Ep 31. Finding The Balance Between Dedication and Needing Rest with Artist & LGBTQ+ Community Leader Kia Sisowath (he/him)
My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 31. Finding The Balance Between Dedication and Needing Rest with Artist & LGBTQ+ Community Leader Kia Sisowath (he/him)
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Artist & LGBTQ+ Community Leader Kia Sisowath (he/him) unpack the complex process of being a dedicated artist and when you’ve sacrificed too much.
In this episode we unpack:
Breaking gender stereotypes in performance art
How to step up when your artistic vision and collaborators need you
The signs of burnout and sacrificing yourself for your art
The role rest plays in creativity
How collaboration and passing on the torch is key to growing your artistic self
Join us as we dive into the details of being an LGBTQ+ artist and leader as Kia shares his personal excitements and struggles over the past few years.
Balancing Dedication To Art & Rest
Hello to our fellow artists and LGBTQ+ community leaders! Today, let's dive into the delicate dance of finding balance between dedication to our craft and the need for rest and self-care. As a therapist who works closely with creatives and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the unique challenges and pressures that come with juggling passion and well-being.
Don’t Let Your Passion Burn You Out
First things first, let's talk about dedication. As artists and community leaders, our work is often driven by passion and purpose. We pour our hearts and souls into our projects, striving to make a positive impact and create meaningful change. Our dedication fuels our creativity and drives us to push boundaries, but it can also become a double-edged sword if not balanced with self-care.
You Don’t Need To “Earn” Rest
On the flip side, let's not underestimate the importance of rest and self-care. In a world that glorifies hustle culture and productivity, it's easy to fall into the trap of overworking ourselves. But here's the truth – rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity. As LGBTQ+ individuals navigate a world that can be hostile and exhausting, prioritizing self-care is an act of resilience and self-preservation.
Balance Requires Boundaries
So, how do we find the balance between dedication and needing rest? It starts with setting boundaries. As artists and community leaders, we often wear many hats and take on numerous responsibilities. Learning to say no, delegate tasks, and prioritize our well-being is essential. It's about recognizing that we can't pour from an empty cup and that taking care of ourselves allows us to show up fully in our creative and leadership roles.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Another key aspect is listening to our bodies and minds. Our bodies are incredible, intuitive machines that send us signals when something is off balance. Pay attention to those signals – whether it's feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. As LGBTQ+ individuals, we may carry additional stressors related to our identities, so it's crucial to honor our needs and give ourselves permission to rest when needed.
Prepare Your Self-Care Toolkit
Additionally, creating a self-care toolkit tailored to our individual needs can be incredibly empowering. This toolkit might include activities like meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative hobbies that recharge our batteries. As artists, self-care doesn't have to be separate from our creative practice; it can be an integral part of it.
Get Support for Managing Stress
As therapists, we understand the importance of seeking support when needed. Whether it's reaching out to friends, fellow artists, or LGBTQ+ community members, having a support system in place is crucial. Therapy can also be a valuable resource for processing stress, managing burnout, and developing healthy coping strategies.
Balance Requires Ongoing Adjustments
Lastly, let's remember that finding balance is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It's okay to stumble along the way, to have days where we prioritize work over self-care, or vice versa. What matters is that we remain mindful of our needs and committed to nurturing ourselves as we continue to pursue our passions and advocate for our LGBTQ+ community.
Self-Preservation Is Resistance
In conclusion, finding the balance between dedication and needing rest is a nuanced dance, especially for artists and LGBTQ+ community leaders. It's about setting boundaries, listening to our bodies, prioritizing self-care, seeking support when needed, and recognizing that self-preservation is an act of resistance. As a therapist, I encourage you to honor your needs, embrace your humanity, and remember that your well-being is just as important as your work. Let's navigate this tightrope together, finding harmony in the delicate dance of dedication and self-care.
Guest Bio
Kia Sisowath he/him is a dance teacher & choreographer for Avanti Dance Company in Costa Mesa, CA. He is a co-founder of the The Vixen Show est. 2007 - a female cabaret burlesque troupe that currently has a west coast group here in Southern California and an east coast group in North Carolina, and The Foxes Show est. 2015 - an all-gay male cabaret troupe. Kia is a:
Performer for BEARLESQUE - a body positive burlesque group.
Choreographer for todays innovative Drag Artists
Producer of many LGBTQ-focused cabaret shows here in So Cal
Kia is the Director of Parades for Orange County Pride - a 501(c)(3) non-profit LGBTQ+ Organization Committed to funding community projects, hosting events, raising awareness, and understanding in our incredible LGBTQ+ family.
To find more from Kia visit Instagram:
@foxydaddykia
@thevixenshow
@thefoxesshow
Host Bio
Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.
Renae is a licensed therapist and art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses.
To find more from us visit:
https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout
https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout
Content Warning
drug use, SI
Discussed in this episode
Taylor Tomlinson 2022 comedy special