I used to sit and stare at my computer for hours putting together my monthly email newsletter to collectors, only to not send it out...for months at a time.

I felt paralyzed thinking about how I should have done a better job keeping up with it, or that they will think I'm bothering them, or trying to sell them something.

I worried that they wouldn't remember me...which was for sure true since I was ignoring them.

Mostly, I felt shame each time I sat down to send my email.

And when we feel shame, we hide and avoid.

And that's what I did...only sending out emails when shows were coming up and then packing in everything I could think of in order to make sure it was well worth their time and effort to open the email.

I am going to make it so worth it....I'm going to write a blog post, put images of all my newest works, add every event that I'm in for the rest of the year, put every accolade in and award, all to make them think I'm awesome, and happy that they subscribed. [Side note...the best emails are short, sweet, and to the point]

What they are really thinking when they open my 6 month encyclopedia of my life as an artist ...who is this person...why is she sending me this....this looks way to long for me to read...I don't have time for this...<close email>.

Take a moment and think about all the thoughts you wished your collectors thought about you when they read your email.

Her work is great.

I think she's great.

I can't wait to see work again.

I want to own her work.

I'm so glad to hear from her.

Now, flip it and think those thoughts about yourself...

My work is great.

I think I'm great.

I can't wait to see my work again.

I want to own my work.

I want to own me. (to be intentional and do what I say I'm going to do)

I'm so glad to hear from me. (to show up for me)

The only reason we are afraid of what other people are thinking about us and our work is because we are either not being intentional about our thoughts and letting our brain run wild - and when it runs wild it always chooses that safe path..the one that keeps us from doing uncomfortable things like sending emails...or we are actively thinking negative thoughts about ourselves.

Practice thinking about the thoughts that you came up with (above) before you write your next email. Don't put this off. Now is the best time to spend thinking intentionally about you and your art and writing and sending a simple email from that energy.  

You've got this!

Teresa