It’s funny how much mental space worrying about money can take up. For a long time, even when I was working as a graphic designer, there were always bills to juggle or unexpected expenses. I’d sit down to paint, something I absolutely love, and my brain would just… drift. Thoughts about invoices, rent, or if I’d saved enough for art supplies would bubble up, hijacking my focus.
This constant hum of financial anxiety meant I wasn’t really present in my life. My hobbies felt like luxuries I couldn’t fully enjoy because a part of my mind was always on standby, scanning for potential money problems. It felt like a barrier between me and the things that truly brought me joy, like experimenting with new pigments or just enjoying a quiet afternoon in my studio.
I realized that this wasn’t just about having enough money, but about creating a sense of stability that freed up my mental energy. It’s like having a cluttered desk – you can’t find what you need, and it’s hard to get anything done. Financial stress can make your mind feel like that cluttered desk.
When I started making small, intentional changes to my budget and exploring ways to increase my income through my art, like opening my Etsy shop, something shifted. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but gradually, the background noise of financial worry began to fade.
Suddenly, I found I had more headspace. That space was incredible. I could dive into a painting without distraction. I felt more present when I was out with friends. I even started exploring new creative avenues that I’d previously dismissed as too “risky” or a waste of time I should be spending on earning.
It’s empowering to realize that even small steps towards financial stability can have a big impact on your mental well-being and your ability to engage with life and your passions. When you’re not constantly stressed about finances, you open up room for creativity, personal growth, and simply enjoying the moment. It’s about creating that mental freedom so you can truly live and create more fully.