How I Cope

Driven by hunger, a fox tried to reach some grapes hanging high on the vine but was unable to, although he leaped with all his strength. As he went away, the fox remarked, ‘Oh, you aren't even ripe yet! I don't need any sour grapes.’

This is a fable about coping that I came across.

Many artists and creatives have a similar way of coping when faced with disappointments and unrealized dreams.

As an artist, I've felt all the things.

• Discouragement – because it felt like nothing “worked.”

• Disillusionment – being a successful creative is a rigged game

• Bitterness – no one will give me my shot

• Depression – I’m just not good enough

• Overwhelmed – I don’t know how to get where I want to go

• Desperate – someone, please, listen to my music!

But I can't imagine not making and creating.

It's like fire in my bones

So I get up.

I look to the Lord for strength, encouragement, and my sense of identity

And I go do the work I enjoy