Art Burn Out or Shifting Sands?

The past few months, I have been dealing with low energy and high stress. It has deeply impacted my art, and I heard those dreaded words spoken out loud: burnout. As I sought answers, a few Scriptures really stood out during this time and seemed to speak directly into what I was experiencing.

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. - Hebrews 12:12-13

Photos: Buffy Kaufman | Location: Heaps Peak Arboretum | 2026

I began wondering if this was the end of a season. Would my energy toward art return? Had my efforts been exhausted?

Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. - Proverbs 4:26

The question remained: Is this a true art burnout, or a shift? Have these been the gentle nudges calling me to a new path?

Taking some time off was helpful. Stepping back created space to look at my goals and commitments with new eyes. Some nutrition and fitness changes are underway in hopes of improving my health, all while waiting on the Lord to lead.

And in the waiting, new ideas and opportunities have begun to emerge. 2026 will finish as planned, but there is a growing sense of anticipation for what 2027 may bring. Perhaps this was not burnout after all, but shifting sands revealing places where the path had changed. Sometimes, we simply need to pause, look around, and let God show us where to place our next step.

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Photos: Buffy Kaufman | Location: Heaps Peak Arboretum | 2026

Two questions remain:

Is this true art burnout, or a shift?

I'm trusting God for the answers and have a feeling the new year may bring some new beginnings. 🙏

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:36

Feeling the shift

As September came to a close and October began, I decided to take a little more time off. Somewhere along the way, I began reorganizing my studio and lesson plans, too. As I sorted through supplies and read through old studies, I rediscovered so many delightful things I had forgotten about in the midst of all the busyness. Themes, supplies waiting to be used, and ideas that suddenly felt fresh again.

Maybe the secret to avoiding burnout is a little simpler than we make it out to be. Maybe it’s not about finding better ways to manage all the busyness, but allowing ourselves the space to slow down and see what we might have been missing.

I’m sharing this final chapter as a little reminder to my future self. The next time that dreaded word burnout surfaces, I hope I remember how much can be rediscovered when we slow down and make room for God to work. Funny how the simplest things are often the ones we need reminding of most.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28–30

Photos: Buffy Kaufman | Location: Heaps Peak Arboretum | 2026

Enjoy posts like these?

❤️ Like    ⭐ Rate    💬 Comment

Thank you for being here!