The Art of Continuing: A Love Letter to Self-Worth
What if the “art” of continuing is the ultimate expression of self-worth as an artist, musician, dancer, writer, or leader of other creatives?

That question echoed in me as I stood in front of a painting at the Seattle Art Fair yesterday—one that somehow captured the chaos, balance, and harmony of the creative journey. I was struck by how easily I could see the value in the artwork—the detail, the emotion, the layers of meaning.
A representative of the artist approached my husband and me and shared that the painter, Jeffrey Melzack, had once worked as an art teacher for students in special education. Later, I visited his website and read these words:
“Balance… the body of my art attempts to visualize levels of living experience. I believe our lives are not a set of easily defined givens, but a complex of experiences that require responses that reflect who we are.”[See Footnote]
It was clear to me—this artist and teacher understood both his value and the value of us as humans. His work speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity and the delicate balance we’re all navigating. And this made me wonder: How did he come to know and trust his worth so deeply?
That reflection turned inward. How do I know my worth as a coach and guide for others artists and non-artists? So often—myself included—we forget to see ourselves through the same compassionate and appreciative lens we use for others.
But here’s the truth: whether we’re coaching, creating, directing, composing, or dancing—as individuals or as a member of a collective-we must keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep leading. Even when things feel uncertain or go uncelebrated. That’s not just resilience; it’s self-worth in motion. That’s artistry. That’s leadership.
As a coach, actor, and organizational leader, I know how much happens behind the scenes—quiet preparation, thoughtful planning, emotional labor. The kind of invisible work that few people see or recognize, but without which nothing meaningful can unfold. And yes, sometimes I struggle to own the value of that work. It’s easy to doubt its worth when the world doesn’t applaud it.
But then I remind myself: just because something is invisible doesn’t mean it’s insignificant. And I continue—because I know it matters.
So I ask you:
How do you recognize the value in what you do? How do you celebrate the quiet, meaningful contributions of others whose paths you cross?
Our work as creatives and leaders doesn’t always come with applause. Sometimes, it shows up in a rehearsal room, a journal entry, a brave idea shared in a meeting, or a quiet decision to keep going when no one else sees the stage we’re on.
To continue—that is the offering.
It’s the brushstroke, the breath, the beat that says, I’m still here. I still believe this matters.
✍️ Journal Prompt:
What if the art of continuing is the ultimate expression of your self-worth as an artist, a leader, a human?
What would change if you fully believed that?
Footnote: More about Jeffrey Melzack: https://www.melzackartworks.com/about/
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