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I've seen this topic discussed among my fellow artists, but tonight I am feeling it so strongly, the only way to get rid of it is to talk it out!  I am talking about the dreaded FOMO.....fear of missing out.  For an artist, it can prick your senses and make you work harder, or try something new, it can make you step out and make you do something out of character.  It can even lead you down artistic paths that end in setbacks and mistakes. 

I've been working steadily on increasing my inventory in a gallery in coastal Carolina.  A fall group show looms, and I have had some pretty steady sales, even through the summer doldrums.  I need to be boosting my inventory, coming up with some truly beautiful pieces that I can offer my collectors.  I need to be focused on the task at hand.  But you know what?  FOMO rears its ugly head, tempting me from what I know I MUST do to be sensible, reasonable, and profitable. Distractions loom large.  An opportunity to show a piece or two that will take a lot more of my time and effort than it will ever return.  A chance to write poetry for an upcoming event...again, recognition and appreciation, but it is not the right time for it.  So it goes by.  Each one of worth, each one enticing, but held in the balance....they are lacking due to timing, effort, or distraction. 

FOMO continues to nag at me, stealing studio time joy that I truly need.  Sometimes one must  keep their head down, narrow the focus and just keep doing what is the right thing.  If opportunities are truly beneficial, they shine out bright.  They don't feel more like obligations.  So I will fight this fear of missing out....this fear that the train left me at the station.  When my train, the one that will take me where I belong, comes down the track, the whistle will be blowing!  I will be ready, in spirit and in skill. I will have no doubt.

So begone, FOMO....back to my studio, my choice is made....back to create!