How prioritizing joy and happiness over success has changed my life

[@jenwebbcreates]

this is beautifully put! I relate so much to everything you said, I think a lot of us who grew up being fed the narrative that we needed to be successful high-achievers are now starting to realize there are alternative ways to live our lives. I am on a similar path to you - I started as a high-achiever in school, went on to pursue a successful career in engineering, and then decided to quit that career earlier this year to work on my side hustles full time, and started a youtube channel to document my journey too. cheering you on! 👏

[@pepostudios]

Thank you, Jen! I love talking about this topic because the more I talk about it, the more people I encounter who have really similar lived experiences (like you!!). I love that you’re also documenting your journey on KZbin and I just subscribed so I can follow along! I’m so encouraged by the fact that you quit your engineering work to lean into your side hustles. You’re crushing it!!!

[@Thegingerbass1]

One of your best videos yet. I’m definitely still working on finding the things that really bring me joy, but it’s such a good journey. Slowly starting the realize that not everything in life has to go towards the next goal, and we should absolutely be enjoying where we are.

[@pepostudios]

D’aaww thank you!! I 100% agree. And, also, your goals should be just that - YOUR goals. Not what goals other people have for you! And when you find the things that do bring you true joy, keep doing those things!! 🫶🏼

[@gingersims3780]

Agreed! It is amazing to watch you absolutely flourish on this creative journey. ❤

[@pepostudios]

@@gingersims3780 🥹🫶🏼💕

[@isabelledebionne]

Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts. I've spent decades trying to fit into a box of what I thought was expected of me instead of following my true path. I applaud you for choosing to go after your own dreams, choosing joy, and striving to create your own version of success. ❤

[@pepostudios]

Thank you, Isabelle! The more I talk to people about this, the more I realize that this is something that soooo many people struggle with it. So, I’m definitely going to keep talking about it! Thank you for your kind words (as always!) and I’m cheering you on! 🫶🏼

[@nerielart]

I loved this voice over. So happy you found your way back to yourself and your joy. It's so hard to find time to think and notice what is actually going on and if you are choosing what is good for you or just going with the motions slowly feeling worse everyday. I love how painting can have this effect on us. It's the best feeling ever.

[@pepostudios]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the voiceover!! I put a lot of heart into the script for this one because I’m kind of in the middle of this journey, so it all feels so fresh 😅 I wish everyone in the world could feel the joy people like you and I feel from painting!

[@nerielart]

I know right! That's very brave! Just imagine how good it will feel looking back at this in a year or so. It's hard following your gut and your passion, but you can do ittt! @@pepostudios

[@pepostudios]

@@nerielart all the same to you, Eirin!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@theserendipitouscrafter3532]

Great video !! And all so true. I’m in a stable, good paying job for the last 24 years. I retire in 6 years and I’ve found art to be my joy as well; it’s been itching to come out for years. I’m finally working towards it on the side too. My years weren’t wasteful, I just wasn’t ready for it or even aware. But I’m teaching my kids to choose something that brings them joy into their lives over anything else from the beginning ❤. Love to hear more and congrats on your 1K subs…I was one of your first 100 I think …oh and love the art you created❤ beautiful colours and designs.

[@pepostudios]

Thank you for your kind words, here and always!! You’ve really been around since the beginning and I’m so grateful to have you here 🫶🏼 I love that you mentioned that your years weren’t wasteful, because that’s how I feel about my pre-art years, too. They were an important part of my journey, and I definitely don’t regret them! I’m cheering you on 🥰

[@theserendipitouscrafter3532]

@@pepostudios thank you so much ! Our past is what shapes us, it’s what we do with it to lead us in our future is what counts. 😆

[@Katiors]

I resonate with almost everything you said in this video. The difference is I was always expected to be the best in everything since early childhood. And after getting master's degree, leaving academic life behind was a way to free myself from something I never wanted, because it was something others wanted for me. Now I'm pursuing art 😊 And sometimes regret wasting all those years (that have already passed) on things I never wanted. I try to focus on present time rather than dwelling on past or obsessing over future. I hope everyone will find their freedom at some point in their lives. And I also hope that you'll achieve your business goals in 2024 😊

[@pepostudios]

I love being able to connect with people who have been on similar journeys to mine! I feel like so much of the art content I see online is the same story of, “I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was a little kid, I always pursued art wherever I could, and now I’m figuring out how to turn it into something that can financially support me.” There’s nothing wrong with that story (I LOVE that story), but it’s just not that relatable to me. In terms of feeling regret for wasting that time, I always try to think of my time in academia as an important part of my story. Sure, my art skills and business could have theoretically been much more developed if I had leaned into this journey 10 years ago, but I also think that the time I spent following societal expectations actually helped me recognize what brings me true joy, if that makes sense? I agree with what you said about the importance of focusing on the present, because that’s all we can control! Thanks for your thoughtful comment - I’m cheering you on! 🫶🏼

[@Katiors]

@@pepostudios Being in academia is also beneficial even if it's something you don't like and want. That was the time I learned lots of thinks that pushed me towards developing my analytical thinking skills, expanding my worldview and geting like-minded friends. Those years were not a 100% waste after all. But then you see a 16 year olds being way ahead of you in skills and you're like "damn, I wish I had started earlier" 😅 It's just, I can't help it 🥲 But yeah, focusing on present and getting the best out of it (while staying sane) is the only thing we can afford and it's enough 💛

[@ireneschoonwinkel]

This is a helpful way to look at years spent doing something else. Thank you❤

[@iamjane9628]

This hit home with me. I relate to your story in so many ways. I am an inherently creative, artistic person - but I also excelled in math and science, and that is where I channeled all my time and energy and goals after childhood. I am at mid-life and am only now learning it is ok to take my life down a different path. Thank you for this video. I just subscribed to your channel and love what you have to say.

[@keeleybombard7360]

I resonated so much with everything you’d said!!! Go Sarah!!! Proud to be your friend!!!

[@MichaelMaitlen]

Really glad I've found your channel. I'm still on the "what makes me happy" path and have been trying to break out of my own "expectation bubble". Thanks for being open with your story and giving a honest perspective to reflect on. GOOD LUCK in your journey!!

[@pepostudios]

That’s so kind of you to say, Michael. I’m really glad you’re here! It’s so difficult to get out of these “expectation bubbles” and it’s truly an internal battle that I fight every day. So much of what I do is rooted in what I feel like I’m “supposed” to do, and it takes so much intention to pay attention to what I would want to do if I didn’t feel like the world had any kinds of expectations for me. But what’s the point of life if we’re not enjoying it, right?? Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for cheering me on!!

[@ireneschoonwinkel]

Thank you so much for sharing your ongoing story. Your video is so valuable to me, because I'm also still working towards my dream and your words "moving closer to it by a needle every day" hit me so hard. Because that's how I feel sometimes, and I can get too frustrated and negative that I'm not moving as fast as I want to. I've been spending this year, very actively focusing on drawing and writing and I've seen my growth and it's all because I decided not to spend all my working hours on earning money or building something for someone else. I'm so happy I found your channel, and I pray that you will have the strength to continue with your journey and that we will grow and support you along the way. Keeping finding your joy!😊

[@pepostudios]

Irene, this is such a kind and thoughtful comment! 🫶🏼 I think it can be easy to forget how far we’ve come when there are many days when we just make a tiny bit of progress, but it sounds like you’ve been able to look back on the past year and recognize growth, which is so great. I really think growth can compound, too, so just imagine where you’ll be a year from now with consistent effort, no matter how small! Thank you for your encouragement - and I’m sending you all my support, too!

[@ireneschoonwinkel]

😊

[@annspires8380]

I absolutely love your colors!! I've always been drawn to colors. You ended your video and I found myself saying, "What, no I'm not done looking".

[@pepostudios]

Hahahha aaawww that’s so kind of you to say!!! 🫶🏼

[@lttlod1]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I'm excited to see your progress! You seem like an advanced soul who has figured out at such a young age what many never will in this life. I'm an elementary art teacher who is trying to make money with my own art. People think my job is full of sunshine, rainbows and lolipops but in reality it's very demanding and draining in many ways. I have been teaching for 20 years and experienced burnout big time over the last few. Your journey gives me hope for mine : )

[@pepostudios]

This is such a kind comment! I’m really touched by your words 🥰. My sister is a teacher, so I know that your line of work often involves long and thankless hours, and I can only imagine how draining it must be. I’m sending you all of my encouragement as you continue on your art business journey - I know you can do it! 💪🏼

[@FeliciaMesadieu]

I truly enjoyed this video. I'm going through something very similar. I have recently started getting into surface pattern art and watercoloring. I think you are extremely talented and I love watching your videos. Thank you for taking us along this journey with you.

[@pepostudios]

Thank you, Felicia! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. I appreciate you taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment 🫶🏼 Isn’t surface pattern design so much fun?!

[@ChantelleArts]

such a good video, so important to be happy and comfortable with yourself and choices ❤❤❤

[@pepostudios]

Thank you so much!! Sooo important indeed 🫶🏼

[@jngarrettart]

Watched this after your recent video on how much money is enough. Loved both of these videos. There is so much joy in creating and in doing something that calls to us.

[@pepostudios]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this video!! Even though it’s one of the least-watched videos on my channel, it’s probably one of the most special videos that I’ve made. It was such a huge turning point in my life when I started prioritizing my own joy, and I want everyone to experience that!

[@jngarrettart]

I can definitely understand why. Those notable milestones in life where something shifts in our perspective for the better are so important to look back on as we continue to learn and grow.

[@philippashone1153]

Loving your channel... I am inspired by so many wonderful people on here but for some reason you're story is spuring me on. Thank you for sharing although I must remind myself to go and create and not just what your channel 🤣❤

[@pepostudios]

Wow, I’m so flattered by this comment! Thank YOU for your kindness, and for being here! I’m sending you lots of encouragement- you’ve got this!

[@thebonellos2482]

I loved this video so much. ❤ I wonder what would happen if we allowed ourselves to redefine what success really means to us…How would we do it? What if the journey to joy IS success? This world needs more of us to find the joy in the everyday journey….to share our natural gifts with each other and play full-out whenever we can. Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul. ❤

[@pepostudios]

🥹🫶🏼💕 thank you so much!! I totally agree. I think that we can offer the world so much more when we lean into those things that light a fire inside us than when we just do what society says we should do. I want everyone in the world to be able to feel like this!!

[@Lindsay-b4d]

loved this, great words and beautiful art work

[@pepostudios]

Thank you so much, Lindsay! 🫶🏼

[@FeliciaMesadieu]

How long did it take for you to get better as a watercolor artist? Did you see a difference in over a span of months or years? Also, how many days a week do you set aside for painting?

[@pepostudios]

Thank you for your questions!! I’m going to touch on these in my Q&A!

[@annamiller9898]

Where did you begin to learn surface design/ making repeating patterns! Do you have a video with a comprehensive list of resources you've used? Thanks!

[@pepostudios]

Great questions - I’ll add them to my list for my next video! 🥰