We're a pretty lucky generation. Expensive trips away to conferences aren't the only answer to seeking advice, as now everything we could ever dream of is at our fingertips. That said, the internet can at times be a reiteration of how imperfect our lives are. I understand you can only read so many inspiring quotes on Instagram and see so many perfectly styled houses on Pinterest before you begin feel like maybe you're not a success, you think maybe you could be doing better, you're thrust into the spiral or abyss of anxiety that many creatives can suffer from.  

I'm here to tell you, you're doing okay. Most likely more than okay, but you are your own worst critic. Listen to how you speak to yourself for a day. Are you mean? Are you a bully to yourself? I was guilty of all of the above and it took my partner to say ' Maya! Snap out of your wallowing self pity' for me to actually realise what I was doing. As a positive repercussion I  added a new wallpaper to my phone, and every morning before I open any emails or messages, I take a deep breath and say "Be gentle with yourself, you're doing the best you can". 

I've come across some key notes presented by creatives who 100% understand the process you are going through. The rejection, fear and the social stigma surrounding your choice to be a creative person can be a somewhat uphill battle at times. I hope you find comfort in their words. 

Not everyone will understand you, but there is beauty in that. Not everyone will understand your intense fascination with clouds or the ability to do your most amazing works at 3am. Not everyone will see a breakup or [insert your own traumatic experience] as an adventure through the human condition. But we, fellow creatives, do.  

I hope you find something empowering in these talks, after all they're for people like us to make sense of this fast paced, chaotic and creative world. 

Lupita Nyong'o - Massachusetts Conference for Women 

If ever a speech make me want to cry, rejoice and try a little harder at everything, Lupita's has got to be the one. It's just shy of half an hour, but the perfect speech to listen to whilst on your morning commute to work. 
 

Elizabeth Gilbert - Your elusive creative genius 

Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' is faced with the hard question of what happens when a project is successful and the expectation to keep succeeding is overpowering? 
 

 Tim Minchin - University of Western Australia address 

Tim Minchin, one of Australia's funniest men, has also had a life full of  emotional and creative obstacles [watch the documentary here]. His address to graduates is refreshing (and most likely shorter, funnier and more inspiring than your university one will be). He tells us to live life with fierce passion and to work on short term goals rather than a life long dream. 

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are

Body Language is the most important aspect of what version of you is portrayed to other people. The best talk on how non-verbal communication is paramount to how people perceive you. It might even determine your level of success. ** Let's all take a deep breath and fix out posture** 

Logan Laplate - Hackschooling makes me happy 

Want advice from a 13 year old? You might be surprised, Logan has insight far beyond his years and it's because he's hacked his schooling. A good lesson on continued growth and learning every day. It doesn't matter if you are at University, Tafe or on a journey through your own creative process, you can continue to learn to enrich your craft and every day life. 

Freya Wright Brough - How I became an extreme writer

Freya is a remarkable young writer who I was fortunate enough to study with at the Queensland University of Technology. She spoke at QUT's TEDx Conference in Brisbane last year about her 365 Day Challenge.  

David Kelley - How to build your creative confidence 

Because we all need some science in our creative lives. David talks about encouraging people to become creative through small successes.  If science can make this happen in social experiments we know we can instill creativity in people who are afraid to be creative. 

I hope you feel better about where you are in your life. A great friend of mine always says 'what will be will be'. Ride your wave and be easy on yourself, you are after all, doing the best you can. 

Do you have any go-to inspiration bombs when you're feeling less than inspired? We'd love to see what motivates you in the comments below. 

Maya xo