What Do I Do Now?

The world is a trash fire, and there are lots of reasons to be overwhelmed, scared, angry, anxious, and sad. How the hell are you supposed to make art in the midst of…all of (gesturing widely) this?

Let’s talk about it.

I’ve heard from lots of people recently who are having a hard time being creative, and I can understand why. On top of ongoing demands and commitments, from day jobs and childcare to relationship maintenance and paying the rent or mortgage, we now have the added fun of rising fascism worldwide and terrifying decisions from our elected leaders and government policies that are actively harming ourselves and our communities. Not to mention the rising cost of eggs.

I’m hearing things like:
— “How can I even focus right now?”
— “When will I have time to create again?”
— “Will the news let up for a single day so I can feel sane for two seconds in a row for once?”

And a question that covers it all: “What do I do now?”

If you are feeling like making your art is not important or possible when there are climate disasters and government disasters to contend with (and maybe you’ve even been feeling this way for a long time!), I’d like to lovingly and gently challenge you on that. When the world is crashing in, we need creative expression more than ever, for a number of reasons:

• Art is essential for a society to remain inquisitive and dynamic, which we need to imagine and build new and better realities. Art gives us power.

• Making things connects us with deeper truths than anything ephemeral (like a social media scroll or a scary headline), giving us much needed perspective and a reminder of our most essential values.

• Art and writing offer us beauty in many forms, and if we don’t have that, what are we fighting for, anyway?

• Your creative practice grounds you and keeps you in touch with your internal self, so that you are better prepared to show up and fight for your beliefs in all of the ways that matter.

I am not denying that there are real challenges to contend with, because there most certainly are. But I also believe the words of Toni Morrison: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work.” And I co-sign Lidia Yuknavitch when she says we must “make art in the face of fuck.” And — I also know that this is easier said than done.

You are an artist. You are an artist even when you aren’t making anything (but it feels better when you are). Let’s get you taking some steps in the direction of your creativity — it’s good for you, and it’s good for all of us.

I want to help you work through blocks you are having in your creative practice and develop a way to integrate the time and energy you spend on your art with your other important priorities, so that you can feel aligned with your best next step and build a creative life that works for YOU, now.

What Do I Do Now? is my project to gift 20 one-hour coaching sessions to 20 writers/artists over five weeks
(February 24 - March 28, 2025).

This project is for you if you connect with any of the following:

• You want to show up as your artist self, even in difficult times.

• You are feeling distracted from your practice.

• You are having a hard time prioritizing your art and would like some helpful and understanding support from a seasoned coach and arts practitioner.

• Your caregiving, work, or other time/energy demands, combined with the state of the world, seem to take everything from you and leave nothing for your creative practice.

• You identify (or have ever identified, or wish to identify!) as an artist in any medium (I work primarily with writers but have also served visual artists, musicians, and performers of all kinds). Your creative practice can mean many things!

What to expect:

• A series of questions when you book your session, to prepare you for a successful call

• A dedicated 60 minutes with Catherine, full of attentive listening, powerful questions, and coaching that is tailored to your unique needs (e.g., finding time, getting to the root of creative blocks, discovering your unique voice, examining feelings of fear, hesitation, or unworthiness in your practice or projects, etc.)

• A follow up email after your session with a recording of the call (if you’d like), notes, and prompts inspired by our conversation

• If we are a good fit and you are interested, information about options to work together further

Book your What Do I Do Now? gifted coaching session here.
I look forward to connecting with you!

Coaching projects such as these are both a way for me to share my services with a wider community and also to connect with folks who may be interested in working together further. If your session is beneficial and we are a good fit, with your consent I will share information with you about additional coaching opportunities with me. There is no pressure to discuss further coaching, and this session is my gift to you.