The Dreamer

two years ago i wore baggy sweatpants and flip flops every day because i was depressed but then decided eh to hell with it and bought some black edgy emo clothes bc thats how i always wanted to dress but never got a chance to and it was only then that i realized that the sweatpants flip flops look was just keeping me in my depression funk. i didnt like the way i looked and i didnt identify with the clothes i was wearing and it only made me feel worse.

i then went through my entire wardrobe and got rid of everything that made me feel that way.

now i have multiple outfit possibilities requiring different levels of effort but on days where putting on clothes just seems like a project i just have to put on black jeans and a band t-shirt and i can still feel good about the way i look which is a really good way to start off my day.

{video description: a man standing in front of an abstract painting in-progress.

"One time I told a friend that I enjoy painting, and his response was, 'Oh yeah? Are you any good?' "

And I was stymied in the moment, and I just today realized why.

Pretend instead of painting, I had said, 'I really enjoy going on walks.'

And then he had responded, 'Oh, are you a pretty skilled walker?'

What?! That doesn't follow. People go on walks to feel good not to be good. Not everything is about improvement or skill.

If i wanted to be good at painting I'd have to worry about composition, color theory, texture...taking care of my tools instead of just dumping them into a milk jug of water that I never rinse out.

I'm bored just listing that sh*t, let alone doing it.

If I had to be good, I would quit.

I paint because it takes me out of myself. The end result doesn't even really matter.

I'm sure some of you relate. That's why we get along. Thanks for listening, see you tomorrow!"

You’re more than what you make.

Your productivity does not determine your value.

It’s okay to do nothing sometimes.

Not everything you do has to result in a product.

Not everything you make has to be important, significant, or even good.

You can make things just for yourself.

You can keep secrets for yourself, whether it’s not posting some of your projects or not sharing your techniques.

You’re allowed to say no.

Inspiration doesn’t cure burnout. Rest cures burnout.

People will wait for you; take your time and come back when you are ready.

It’s okay to scrap projects that no longer excite you, even if other people like them.

It’s delightful and excellent to be openly proud of your work.

Afford yourself the same gentleness that you would afford another creative - negative self-talk is counterproductive and frankly cruel.

Self-indulgent creations are satisfying to others as well; don’t apologize for your own pleasure.

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You have no idea how many people lurk on your work. No idea how many times people go back to revisit your work. How big they smile when they simply think about your work. How fast their heart beats, how excited they get when they see that you posted something.

People are shy with their feedback. Sometimes it’s because they’re simply shy. Other times it’s because they assume you already know how great and talented you are. Could be both.

because theyd rather someone stay terrible or just straight up die than become a better person 

from a compassionate point of view it’s deeply distressing and from a pragmatic point of view it’s outright frustrating