Battling Negativity

All this work and nothing to show… Table full of various pottery pieces, different shapes, styles, colours, clays.

Ever had a moment of doubt or negativity? Like I did when I was nearing the end of my pottery mentorship, had a ton of work, but nothing cohesive enough for our exhibition? 

I gathered all the pieces worked on during the time and felt like it was a waste of time (first photo). 

Then my mentor reminded me that each piece was exploration and a part of the process. Perfection was (and is) a myth, so enjoy the process. 

Negative mindset meltdown over, I got back to work, took what I learned, and completed new pieces for the exhibition (second photo).

Our Voices exhibition 2022 - finished pottery pieces, mimicking fabric shirts with buttons, collars, and ruffles; textured tiles and a textured teapot (slab built.)

I’d like to say that was the only time I’d ever been negative, but that wouldn’t be true. 

I have to reframe my thoughts against negativity every day. It’s an ongoing battle that is worthy of fighting. My co-workers think I’m a little too cheery in the morning, starting off the day with “Happy Monday!” (or whatever day of the week it happens to be.) I like to start on a high note, because then when the inevitable negativity kicks in, I’m still landing somewhere positive.

Starting at the bottom of the barrel only means there’s nowhere left to go, unless you’re bringing others down with you. So if I have to climb up and make myself have a positive start the day, so be it. 

Just like with pottery, every new day is a fresh slab of clay, ready for us to impress ourselves on it. Sometimes it’s beautiful, sometimes it doesn’t quite turn out the way we want. But it’s all part of the process. :)

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