When the Dream Feels Heavy: Navigating Overwhelm as a Creative

Sep 16

My latest entry in the #botanicalbeasties2025 challenge has been my personal anthem this year.

I’ve been feeling it lately—the tug between being deeply proud of how far I’ve come… and the quiet hum of stress that creeps in when everything feels urgent at once.

Between growing my art business, building a portfolio, participating in challenges, showing up on Patreon, coaching clients, writing this blog, managing my health, and showing up for my family—I'm holding a lot. And sometimes that weight tips into overwhelm.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned:

Overwhelm doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.
It means you care. It means you’re dreaming big.
It means you're growing.

How I Know I’ve Hit My Limit

The first sign for me is always in my body. My nervous system starts buzzing. My brain can’t focus. Everything starts to feel muddy, and my next steps stop feeling clear.

It’s the signal I’ve learned to pay attention to.
Because when my body says “too much,” it means I’m out of alignment with what matters most.

My Reset Ritual: Getting Back to Center

When it all feels like too much, I stop.

I put everything down and ask myself one question:
“What is the actual priority right now?”

Sometimes I walk outside barefoot and just let the earth hold me for a few minutes. Other times I’ll do breathwork, EFT (tapping), or vagus nerve toning to bring my body back into a state of safety before making any decisions.

Because I know: If I don’t calm the chaos in my body, I’ll only recreate it in my to-do list.

The Thought Shift That Helps Me Most

Here’s the most powerful reframe I’ve been leaning on:

“My thoughts are not facts.”

When I’m overwhelmed, my brain starts sounding the alarm:
You’re falling behind. You should be further along. You’re not doing enough.

But those are not truths. They’re just stress responses.
And when I can pause, take a breath, and get curious. I remember that I am doing enough. I’m moving forward.
Even if it’s slower than I’d like.

What I Never Want to Let Go Of

Even when things feel intense, I know there are a few anchors I want to hold onto:

Writing this blog (like I’m doing now).
Connecting with my patrons on Tuesdays.
Creating art that inspires me first.

These are my grounding threads. They keep the dream alive, even when the path feels twisty.

A Word for You (If You’re in This Too)

If you’re a creative person trying to balance big goals with real life (and you feel the pressure mounting) I want you to know this:

This moment doesn’t define your whole journey.

Sometimes we think that because we love what we do, the process should feel easy. But creating a meaningful life isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s exhausting.

But that doesn’t mean you’re off track.
It means you’re doing something real.

What’s Helping Me Find Balance Right Now

Writing.
Reflection.
Slowing down when my nervous system says “pause.”
Giving myself permission to walk away and come back with clarity.
And remembering: Progress doesn’t always feel like progress when you’re in the middle of it.

Let’s Keep Growing Together

This blog has become a place where I track my own growth, share my honest process, and remind myself (and hopefully you) that the creative path is worth it—even when it’s heavy.

If you want to see what I’m working on behind the scenes, or support my journey in real-time, I’d love to welcome you over on Patreon. I share current sketchbooks, art process updates, and reflections just like this one, so we can grow side-by-side.

💖 And if you're new here, you can also download my Art + Soul Journal, a free 365-day prompt guide to help you stay creatively connected (even when you're tired). You’ll find it right here.