Don’t Want to Sink My Ship….

Bull24

Hi Everyone!

Well, today, I come to you with so many emotions.  This last year has been such an amazing ride!  I reconnected with my creative side and have taken many steps to share my gift with all of you.  I decided to take a risk and put myself out there just to see what might happen.  The response has been more than I could ask for and for that I am so grateful.  It truly feels amazing to create art regularly and to be involved in this amazing art community that I have found online.  I have connected with so many other creative spirits, and some have become very good friends of mine, although we have never even met in person.  I have found some kindred spirits, some soul sisters, that understand what I feel on a daily basis, THE NEED TO CREATE!!  I can’t tell you all how thankful I am to have found you!

While this has all been so amazing, I am totally failing as a mother and wife at the moment.  I have put my artistic needs in front of everything and anything else.  For that, I am not proud and saddened by.  How selfish of me!  🙁  My younger daughter told me the other day that I only have time for work and paint, and no time for her.  What a stab in the heart.  She is right, though!  I wake up each day and can’t wait to go to my studio (the garage) and start composing my piece, or finishing one, whatever it is that I am doing.    Of course I wake up and can’t wait to see the bright, smiling faces of my children, but then it is off to create!  I am having a terrible time finding balance, and I need it, because I need my family and I need art.  So, how do I go about finding this balance?  How do I enjoy both and feel that I have time for both?

I am in charge of this ship that I am sailing.  I know where I want to go with it, and I feel that I am in such a rush.  I need to slow down and be patient.  I cannot enjoy the artistic journey if the rest of my family is suffering.  I would love to hear from all of you about how you balance life, work, art, etc.  If you are trying to transition from one career to another, how are you managing without sinking your ship?  I certainly don’t want to sink my ship, especially the one that my family is on.  I love them way too much, but also need to stay on this journey that I am currently on.  My SOS flag is waving.  PLEASE.  SEND.  HELP.

13 Comments

  1. lovingrd on June 15, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    Completely get it! Homeschooling 2 boys has me doing the same dance between family, home, art, etc. I haven’t figured it all out, but I have taken little ‘vacations’, so to speak, from creating to be fully present with my family. I also have lots of layers in process at once so that when the kids are happily occupied on their own, I can sit down and work on another layer, even if only for a few minutes (I keep it some stuff on the dining table so that I can easily access it while still being in the living area with family then other stuff in basement for bigger painting projects). I also involve them as much as they seem interested in, inviting them to join me, which they rarely do anymore, but they used to a lot when they were younger. I also create after they’re in bed. It is a crazy balancing act and one I don’t always do well at (I’ve heard similar to comments to what you shared). It’s also a struggle to justify without much financial pay-off (and a lot of expense) at the moment, but I hope it is worth it to be an example of following dreams and loves. Don’t know if any of that helps, but wanted you to know that others understand. Best wishes!

    • karabullockart on June 16, 2015 at 8:13 AM

      LovingRoad,
      I am so happy people responded to this and are feeling the same! It is a crazy balance, but I have to pull it off! I also want to be an example of following my dreams, as you said. This is not something that many are able to say that they did. When it comes time for my own, I want them to be brave enough to do it! XOXO

  2. Beth Weatherford on June 15, 2015 at 2:29 PM

    Kara, I wish I had some magical answer for you. My children are older so they are independent now which leaves me with my fur babies and my hubby most days. Have you thought about including them in your art time? Setting them up a work area where they can do their art while you do yours? I know that worked with my daughter when she was younger and I was busy doing tye dye or candle work.(My son never cared as long as he had a baseball in his hand..lol) Who knows you might have another Monet, Warhol, or Kandinsky in the bunch!! I also know even now when I feel like I am not spending enough time with the family I “burn the midnight oil” as my Mamaw used to say….wait till you put the little ones down for the night before you set out to let those creative juices flow. One thing I can assure you of though Kara, is I’m sure things aren’t as bad as you think they are, so before you let all the wind out of your sails, just adjust your course a bit, try a few different things. God never puts more on our plate than we can handle. Im thinking of you, and every little things gonna be alright ??

    • karabullockart on June 16, 2015 at 8:14 AM

      Beth,
      Thank you so much for your loving words!! Great advice! I am known to burn the midnight oil, and I am also known to burn the candle at both ends!! Ugh! Well, I will continue on this journey and figure out how to make it all work! I will adjust my sails, Beth! Great advice, and I agree that God has me on this path. I just need him to help me with the balancing act…:-)

  3. Carrie Lynn on June 16, 2015 at 1:18 AM

    Kara, how I wish I have the formula for your dilemma but I don’t. I am a stay at home wife but not a mother. People think that I have all the time in the world to do my crafting because I stay home with no children. But no, that is not always the case. I also have ample amount of other things to attend to other than my craft. Most times I burn the midnight oil just so I could get connected to my artsy self. We all have our own ups and downs and sometimes we do not know where to go just to please everyone. Try to adjust your art and me time to the familiar schedule of your family. Or set aside a day or two for a whole day of art time. Talk to your family, assure them that they are your priority but you also must make time for yourself and your craft. Hugs!

    • karabullockart on June 16, 2015 at 8:15 AM

      Carrie Lynn,
      There is always so much to do in the day, aside from crafting!! I know what you are talking about! I was trying to get my pieces ready for my exhibit on Saturday, and feeling overwhelmed. Now that I am all set, I feel that my boat is sailing a bit more smoothly. Thank you so much for taking some time to respond!
      Hugs!
      Kara

      • Carrie Lynn on June 17, 2015 at 2:48 AM

        Wonderful news Kara! You deserve that exhibit. Paint the town red and show them what you’ve got. Rock it girl! <3

  4. Miss Petra's Art on June 16, 2015 at 2:00 AM

    Hi Kara, it is so brave to bring this up. . You did get pretty good advice.. I ‘m thinking of you. Hugs

    • karabullockart on June 16, 2015 at 8:16 AM

      Petra,
      Thank you, love! I do think that I got some great advice! I think we need to bring up these topics because so many of us are feeling it! Love you, sister!!
      Kara

      • Miss Petra's Art on June 16, 2015 at 11:04 AM

        Love you too.. and we will be ok! I’m thinking of you ❤

  5. ra4kennedy on June 20, 2015 at 3:32 PM

    I am not totally sure how to do it but I do know that if they are seeing you happy and doing what you love that it is so good for them!!! You are a good MOM!!!! This post proves that.

    • karabullockart on June 21, 2015 at 8:57 AM

      Thanks, Angela! I don’t know that there really is an answer. I think being aware, and being available are both super important, and I am working on that. Making sure everyone feels important and loved is key! Thanks for your comment. Made me smile! xoxo

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.