Max Shapey, LCSW, on Blocks to Creativity

A few days ago, Artsy Shark - a Site for Emerging Artists - posted an excellent interview with Max Shapey, LCSW, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, who grew up in a creative family. This clearly and concisely written  article, 'Helping Artists Find Balance', points to some of the underlying reasons why artists get into difficulties and suggests strategies for overcoming them. Do take a moment to read it!

On a lighter note, these 'Ten Commandments for Reducing Stress' were doing the rounds by email a few years ago -

1. Thou shalt not be perfect nor even try to be.
2. Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people.
3. Thou shalt leave undone those things which ought to be done.
4. Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin.
5. Thou shalt learn to say 'NO!'.
6. Thou shalt schedule time for thyself and thy supportive network.
7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing, regularly.
8. Thou shalt be boring, inelegant, untidy and unattractive at times.
9. Thou shalt not feel guilty, ever.

And finally -

10.THOU SHALT NOT BE THINE OWN WORST ENEMY!

My favourite is No 8 - what's yours?

The photos are of the River Usk at Crickhowell, the next little town up the road from Abergavenny, taken last week, after what turned out to be a wild goose chase in search of someone to print my cards. It still may turn out to have been worth the trip though!