Years ago I was sitting the 4 train with my legs crossed wearing converse sneakers and rainbow striped socks. An older man next to me asked if I was an artist.
Flummoxed, I quickly answered, “No!” Mainly because: 1) someone was speaking to me on the NYC subway and that could turn creepy, and 2) I was 24 years old and wasn’t anything yet.
“Oh,” he said. “I just saw your socks and wondered.”
What he didn’t know was that those bright, quirky socks ALSO had slots for toes! I mean WHY? Toes generally don’t wish to be separated. But I’d had them since college and loved them because they were unique.
This is why yesterday I was thrilled to meet the founder of artgurl, Meagan, who believes that creative wellness is for everyone!
That’s been my mission since I started bringing improv-based leadership workshops into organizations with Follow the Fear nearly 10 years ago. Because I was afraid on that 4 train to say yes.
Even though I’d been writing, drawing, playing music since I was a child, I didn’t go to school for art, and my job didn’t have “creative” in the title. I was waiting for external validation and someone to give me permission.
But since I’m old now, I only listen to myself. I’m a writer and an improv performer and a more authentic weirdo. I’ve also learned that:
Leave the wrecking to other people / AIs. Today’s world is a cluster f%$&***er and much of that cluster-effery is out of our control.
What we can control is our wellbeing: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Look some art other people made. (yes! this counts!)
Pick up a pencil and doodle stuff on paper or a napkin or in the dirt on your car windshield.
Listen to a new song.
Sing a song.
Stare at a flower or plant.
Buy some stickers and give them to your friends to wear on your shirts.
Encase your toes in their own sleeping bags.
Dance at home like a maniac.
Join an improv class*. Soon I’ll be offering public workshops so stay tuned!
Today I am an artist who will say so here and in public, though please don’t speak to me on the train, that’s still a no-no.
I’m playing in a comedy show on Saturday night at 7pm. We’ll be doing scenes inspired by Westbeth / West Village History. Part storytelling, part improv, all fun.
Come by Sat / Sun for tours and visit artists homes and studios!
*Improv unites your team, boost psychological safety, increases collaboration, innovation, and engagement at work, all of which is great for productivity. Learn more about how I can help your teams: https://followthefear.co/services
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