Rose of Sharon Jewelry

I spent the day feeling tired (still getting over the longest cold of the century) and cleaning house. Decided to put on the wireless headphones and listen to podcasts on creativity. The subject of honoring your art (and thus yourself) came up during several episodes. It got me to thinking about how I've struggled with the subject for years. You see I have an emotional gremlin that likes to keep telling me that "creative pursuits" such as my jewelry design work and freelance writing aren't "real work."

How could something so fun be real work? If your career is based upon creativity and art, how do you keep this antiquated notion at bay? Do you struggle with this same gremlin? Won't you share how you honor your art?

Most of my work life over the past 8 years has been as a freelance writer. When I decided to totally redirect my work life to my jewelry design (right after Arden was laid off which is a real motivator), I seem to feel more genuine. I contribute the change to truly honoring my jewelry art. I started by telling everyone I meet that I am a professional jewelry artist. My business cards say so - right?

I spend hours every day doing the business of marketing and selling the creations of the Rose of Sharon Jewelry team. Dawn and I meet twice a week to discuss the business and set deadlines and goals in locally promoting ROSJ. As I am "working" it every day - I can easily take the afternoon to play with my beads for as long as I like. My goal is to continue to establish a balance between pure creativity and play and being a "real business." It feels good because I am honoring what I choose to create and share with the world.