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Why I'm Steping Away

There’s a strange feeling that comes when you decide to step away from something you love.

Not because you’re done with it....not because you’ve lost passion...but because somewhere along the way, the thing that once filled you up started feeling like something you had to keep feeding.


Artist Denise Cerro in the painting studio

As artists, creators, and honestly just people living in a world that rewards constant output, stepping away can feel irresponsible. We worry we’ll lose momentum...we worry people will forget us...we worry inspiration won’t come back.


I’ve been feeling that tension lately!


So for the first time in a long while, I’m choosing to take a month-long sabbatical from the rhythm of creating, posting, sharing, and keeping all the plates spinning.


Not to disappear...but to listen again. Maybe what I’m hoping isn’t just to come back rested...I’m hoping to come back noticing things I’ve stopped seeing.


photo of spinning plates


When was the last time you stepped away long enough to miss what you love? Are you creating from inspiration or expectation? What would happen if you paused...not to quit, but to return differently? Maybe you've been feeling a few of these signs too...

• realizing you were creating on autopilot

  • feeling pressure to always post the next thing

  • noticing you hadn’t made art just for yourself in a while


What would happen if you paused...not to quit, but to return differently?


artist Denise Cerro

“I'm thinking rest isn’t the opposite of creating....it is part of creating!

Stepping away doesn’t make you less committed. It may remind you why you started.

You don't need to come back with answers...just with fresh eyes!


What we hope to gain from taking a sabbatical...

rest • clarity • fresh ideas • renewed creativity • simply being present


Have you ever needed to step away from something you love?

What would your version of a creative sabbatical look like?

Maybe your break doesn’t need to be a month...maybe it’s just an afternoon.


art work by Denise Cerro

If we intend to do great art,
sometimes we must slow down to regain our vision.



7 Comments


Mile333
8 hours ago

So great to recognize when you need time for a break!

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Jennifer
17 hours ago

Recharge -Refresh-Renew - it takes inner strength and “ know these self” to step away.

Enjoy this time away from your BUSY schedule ……..rest and let the create juices ferment .

You never know what you may discover and be inspired by along the way❣️

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Ash
18 hours ago

We will miss you but it’s important to give yourself some personal time to rejuvenate.


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Sissy
a day ago

Your Charlie Brown mouth just says it all!

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Denise
a day ago
Replying to

You are so funny Sissy...and right! Charlie Brown for sure...he's mine twin!😂😉

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MEHH
2 days ago

While I absolutely love you, your art, your videos (and often wonder how you do it all), I completely support your decision to take some time off just for you and look forward to seeing you refreshed at the end of your sabbatical. (By the way, I'm noticing some of my other favorite artists doing the same thing. Maybe that's a confirmation for you.)

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Denise
2 days ago
Replying to

Thank you so much for your kind words! My guess with other artists ...it isn't easy doing art as your business...so much time is taken up with posting, chasing algorithms, scheduling and keeping it creative and eye catching...where is the time for art and the creativity so vital to it? It must be a collective energy floating around!


As much as I LOVE art...and I do...I'm not even taking art supplies with me! (we'll see how long that lasts)!🤭 Thanks again for your message...and for absolutely loving my art...that means the world to me!🧡

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Denise Cerro Studio

CONTACT

denise@denisecerro.com
760-717-2024 • Encinitas CA

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