It’s okay to take a break from Cosplay

I might have said it before, but I am saying it again for those that missed it.

It’s okay to take a break from cosplay. Really, it is, and taking a break does not make you weak or inferior to others. Honestly it’s good to have breaks. Below are some pointers for those needing a break, those currently in a break session, and those needing help getting back into cosplay.

Need a break?

Feeling burnt out? Stressed? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? If you are experiencing any of these in excessive amounts (or all of these at once) chances are you need a break. And guess what: YOU EARNED IT! 😀

There is a reason why most jobs offer vacation time, and no it’s not just because we are lazy people and if we don’t get vacation time we will whine and complain. Well…that may be the case with some people and jobs…

No, the real reason is because even your job understands you need time away for yourself. Understand that you’ll be working most (if not all) of your life until retirement (if you can retire…) at some profession. And the daily grind of pushing papers and replying to emails (my job) can become, well…dull. Added work on top of the mountain high work still sitting on your desk can make you stressed out and overwhelmed.

And the same thing can be said of cosplaying, and any hobby really. We all get to a point where we just don’t have as much time as before, or we have far too much happening in our lives that the thought of working on a build or traveling in cosplay every other weekend get’s us stressed out.

Or maybe you get overwhelmed by just ‘how little’ your mind is telling you you have accomplished, and that you should just stop or quit. Where as I don’t endorse the second, I do say listen to the first. If you need to stop and take a break then do it. Just stop. You don’t need to give others a reason, just yourself. Tell yourself why it is you are taking a break. And then ACTUALLY take a break!

And on the topic of self doubt about how much you really do for cosplay let me remind you that as a cosplayer you: are the seamstress, the prop maker, the photographer (selfies anyone?), the make-up and special effects artist, the transporter, the actor/actress, and so much more!!!! You do A LOT!

But what do I do while on break from cosplay?

Destress. Drink green tea, go for more walks during sunrise or sunset. Play with your pets (if you have any), as they would really love some extra attention. Reconnect with long lost friends, or plan some more night’s out to just hang and chill. Catch up on that show you love but have not had the time for. Understand and remind yourself all during your break that you are alright for taking said break, and that you can return whenever you feel like it. There is no deadline, and should you choose to not return but rather instead begin new found hobbies or better the situation you may currently be in tell yourself that is fine.

Take time to meditate, and to search for your life’s purpose if you have not found it already. And don’t be upset if you are still searching later. (Everyone has a purpose! You matter!)

I took a break. But now I want to get back into cosplay. HELP!

Took that much needed and well deserved break only to find you are lacking in the motivation department? Can’t seem to find the energy to pick up the scissors? Allow me to help give you that motivational boost you are needing!

1. Look at other cosplayers you enjoy following, and check out what they have been up too. Get inspired by them! And be sure to leave them some encouraging comments 🙂
2. Watch a few cosplay music videos (CMV’s) or tutorials to get that motivation roaring and the need to build back!

When you need the motivation after a break to get back into building another great source is your friends, as well as social media groups to help get inspired.

In the end…

Remember that it really is okay to take breaks. It really is okay if cosplay is no longer your thing. And it’s super okay if you want to share this with a friend to remind them to take breaks 😉

Remember: There is no Cosplay Rule-book and that Cosplay is for everyone!

-HappyCosplayer

Facebook.com/HappyCosplayer

Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, World Cosplay, Cosplay Amino

 

Changes to my Patreon

This blog entry is to explain the recent changes to my Patreon, as well as provides some answers to questions some of you may have. By now you will have seen the newest changes/additions to my Patreon, but if you have not I invite you to take a look. 

I began researching at the start of January, and have settled on the following: I will now give all monetary support through my Patreon to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

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Why the Children’s Hospital of Michigan?

I have been wanting to give back more with this hobby that I do (cosplaying) and decided one of the best ways I could do both that and give back to those that want to support me is make the changes to my Patreon. So now, those that support me through Patreon are in fact helping support the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and are still gaining access to my Patreon only feed which includes photos and videos not shared on my social media platforms as well as other rewards like signed photo prints, e-signs, birthday videos, posters, and more.

The fact that there are those of you wanting to support me through Patreon has touched my heart and moved me so! I sincerely thank you, and I hope you will continue to be a supporter and help something that is honestly much bigger then I’ll ever be!

What does my support through your Patreon do?

By supporting me through Patreon you are helping the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Your contribution will help thousands of children and families each year by funding innovative pediatric research for pediatric cancer, mental illness control and prevention, and sickle-cell awareness, as well as live-saving community outreach initiatives and education.

I currently have two goals through Patreon. The first is to reach $20 a month to give directly to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. The second is to reach $50 a month with your support to give to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and if we reach that $50 a month I will give $25 a month personally, making the total $75 a month!

What does this mean to my Patreon supporters?

As a supporter you will still gain access to various rewards depending on the tier you are giving in! You may view these rewards on my Patreon (right side).

What if I can’t support?

That’s alright! I understand everyone has a budget. There are lots of other way’s you can help support what I do! Please view my Patreon and look for the ‘More ways to support’ section for links and ways you can help spread positivity, support what I do, and help those in need!

-HappyCosplayer

Facebook.com/happycosplayer