On Loss & Losing Creativity
The last three months I’ve been processing the unexpected loss of my father-in-law in early May (RIP Geoff Cater). They have been by far the hardest months of my life. Between organising a memorial, taking care of my partner, grieving and dipping in and out of work when I needed to, I’ve never felt so exhausted or sad.
There have been a few positive revelations that have come out of the heartbreak though. For example, realising how resilient and capable I am and a new appreciation for the work that I get to do.
Losing someone suddenly makes you realise how unpredictable life is and how much we let the little things get in the way of what really matters most to us.
The last few months I haven’t had the time or capacity to write, podcast, dream or create.
As some of the darkness starts to lift, I feel so grateful for the privilege of running my own business that allowed me to take time off to be with my family and I also have a renewed appreciation for creativity.
Loss abruptly traps you in the present moment where your sight is limited to the immediate surroundings and you can’t really think or feel beyond the very moment that you’re in. All of your resources are focused on the here and now so as to prioritise your survival even when you feel that you can’t go on. Somehow we do. But to think beyond the present isn’t possible in that mode.
For me, creativity requires me to dream. To time travel with my thoughts, connect dots and ideas in outer space and then crystallise them into my creative work. This wasn’t a realm that I was able to access for a few months but now that it’s returning I never want to take it for granted again.
Here are a few things that I’ve made of late:
Podcast — In conversation with Sarah Thornton (co-founder of The Finders Keepers Markets) sharing her startup story and the recent sale of the business. She also shares lots of tips for small creative businesses
Guest Hosted —I helped to produce and guest host a show on the ABC — The Music Show, tune in here for a special NAIDOC week take over to celebrate 25 years of Koori Radio
Featured on— Apple App Store where I shared my favourite apps for starting a business
I wrote this —featured article for Awesome Black’s STAUNCH online publication, an interview with Aretha Brown
A quick favour to ask — if you’ve loved our podcast over the years, would you mind taking a second to share a review on Apple if that is your platform of choice? It would be super helpful for me and also would just love to hear your feedback :) Thanks in advance.
If you’re not already, join us on Instagram and be sure to get in touch for questions or to book in a 1:1 Business Coaching.
Cheers,
Kay
