SEVEN OF WANDS
Trouble is afoot. A killer whale is under attack by a shiver of great white sharks, and seven powerful wands are loose in the waters. Who will get to them first? The competition and stakes here are real. Now that you’ve achieved some level of success, others want what you have and are gunning for you. There is a lot of pressure that comes after successly finishing a creative project or goal. It feels like you’re being circled by something ominous, like you could lose everything if you slow down and catch your breath or take a break. People might be coming out of the woodwork to criticize your work or take advantage of it in some way — maybe something has been stolen, or you’re finding that the response to it is dwindling, or you’ve gotten the attention of internet trolls or an old frenemy, And maybe you’re just exhausted from the long hours and energy you’ve been pouring in just to get here. You got through the stress and pressure it took to become successful, but now you’ve got to figure out how to maintain it in the long-term, and that might be a whole new monster to contend with. It’s okay to get knocked down a little, but don’t forget about all the powers you’ve developed to get to where you are. Creativity builds resourcefulness and a unique ability to solve problems. Are you using all your resources? You don’t have to out gun someone you can outsmart. There isn’t a problem that can’t be fixed, and everything that is overwhelming you can be broken down into smaller and more manageable pieces. When seen in the right light, all problems are opportunities, and you’ve got some magic on your side.
IF YOU’RE FEELING BLOCKED:
Take deep breaths. You’re most likely feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and approaching burnout. You might feel like quitting, but don’t be rash. You need to pause everything and take care of yourself, right now. Disappear for a day or two. Go somewhere remote to escape if you have to, or just turn your phone off. The world will not end. You’re not giving up. You’re preparing for yourself for the battles ahead. You’re reconnecting with your soul, allowing your mind to rest and making sure you are meeting your own needs. What are they? Remember what is most important to you, what your priorities are, why you began this journey in the first place. Write it down or record yourself, but make sure to take notes: these things should be non-negotiables going forward. What can you absolutely not deal with? Figure out a way to funnel it out to others. You’ll know If you do wind up wanting to quit, know that you’ve learned some valuable lessons just getting to this point. They’ll be helpful in your future.
CREATIVITY EXERCISES:
Draw an abstract depiction of the current state of your mind using nothing but lines, shapes, spacing and colors, then draw an abstract depiction of what you want your state of mind to be in the future.
Dissect your feelings with a poem that includes metaphors on how your feelings taste, sound, smell, feel and look if they could be sensed using all your senses, then write another five stanzas doing the same thing for the feeling you’re missing the most right now.
Make yourself some handmade soaps with your favorite smells and herbs.
Get inspired by old photos from a favorite vacation or celebration — work on a scrapbook, memory journal, collage or create something new based off how the photos make you feel and what else you remember.