Know when to let go

Many times we find ourselves nurturing a habit that no longer fits our lifestyle or is no longer good for our well being.

As I re-determine each morning to live the life of an artist no matter what, I have to ask myself what I should hold on to and what I should let go of.

Today I got a notice that my SCBWI membership is about to expire. I had coveted this membership so badly years ago and was happy to finally scrape up the money to become part of this prestigious society of artists.

But as my vision for myself and my dream transformed and solidified I realized that much my art would be for adults. I realized that I did not want to illustrate someone else’s words. I did not want an editor telling me to make the skin lighter on my characters.

Still, I have clung to SCBWI for several years. But the more I read the message boards the more I realize that this is not my crowd. Their values are not my values. They were even having a discussion about dragons being too scary for children. That to me was just too anal and stupid for me to deal with. No editor dictates what I create.

So I have decided to say Good-bye to SCBWI. There are other places for me to spend my money and other ways to make it.

Think about what you have in your life that is doing you no good. Can you get what you need from other sources? Is your money and time better spent in other endeavors? Is it time to let go?