Our family loves being outside. One of our rituals is to eat our meals at the bar on the back porch when the weather is nice. From our seats, we can look out at the garden and baby orchard, the playground and swallow nesting boxes that Seren and I built a few years earlier. We like to let our ducks free range and they often join us while we eat, foraging in the grass nearby.

On this particular summer day, Shon, Seren and I were having a casual lunch on the back porch. When, what felt like out of the blue, Shon asks me, “Carrie, if I were to just go poof one day, what would you do? Would you sell the house? Would you get a regular job?” I took a deep breath, thinking Really? We’re having this conversation now? While eating lunch with our five year old?

The reality was, this is where we were at. We were having conversations about life and death all the time. And so I took a deep breath and thought about it, responding that, well, I don’t know what I would do about the house. It would be a lot to maintain on my own. As for getting a regular job, the time and resources that I had been putting into my business were precisely because I was working to grow my art practice so that it could support our family.

In that moment, another piece of the puzzle slipped into place. I understood at an intrinsic level the responsibility that I have to my family to show up for my work all the way. The work I do as an artist, a change maker, a leader, I do for my child and for myself. My Why is to show Seren, or anyone who needs to see it, including myself, what it looks like to follow my bliss and stand up for what I believe in at the same time. I am dedicated to creating a better world for my child, a world where all children have the opportunity to thrive. I know this. But up until that moment, I didn’t fully realize the responsibility that I had to my family.

Even though I’d been getting paid as an artist for a long time–even though I already knew I was an expert in collaborative art–I still didn’t fully value myself and what I have to offer. In that moment, I realized that unless I fully value myself and what I have to offer the world, and turn it into a sustainable business that can fully support my family, I will not be able to do this important work.

A while back my business coach gave me an assignment to write about valuing myself as an artist and leader. In that exercise, I wrote down all of the things that I did over the years to get to the place in my business that I was at that time. That included everything–my college education, the thousands of hours spent making art and facilitating community projects, the time I spent learning about the environment, social justice, and leadership, the books I read, the podcasts I listened to, even the time I spent away from my family. What I realized is that I had already spent more than two decades building my knowledge and skills as I worked towards this place, this moment, where I could fully step into my role as an artist and a changemaker.

When I added to this knowledge, the responsibility I have to my family, it suddenly became imperative that I show up for my work with a new level of owning my power. Whether I am leading a collaborative art in action project for my city, working with a school, or coaching other artists and change makers to bring their visions to reality, I need to get paid what my time is actually worth. If I don’t, I can’t support my family, and I can’t do this work.

This is not an easy practice. Asking for money is hard. We can find all kinds of reasons why we shouldn’t charge very much. Equity is very important to me. What I’ve learned is that the more money I make from people and organizations that can afford it, the more I can give back to others who are in very different places financially.

Valuing yourself, especially in fields driven by passion like art and community leadership, is essential. Here are five short tips to help you recognize their worth, whether you are an artist, a community leader, or an educator:

How to Value Yourself as an Artist or Leader

Reflect on Your Journey

Take the time to write out all of the things you have done over the years that got you to this place, whether that is hours spent in the studio, books you’ve read, classes you’ve taken, or work you’ve done. Don’t forget to include time spent away from your loved ones.

Track Your Impact

Regularly document your accomplishments, the positive feedback you receive, and the changes you've enacted in your community or the art world. This tangible record can serve as a reminder of your contributions and a justification for your value.

Invest in Continuous Learning

Prioritize your personal and professional growth. By consistently learning and honing your skills, you not only increase your value but also gain confidence in your expertise and abilities.

Network and Share Stories

Connect with peers and colleagues. Sharing experiences can help unveil areas where you are under-valuing yourself, and hearing others’ success stories can inspire you to ask for what you deserve.

Self-Reflect and Set Boundaries

Understand your personal and professional limits. By setting boundaries, you communicate that your time, skills, and expertise are valuable. Recognize that saying "no" sometimes can be a way to maintain your value.

Consult with Mentors

Seek guidance from seasoned professionals in your field. Their insights on industry standards and personal experiences can give you a clearer perspective on your worth and how to communicate it effectively.

Remember, self-worth isn't just about money; it's about recognizing your impact, your growth, and the unique value you bring to the table. By valuing yourself, you set a precedent for others to do the same. And that in itself is an important offering you give to your community and our society.

Are you ready to take your next steps as an artist or change maker? Sign up for HERE a free Into Action Discovery Session to see if you are a good fit for my Into Action Coaching and Mentorship Program.