Riding the Rollercoaster

Yesterday, I attended the Le Center Legion Spring Craft Show in my hometown of Le Center, Minnesota. Of the three markets I’ve done in my short time as an artist, this one was the least successful, and it left me feeling disheartened and unsure whether I wanted to continue.

While I’ve largely overcome those feelings, disappointment lingers. There’s some confusion, too. I spent much of yesterday in a funk, and I couldn’t sleep this morning, my mind racing with a million questions. What makes some markets more successful than others? What is the driving force behind what people will and won’t buy? How can I make my business more successful when some of the things affecting its performance are largely out of my control?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any answers right now. Maybe I never will.

Fortunately, I’m resourceful, and I’m a good problem solver. I’m resilient, too, so although I feel discouraged, I’m also determined to bounce back.

Sometimes I ask why I did this to myself. I have AuDHD, and RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) leaves me in a funk more often than I’d like to admit. On the other hand, ADHD loves the dopamine rush of validation when someone compliments my art or buys something from me.

I do wish the latter were more consistent than the former. Maybe I’ll get there, someday.

Until next time,

Sandia