One of the arenas of being an entrepreneur has been trying to find the focus, theme, and brand of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, not just in our media projects, both online and off, but in the overall business as a viable and active part of the community, both locally and globally.
Little did I know, that the brand of Cafe-Girl had been and is a part of me and has been active via social media and my blog for more than when Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc was established.
I think perhaps since about 2014, I have had an online Facebook group entitled "Artist Thriving Network". (Feel free to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artthrivestogether/)
In addition, I actively have a blog that is entitled "The Thriving Artist". The idea behind that despite our circumstance, even if we do not have overwhelming material success and fame, we can still be thriving artists. I decided then to marry the The Thriving Artist and Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, only to discover that they were already married.
Being a thriving artist means we actively pursue our artistic passions despite our circumstance, whether internal or external. With the "new" brand focus of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, I will increasingly allow myself to be vulnerable, raw, and real. I will be me, not just hold the business-woman mindset. The following paragraphs detail my connection to my local theatre scene and the effects therein, my admitting why I have stepped back. However, for those that are not local, I share this as well, with a hope to help those who read find their own healing and peace, as well as to bring openness and ability to share their stories.
Together, we thrive beyond our circumstances.
Much Love,
Lia
For at least 3 plus years, I have stepped back from a considerable amount of activity in the Rogue Valley Theatre Scene. At the time, I referenced to a heavy workload both with my multiple normie jobs as well as Cafe-Girl. But, the truth of the matter is, I have PTSD and relationship trauma issues. An element of the theatre scene around here has become increasingly toxic to me, triggering to my emotional sense, and has led me feeling unsafe emotionally in certain theatres or around certain people. Honestly, it has led me to feel so emotionally despondent and upset that I am not "doing what is required of me" that I have contemplated suicide.
I have not felt the ability or freedom to express this, but with the change of 2020 that it is put upon us, it is now that I express myself.
I will no longer be made to feel bad if I don't attend a certain theatre event. If I do not feel emotionally safe in an environment or an event feels triggering to me, I need to take care of myself. I am in therapy now and have been working on this aspect of my life.
Relationships are give and take, but I feel too much of this element is giving with conditions. They give so they may receive, and if I don't give according to their desires, even if I give unconditionally in a different way, that isn't good enough. I will no longer support those that partake in this toxic practice. It is not good for me nor is it good for others, as well as those that are engaging in such activity. A way to change a behavior is to have a consequence. This is that consequence.
I am openly expressing myself, my pain, my trauma issues, not to shame anyone but to bring openness and understanding.
The truth of the matter is, I do support the local theatre and artistic community in a myriad of fashion. I attend events when I feel it is coming from a place of unconditional love on my part, as well as the receiver, that they will love me no matter if I attend or not, not "unfriend me" because I didn't attend. Yes, that has happened. Now, you all know why, not out of spite, but due to my PTSD. I share this, not to belittle, shame, or anger, but to open up the conversation and bring understanding.
I love you all and wish you healing, with hopes that you have and will take the enormity of the intensity of 2020 to reflect, process, prioritize, and make the changes necessary in you to become a healthy person and truly thriving artist.
You are under no obligation to support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc financially by following this blog or any of our social media sites.
Your support is felt beyond the financial.
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