So what’s the point of doing anything this week?
Oh, hi friends!
What’s the point of doing anything when democracy is at stake?
That’s the question I wrote at the top of Wednesday’s newsletter, which I didn’t send or even finish writing.
Because those three words — what’s the point — are a brick wall. You can find them everywhere.
What’s the point of writing musicals when it’ll take years for Broadway to come back.
What’s the point of starting a new business when so many others are struggling.
What’s the point of chipping away at a big creative project when it’s easier to dive into the bottomless well of news and anger, dialogue and controversy.
Not exactly inspiring stuff for an encouraging newsletter about creative process, you know? No one wants to be the toxic friend at the party.
But asking that question for a few quiet days and doing nothing gave me an answer.
The point is…it feels worse to not do anything.
And it’s not because of the lack of feedback or recognition.
It’s because the lack of forward motion doesn’t feel like standing still. It feels like moving backwards.
You aren’t planting any seeds or future possibilities. You’ve lowered the stakes so much they’ve disappeared.
The point is you have to forget the analytics or likes. You have no idea who’s watching and might need your words or your product or your work.
The point is you can’t obsess over a long timeline. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to myself, ‘Creating X will take two/three/eight months, and who knows where I’ll be then?’
I know where I’ll be.
And I know where you’ll be.
We’ll be right here, wishing we had done the thing.
So those are my ~encouraging~ words for this Friday!
Everyone has talked about not getting anything done for the past few weeks (maybe even the past few years?), because how on earth are we supposed to? Of course that’s valid.
But the time will pass. Is passing. And only you know what you’re called to do.
How I spend my time is up to me.
How you spend your time is up to you.
No one’s switching on your green light, Gatsby.
You have to do it for yourself.
The Guest House by Rumi
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
How to Make a Movie!
My brother, Eric, just signed on as an actor and co-producer to the new feature film Hayseed, a whodunnit crime thriller in the style of Fargo meets Knives Out, set in a small Michigan town.
They are currently raising investment funds on Wefunder. If you’re not familiar with Wefunder, think Indiegogo or Kickstarter, but instead of getting perk merchandise you are actually investing in a profit share of the film — meaning you will own a piece of the film and see a return once the film is sold.
For this project, you can purchase equity in the film and earn up to 120% on your Principal + split 50% of Gross Proceeds. They’ve currently raised approximately $45,000. Here are the details if you’re intrigued by investing in it yourself!
And if you’re curious to hear more about WeFunder in general, or the film Hayseed, you can reach my brother at eric.james.cotti@gmail.com or contact the writer/director Travis Burgess at travis@american-bravado.com.
(Wefunder isn’t only for films, btw. If you’re looking to create your own start-up or raise funds for a project, give it a look! You've got options.)
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You can also support my work by checking out my new motivational journal, Do It For Yourself, designed to guide you through your creative and work projects.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara