Overstimulating, So-So, Understimulating

Easier said than done, but you must always remember your ability to make the most out of situations. It is not always possible, granted, and often you can only do so much, but adopting a ‘How can I work with this?’ outlook goes further than a ‘Why won’t this go my way?!’ attitude when it is not within your hands to immediately change your circumstances.

Yes, things can be frustrating. And worse than that, they can be debilitating. Harmful and destructive even. And in such cases, you must fight to get to where you’re as safe as possible as soon as possible. Then, once there, you can get to work.

What is going on and how is it affecting you? Is it too much all at once? Is it too little all of a sudden? Or is it a happier medium in between? Though you can (and likely should) strive to set and maintain your ideal levels of stimulation, within some favorable range, it is not guaranteed that you’ll have control over what does or doesn’t happen for and/or around you.

You are not necessarily stuck, though. Chances are that this, too, shall pass. And while it is on, believe it or not, it could be a bundle of countless opportunities for you to do what you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. So take advantage of it while you still can!

Overstimulation? There is a lot happening? This is your chance to look and spot all the raw materials that can be useful to your craft, with an overwhelming amount of options, and ultimately select what you will be turning into art.

So-so? Something is somewhat happening? This is your chance to have a balanced approach between picking and packing what pertains to your field, with minor or no adjustments to your pace and approach, just doing some of this and some of that here and there.

Understimulation? Nothing seems to be happening? This is your chance to search within, into what you are already carrying with you, or to dive into what the past or the future may hold, via research and reflection, so that you can bring it forth as it deserves in your own manner.

It helps to keep in mind that, regardless, there is inspiration to be found and to be had. It’ll be on you to get yourself to where you can catch it, rather than be consumed and defeated by the irritation that comes with being overwhelmed or the boredom that comes with being underwhelmed. But nonetheless, things are probably not as helpless as they can intially come across. And who knows? Maybe you will later see, in hindsight, how it was in your favor.