Judy Richter

An artist’s life is fraught with arduous obstacles, usually generated by interaction with others who are not of like mind, for whatever reason. For me, as an intuitive empath who best expresses herself through writing and painting, such issues can send me into a tailspin, leading to self-doubt, questioning everything, and retreating to my safe space—my studio. My sensitivities are, and always have been, a curse. Ever since I can remember, I have wished for a thick skin and an on/off switch to regulate my emotions. Those wishes have gone unanswered, sadly, so I’ve been forced to deal with the hand I was dealt, as they say. 

I’m heading to an important writers conference next week, and I need to be on my A-game, with the same energy I summoned when I tried civil lawsuits, negotiated star contracts, wrote teleplays for TV, or sold production services to corporate clients with six-figure budgets. I’ve done it before, and I’m sure I can muster the grit to do it next week. As my flight time approaches, I am filled with excitement and trepidation. I’m excited because of the Judge’s Pick Award they gave me for my debut novel, Pura Vida the Hard Way. Wow…what an honor. But I’m also filled with anxiety over having to sell myself and my book to a convention space filled with people who can make or break my career as a writer. That’s a lot of critical eyes focused on me. Yikes.

After a brutal critique group session, my spirit was wounded at a time when I needed all my strength. And then the universe sent me a beautiful gift—the beginnings of a new group with wonderful, like-minded writers who understand and revere the craft for its own sake. The silver lining in every dark storm comes if you’re quiet and patient enough to see its light shine through. 

And, as if that weren’t enough, Karl surprised me with the beginnings of my much-yearned-for herb garden. As the rainy season starts in Costa Rica, the days can be dark and wet for several months. Not great for lifting the spirits. Today, I get to dig in the dirt, a sacred act of love for me, to transplant these beautiful seedlings into a hollowed-out bamboo trunk to hang on our patio railing. Perfect for snipping a few basil leaves here and a little oregano there to prepare my culinary creations. What joy! Karl is my constant silver lining, keeping my spirits high and focused on the positive with kind acts, like jump-starting my herb garden. Pura vida.