That moment in your creative process where you are so close to finishing, but you are completely exhausted.

If you've read my book, Art Nurture: The Simple Guide to Cultivating Your Creativity, then you know I have trained for and run a marathon. 

I don't go into great detail in Art Nurture about the story of my training season and that fateful day known as Race Day, but those who were present have heard the story and saw me on my journey. 

I'll give you the readers digest version. I had an amazing training season. I was on track to hit my goal. Not a injury, not an illness, not even sore! My recovery runs were going well from my long days and all was lining up better than I could have anticipated going into race day. 

Then race day arrived and I awoke to something unexpected.

I was feeling off. It wasn't anxiety. Nope. It was the onset of a bug of some kind. I had a fever. Not a bad one (at first), but a little itty bitty slight one.

And, yes, I ran anyway.

I had literally trained for TWO YEARS to get to this day! I wasn't going to let anything stop me from this. It had taken so much mental resiliency already. 

DISCLAIMER: I do not in anyway endorse this choice for anyone else.

It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. 

In fact, I was off my time and my race the entire 26.2 miles. It was not pretty in any way, shape, or form. My mind and I had it out. We had conversations. Novels. Fights. We made promises to each other that we never intended to keep. 

And I'll be honest with you... even though I didn't actually feel ok for any of the 26 miles of that race, it was the .2 at the end that was the real kicker. 

It's that moment when you pass the 26 Mile Marker sign and you still can't see the finish line, because it's around the corner, and you still have 352 Yards left to run! 

That is the length of three and a half soccer fields plus 6 feet! 

I was feeling rough, but I knew I was almost done. 

The crowd is getting thicker along the edges of the race railing and you're searching for your cheering section. When all of a sudden, I see my little group. They have signs with my name on them. There was nice usage of glitter glue and bold markers. They are jumping up and down and screaming my name. 

All of a sudden, as ragged-y as I had been the whole race, I picked up my pace and began sprinting as fast as I could. I heard one friend say, "How is she doing this?!" And then she started running along the sidelines with me until I crossed the finish line. 

It took me an hour longer than I thought it would.  

 I learned a lot that day that has served me 
in my creative life well. 

I learned that I was stronger in my mind than I thought.

I learned that I was capable of more than I thought. 

I learned that, really no one would have judged me for stopping running that day. Really everyone would have understood. There is no judgement. Nothing to prove. 

I learned that the "cheering section" of your life is extremely important. Especially when what you are pursuing is really challenging and takes a long time and makes you really tired. It's good to have good folks in your corner. 

I learned that that day only happened because of two years of focused, dedicated, unwavering commitment and training. I had to show up. And show up I did. 

Also, I learned that good running shoes and socks are worth the investment. 

I definitely don't believe everyone has to run a marathon to learn this stuff. It was just a part of my journey. 

But having an A+ cheering section in your corner, when you are completely exhausted, yet so close to completion of your creative endeavors...

...priceless.

In fact, it's a total game changer. I can also say, as I approach the one year anniversary of the release of Art Nurture: The Simple Guide to Cultivating Your Creativity, that my A + Cheering Section was fully present for that as well. 

I learned a lot about myself, projects, working with others, and allowing others to help. 

I learned so much about the magic that happens when you let your community take part. 

All that to say, I'm feeling pretty sentimental these days and feeling pretty grateful for my cheering section.

  When you hit that moment in your creative process when you are so close to finishing, but you are completely exhausted, let your cheering section know. 

They'll help you dig deep. 

Those are the folks that believe in you and they want to make you glitter posters.

We don't do this stuff alone. 

 My heart with Art Nurture has always been to cultivate creative community and that is what has been naturally growing through the years here.

Right now the BETA round of Art Nurture's Cultivators Community is happening and it is amazing! Make sure to get on the newsletter list and find out about plans for the 2015 Cultivators Community when it becomes available. 

Art Nurture is about being fully alive and living life with the soul of an artist. A life filled with passion, intention, and purpose. Thanks so much for your time and your presence.
 
Cultivate & Nurture, 
Court McCracken

p.s. I've got something special I'm working on for you for the one year anniversary of Art Nurture: The Simple Guide to Cultivating Your Creativity so make certain to jump on the newsletter list to receive it!