What keeps you going?

[AegisD]

I've been so depressed lately that it's a struggle for me to do anything but read. Hell, I haven't even been on here to see what new and amazing works you guys have posted... I don't really know what's wrong with me. I think I just need some motivation... What keeps the rest of you going?

 

[evil tendencies]

Do you mean what keeps me painting, or what keeps me going through my day in general?

The thought of what my stuff will look like on the table or in my display case really motivates me to do my own stuff. The look on my clients' faces keeps me doing the commissions, as does the opportunity for a challenge.

My faith keeps me going in general. Christ's love has pulled me out of a really dark emotional place recently, and the encouragement of my church has been...well, honestly, words can't describe how much their practice of our faith has given me strength.

 

[Hinton]

If you're talking about what keeps me going as far as life, mostly it's my daughter. I know that there is someone that needs me to take care of her.

The other thing that keeps me going is that I won't give up. Been some really dark times in my life, including a constant battle with chronic depression, but I just keep on moving forward.

 

[ScottRadom]

I've got soem good friends, and a good family. When the wife and kids drive me crazy, I schedule some time to get out for a bit. Be it an hour out to the garage to do some painting or a night out with the boys getting drunk and playing Rock Band.

If reading makes you happy, then do more of it. Try thinking of the things that make you smile. If you find yourself thinking of them and smiling then they're things you should try to do more of. I think. But wadda I know!

 

[PegaZus]

Caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine. :can: :can: :can: :bulgy-eyes: :freaked-out:

 

[Legacy Account]

Caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine. :can: :can: :can: :bulgy-eyes: :freaked-out:

That.

And this:

:beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:

 

[Shawn R. L.]

! God loves you....here and now, weather you feel it or not.
! Family
! Friends
! Antidepressants - yes, they really do work. They won't 'cure' you but can DEFINITELY lift the clouds to a tolerable level. Some sort of talk therapy is a must in concert with med's.
! I've found some real help with ADD med's
! Exercise. Even just going for a short walk can make a difference
! Curb sugar. It's definitely a depressant.
! REST.
! Have something to do.....anything. Just anything to get your mind OUT of your head.
! Protein is important to keep the blood sugar level.

 

[Dragonsreach]

I've been so depressed lately that it's a struggle for me to do anything but read.
I think I just need some motivation... What keeps the rest of you going?

Targets, small achievable targets.

 

[BPI]

A cute smile from a pretty stranger as we pass in the street can keep me going for a week!

Sorry to hear things are a little grim at the moment AegisD, being able to mention it "out loud" as it were helps a little. I've encountered various of these threads since lurking on CMON & there are numerous folks here who have to actively manage their moods to stay on top of things. I was starting to wonder if adult mini-painters were predisposed to depression! But I guess the anonymity of the Forum combined with the fact that the crowd here seem to a genuine & caring bunch just means there's a little more honesty out there. If you're managing to read rather than just stare at a page, then you're winning!

All the best, cheers, B.

 

[BarstoolProphet]

My positive attitude. Oh, sure, I can get down, depressed, and all. But I bounce back.

 

[alextheartist]

The thought of moving out at the end of the year is a pretty big one for me

 

[supervike]

False hope and deluded justifications.

It's worked for years now.

 

[freakinacage]

friends, family and the knowledge that no matter how bad things are, there are people with it worse

 

[AegisD]

I actually originally meant "what keeps you going" referring to what motivates you to keep painting, but these responses are probably more what I need to hear right now anyway I suppose. I've wrestled with depression for a while now, and usually my art has lifted me out of it. Unfortunately I've gotten quite rusty for various reasons, and instead of helping lately, it just frustrates me.

I think the two things I need to focus on the most are "Targets, small achievable targets" like Dragonsreach said, and some of the things Shawn mentioned too. Thanks guys.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Been dealing with depression for decades. PM me if I could be of some help.

 

[Chrome]

Something that gets me and keeps me painting is deadlines, and that's probably it. I haven't become satisfied/confident enough with my painting to truly enjoy that part of the hobby yet but something that cheers me up is sculpting.
But I think it is important to have grand schemes and small targets and never, ever say you must... Even if being just a tad down and telling yourself you 'must' do something usually just drags one down further. Tell yourself you 'should' do it instead, it has a less commanding ring to it and feels a lot less negative. Plus it doesn't add up guilt to the depression if you actually fail to perform that day.

 

[SkelettetS]

i think competitions are great for painting motivation, altho i must admit that to compete with art (which is highly subjective and have a suppose to actuallt be subjective) actuelly is kind of "off" for me otherwise.

happy customers (so far...) and getting high scores on cmon is also great for motivation:fingers-crossed: LOL

 

[dogfacedboy uk1]

Yep I would echo some of the sentiments mentioned here. Having small targets is a real confidence booster when you hit them. I suffered from depression once, many years ago and know how soul destroying it can be and have known a couple of people who have taken and nearly taken their own lives. I climbed out of the pit and have never been back (just basically using my own willpower, no meds, no councilling and not even talking about with family and friends.) fortunately.

I made one of my small targets to get to CMON rank under 500 as a goal for my progress this year and with my last sculpt I did it which was a nice confidence boost (thanks people!!!). Having a couple of sculpts put into production was also a good boost for me artistically. Just got back into drawing a little to. It is good to have something like art to help in dark times so i hope you are able to scrape that rust off and get back into it!!!

dfb

 

[cassar]

medication

for me the increase in my medication seems to be working lol, it could be going to the gym regularly or a combination of both. lifes full of ups and downs so remember there's always someone having a worse day than you somewhere, try humming the tune from hawaii 50 it will lodge in your head to the point where you you cant think about your worries anymore:clap:

 

[freakinacage]

in that case, as dr said, small achievable targets works well (actually works well in every arena)

have fun paint what you want and practice doing things that you wouldnt normally try. it's amazing how much fun you can have.