Boundaries are essentially where one thing begins and another ends. They differentiate self from others and tell others how they are allowed to interact with us. Boundaries are something that you have to protect and uphold.⁠
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Boundaries can be a really tough thing for people to determine and uphold. Depending on how you were raised and your life experiences you may have a really hard time with boundaries. You may feel that you shouldn't have boundaries with loved ones. You may lack confidence in yourself and therefore have a hard time setting boundaries.⁠
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You might be wondering what this has to do with your art business. It has EVERYTHING to do with your art business. If you lack confidence you are probably not setting boundaries around things like your time and prices. You may find yourself saying "yes" to things that you don't feel you should say "yes" to. This can lead to burnout, resentment, and frustration.⁠
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When we feel confident about ourselves, our work, our prices, etc. we are confident to express and uphold our boundaries. When we uphold our boundaries we gain confidence in ourselves.⁠
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So which comes first, confidence or boundaries? ⁠
You've probably heard the saying "fake it 'til you make it." This is one of those areas where that notion could be helpful. Work on clarifying your boundaries for yourself and then practice expressing and upholding them. ⁠
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A word of caution, when we start upholding our boundaries people can get upset by it. Remember, refusal to respect your boundary is a refusal to respect you. Your boundary comes from your own self-confidence and self-respect, not from the way people respond to your boundaries.⁠
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What boundary will you work on upholding this week?⁠
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As an artist you are expected to wear so many hats, and some days the task list seems never ending. I could tell you about various tips and tricks for being more productive and getting over a motivation slump, but I none would be quite as delicious as the advice I'm going to give you today.... HOT CHOCOLATE.

No, really, hear me out... Chocolate contains caffeine, but in much lower levels than that afternoon cup of coffee that makes I hard to sleep Chocolate is linked with a release in endorphins and can regulate your immune system! Besides all of that it's delicious and oh so enjoyable to drink.

​"But all the sugar is bad for you," you might argue. Oh, boy do I know that! My body and sugar do not get along.  The recipe I'm going to share is my personal recipe and is allergy friendly, sugar free, and 100% delicious. I don't have specific measurements, but it should be made to your preference anyway. I don't eat dairy, and prefer oat milk, but you can use whatever you prefer.


Just a reminder that measurements are approximates so taste it as you go.

Megan's Allergy Friendly, Productivity Boosting, Hot Chocolate
In a sauce pan, heat the following on medium low heat. Stir continually, until the desired temperature is reached. Do not heat too high, or heat without stirring. yuck...
1.5 cups oatmilk
2-2.5 heaping spoons of 100% dark cocoa 
two big dashes of cinnimon
a big dash of vanilla
sweeten to your liking with maple syrup

Optional: Top with your preferred whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon
Bonus 1: Use a special mug. It always makes me happy to drink out of the mug pictured because it was a gift from my good friends. 
Bonus 1: Also delicious as a mixed drink with peppermint schnapps ​

Disclaimer: I'm not doctor or nutritionist. Read about the affects of chocolate on your own and consult a doctor or nutritionist if needed. :)