And your creative side is absolutely your best weapon in difficult times. I would even argue that it the people and business willing to be creative, think laterally and from different perspectives are the only ones who can thrive in such circumstances.

And your creative side is absolutely your best weapon in difficult times. I would even argue that it the people and business willing to be creative, think laterally and from different perspectives are the only ones who can thrive in such circumstances.

So, I am currently watching my self-talk and expectations – am I perpetuating the struggle, do I value what I do, do I believe in myself? To help me on my way, I have gone back to an excellent book,The Artist’s Way, which I read and worked through some years ago. It’s helpful in weeding out those nagging voices in the head.

I think it’s a good idea to nurture the creative side of things when the going gets tough and the economy nosedives!

I found your blog via someone else’s tweet. You raise some interesting topics

Two years ago I quit a well-paying job to follow my own star (maaan) and work as a freelance writer. I was driven partly by a motivation to work for myself, but also to spend my days doing work that really meant something to me.

I knew it would be hard, but in all honesty, it’s been harder than I thought. For every time when something great happens (e.g. I get a new commission from a magazine editor, or see one of my stories on print) there are many, many more times when the phone doesn’t ring, emails don’t arrive and editors turn down my pitches – or worse – ignore them completely.

I’m beginning to understand how actors must feel when they’re rejected at auditions – but keep turning up, time after time, because they want to do something they truly love. You’re right: being true to yourself is bloody hard going!

Just as well I’m the tenacious type …

This post was mentioned on Twitter by thetinysoprano: Why being authentic hurts like hell – http://bit.ly/2z3AjV...