Do you ever feel like following your passion leads you into the Haunted Forest like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz? If you grew up in America, I’m guessing you know what I’m talking about and your inner 5 year old is shaking in his or her boots!  Flying monkeys, trees that talk and grab you, that’s scary stuff!

In a perfect world, being able to ‘follow your passion’ should look more like a bed of roses, right?  But in reality, I bet you’ve had those days where you want to click your heels together, put down your art supplies and get a mind-numbing job.  It’s both rewarding and nerve-wracking to follow your dream.

When you follow your dream, you put yourself out there. Sometimes issues and insecurities creep up on you.  Or maybe limiting beliefs hold you back.  “You have to have connections to succeed.”  “You aren’t bad but you’re no Picasso.”  “You’re selling out” — any of those sound familiar?

Last week I was interviewed by Paula Harvey of www.DesigningaPassionateLife.com.  She has a great blog you could turn to in times of mental crisis. Better yet, check it out and avoid the crisis!  Short reminders and new perspectives about how to get over thoughts that hold you back, nurturing yourself, how the words you use can affect your mental game and more.  I recommend you check it out!

In the 30 minute interview, we talked about my ‘crossroad moment’ in 2004 when I was getting divorced and needed to decide between following my passion or getting a traditional job.  We also talked a little about Art Licensing. If you want to listen to it, click here.

In my opinion, the most important thing to remember when you feel stuck in the Haunted Forest is this:  things probably aren’t as bad as they seem and this too shall pass.  Also remember that EVERYONE visits the forest from time to time so don’t beat yourself up about it, k?

Here’s to you!  ~ Tara