Dear struggling artists,

Nothing stunts my ability to choose to create art (it is a choice!), than other, seemingly more important yet mundane things on my to-do list.

I feel as though, always, there are more pressing things to do; a vicious cycle of never-ending tasks, all flagged high priority. I have a ton of bureaucracy to accomplish at the moment; scheduling health appointments, emails, organizing/unpacking our new apartment— tasks I cannot put off.

But those tasks pale in comparison to my top priority; I feel I should be working on my 2nd Cookbook over all else, every second of the day. I put off art, reading, caring for myself, or rolling through my growing to do lists, because of this one, massive, Important Thing.

Yet, nay. Hush. All of these many tasks are part of life; different and equally important! I must feed my soul and body. Prudentias, yes, yet balanced with felicitous, with gracias and sanitas; to achieve my own semblance of arete.

The Tao te Ching puts it so simply; I must travel with the carts— not get too far ahead, but take care of myself every step of the way; embrace the heavy, walk slowly.

So no, not a single minded focus on one giant task, the 2nd cookbook; but dedication in cultivating, pruning, harvesting, the ten thousand little somethings that build a life and lifestyle. Pace myself, even as I am so excited, and so dedicated to making sure the hundreds of people supporting this Work are pleased with the results. That will come in time, I must trust.

One step at a time, in all directions— appears like sitting still. But I do, even when I do not. I hope you can do and do not too. <3

Walking with the cart,
Aimee

ps— …yes I have begun reading Ursula K Le Guin’s translation of the Tao the Ching (affiliate link that supports your local bookstore!) The incredible fantasy author and feminist wrote a translation! Only a third of the way through now, but it is helping me get through a difficult time in so many ways. Highly recommend, and it’s short!

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