What if no one shows up to my event?

You got this. Here’s how.

Hello Artists,

Have you ever had that sinking feeling where you wonder if your work or event will be met with an empty room?

I think so many of us are so afraid no one will show up, that we tentatively decide to keep our passions to ourselves.

Almost every single thing I launch—even this newsletter—brings up this chilling fear that no one will come. As if I was 8 years old, worried no one will come to my birthday party.

Even after many successful launches over the years, it’s still there. And if I’m not careful, it would keep me from bringing my full heart and appreciation to those who DO show up.

So today, in addition to sharing the creations and stories that inspired me the most this past week, I’ve also included a short video about this topic. If you are building a community, creating an offering, or launching something new where you need the attention of an audience, then I highly recommend watching it. If just one person decides to let go of even 10% of that fear and put themself out there, that would be a huge win.

I've also shared a really interesting podcast from an 82-year-old photographer that both humbled and inspired me tremendously. 

And, as always, there is a new journaling playlist and journaling prompt below for anyone who is interested in going a little deeper.

Happy weekend to you all.

Big love, 

D

PS: In my experience, there’s something liberating about no one (or even 1-2 people) showing up. Because when you face your fear, 1) you realize it’s not so bad and 2) if you’re lucky, you find ways to let your light shine through regardless.

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What If No One Shows Up To My Event?!

I had to jump into video mode to share this story about what it means to show up fully, regardless of who’s watching. The artist’s name in the story is Tammy Vu, and if you are interested in house music and want to check her out, here is her SoundCloud link.

“Don't hold back your light, your wisdom,
your brilliance, your love, just because
a number didn't match your expectations.
Bring it all, and remember it's not really yours;
it's God, working through you.”

- my therapist

A Podcast That Moved Me:

There were two things that struck me about this episode of Talk Easy between Sam Fragoso and legendary photographer Joel Meyerowitz.

1) After over 50 years of photography, seven published books, and dozens of major art gallery exhibits including the MoMA, Joel is still approaching the art of photography as a beginner. He is actively looking for new lessons new inspirations and new obsessions.

Joel is 86 years old, and just last year he embarked on a one-year creative project to explore self portraiture and selfies. After 50 plus years of photography, he had never really taken photos of himself, so he thought, “Why not dive in and explore what's here?”

His ability to continually find inspiration left me reconsidering my own approach to photography and to life.

2) The second deeply moving element in this conversation was Joel's courage and boldness to let go of trends and what other people thought were good photos. Instead, he trusts his own heart and follows his own curiosity about the type of art he wants to make.

And that's another thing I love about Joel: he makes the distinction between taking a photo and making a photo. He takes into account all of the creative thinking, visual languages and environment setting elements that goes into photography.

It's not just about pulling your camera out and taking a picture; it's about first and foremost turning your beauty antennas on. Only after feeling and seeing the beauty that exists all over, do you ask yourself, “How do I capture what I see and feel with my eyes and heart with this machine in my hand?”

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New Journaling Music Playlist:

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Journaling Prompt(s):

If I told you that, for the next year, you would not make a single dollar or receive any praise or validation, is there any sort of creative practice or passion practice you would continue putting your time and energy into?

If so, what do you think that means?

And if not, what do you think that means?

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Guided Meditation:

This one is an oldie but a goodie.

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Have a great weekend, artists.

Big love,

D

—

Darius Bashar
HEARTshots™ Photographer + Founder
Artist, Creator, Meditator ArtistMorning.com™

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PS: Did you know I teach 4 classes a month where I share my very best lessons and strategies on building creativity, confidence and community?

The classes are a part of my Deep Divers paid membership —> Click Here to learn more.

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