another. The no’s kept coming in, one after another, like a slow drip wearing down my confidence.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, staring at yet another rejection email, and saying to my husband, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this. Maybe I’m not cut out for it. Maybe I should just give up.”

In that moment, I felt down in the dumps—heavy, defeated, tired of trying so hard only to feel like I was falling short. I let myself feel it. I let myself be honest about the disappointment.

And then, slowly, I got back up.

Because yes, I’ve gotten a lot of no’s… but I’ve also received a lot of yes’s. This past year alone, I participated in my own group show, and I even attended a prestigious show in another state. Those moments were real. Those victories were earned.

So after grieving my losses, I have to remind myself of all my successes—of every door that did open, every opportunity that did find me, every moment that affirmed why I’m on this path.

I’ve learned that the journey can feel long, but there is nothing else I would rather be doing than creating art. I’ve been given a gift. I’ve been called to create. Some people reach their dreams quickly, and others have to climb every inch of the mountain. But what I know for sure is this: reaching my destiny is not optional.

And here’s where you come in.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’ve had your own string of no’s. Maybe you’ve wondered if you’re good enough, or if the dream is worth the effort. I hope my story reminds you that the no’s don’t define you. The setbacks don’t disqualify you. What matters is that you keep showing up for the thing that lights you up inside.

Because when one person keeps going, it gives others permission to keep going too.

And if my journey proves anything, it’s this: the yes’s do come. They may not arrive on our timeline, but they arrive right on time. So don’t stop. Don’t shrink. Don’t walk away from the thing your soul keeps calling you toward. Your yes might be closer than you think.