Practicing gratitude as an artist

Practicing gratitude as an artist

There is some solid scientific evidence that practicing gratitude is genuinely good for you. Not only does it benefit social connections and mental well-being, it also seems to impact your physical health. That being said, practicing gratitude can be really hard, especially when you’re struggling or in a difficult situation. Unfortunately, when gratitude isn’t coming naturally may be when you need it most. 

As a writer and artist, I sometimes struggle with gratitude. When my work isn’t going the way I want, when I receive yet another rejection, when it feels like my goals are hopeless and I’ll never achieve the things I want so badly, it can be really, really hard to think of what I’m grateful for. But practicing gratitude as an artist is just as important as practicing it in other parts of your life. After all, as artists, we do have a lot to be grateful for… even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Today I have a list of three gratitude exercises that will help you connect with what you’re grateful for as an artist.

Create a gratitude jar

Step one is to take a jar (a small box will also work) and decorate it. This can be as simple or as complicated as you like; you’re an artist, after all! A clean pasta sauce jar with a ribbon tied around it will work as well as a box that you’ve fully decoupaged, so just have fun with this part.

Every day, try to notice between one and three things that you’re grateful for about your art. It can be anything: you can be grateful that you’re healthy enough to make art, grateful for the way a specific project turned out, grateful for your studio space, grateful for a creative partner you value, or grateful to yourself for trying your best. When you notice something you’re grateful for, write it on a slip of paper and put it in the jar or box. Then, when you’re struggling with gratitude, you can take a few slips of paper out and read over them.

Go for a gratitude walk

If you’re able to walk (or roll) then this is also a great thing to do when you’re struggling with gratitude. First, get outside. Try practicing a walking meditation as you go. Then, when you get back, take a few minutes to journal about everything you’re grateful for, particularly in relation to your art. 

If possible, you can also go for a walk with a loved one. Take the opportunity to share something you’re grateful for as you walk; their supportive presence is gift enough!

Write a gratitude letter

This one can be challenging, but I find it particularly worthwhile. Sit down with a pen and piece of paper (or type on a computer if that’s not accessible for you) and write a gratitude letter… to yourself. Really take the opportunity to thank yourself for everything you do to make your art happen. Thank yourself for your hard work, for the skills you’ve honed over the years, for every minute you’ve put into every piece of art you’ve ever created.

When you’re done, save the letter in a special place so you can revisit it. Come back to it when you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Even if you don’t have everything you want, you have yourself, and you know that you’re looking out for you.