We recently connected with Robert Schoolfield and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I think there are many avenues to recovery. For me, spiritual principles allow me to recover and persist despite the challenges related to mental health. This involves a continual edit of perspective, or the willingness to change when you find a better, more truthful way. Basically, self accountability. When I wasn’t living up to my potential, my mental health and health habits in general were not in the greatest of conditions. I say that with objectivity and zero percent self judgement; I think our struggles are essential for growth and for the inner evolution of who we are.
I overcame my mental health challenges by learning to forgive myself and others, practicing gratitude, and living a grace-conscious life — anything that allowed me to rise above the chaos I was experiencing. Practicing faith over fear and reliance upon something greater than myself regardless of my circumstances gets me through difficult times every time. Life, and my mental health, seem to go better when I am aligned with these spiritual principles. I accept that I will get it wrong often, and try not to stress about things that are out of my control. We’re all going to make mistakes; it’s part of the process. Also, practicing patience through the experience of life unfolding helps me persist.
In addition to maintaining my spiritual practice and managing my perspective, a lifestyle that caters to my purpose and passions is another piece of the recipe. I work in the mental health field, so I get to share what I have learned throughout my life with others. I have found that spirituality and recovery based principles make for a solid foundation for anyone, regardless of what ails them. The fruits of this way of life lead to more opportunity to be who you are. That may consist of encountering your purpose and the things you excel at. I find a lot of fulfillment and joy in aspects of creativity. I have found art to be a part of my purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I make art and I work in the mental health field. I am the associate director of a peer-led organization in Tennessee. We help other individuals who have recently experienced a mental health crisis, and we share our lived experiences in hopes that it aides in their own recovery. I have a team of peer supports in crisis units and mental hospitals across the state of Tennessee. Upon discharging from one of the facilities, our program offers one on one support for the initial three months of discharge from one those mental health facilities. It is found that those in recovery are more successful at maintaining their recovery when they have help from others who have had similar experiences. This also goes back to what I said about perspective. When we can start to change the way we think, then we can start to change our lives.
Art is something that has helped me in my recovery journey. While I have made art my entire life, it was during difficult times that art allowed me to express what words could not. When we aren’t reaching out we can isolate. When we’re isolating, our imagination can take over. That doesn’t always lead to great places. So, my art career has captured the fullness of my story through it all. I’m passionate about mental health and art, and I think that sharing my story through art can potentially benefit someone else. It’s the journey of my life, all the good and difficult times.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When it comes to creativity, some of the best things were made by accident. In my early career I lived by that. It allowed me to be fearless with what I made. I felt that I had nothing to lose. I didn’t even care if anyone was ever going to see my work. So, I think allowing ourselves to be free can help someone discover any hidden treasure that may be within. Having a specific style is important. Make what you want and don’t be too hard on yourself. You will develop your style by staying true to what you really think and what you really feel and like.
Putting in the work is something else that I knew was a key component to being successful, regardless of which path you choose. I work hard towards everything I’ve wanted to do in life. Have enough work or be prepared as possible, that if you get an opportunity, you are able to accept. I wanted to make sure I had enough art to have a solo show at any time. Work ethic is vital. Even if what you are currently doing isn’t your final destination, your mindset and work ethic will translate into the next phase of your life.
Lastly, I would say that finding a sense of peace and calm in the chaos. Life will give us challenges. Sometimes it’s best to take a step back and center yourself. Especially in the moments when we feel overwhelmed. I mentioned work ethic, but a balance of self-care in the midst of hard work helps with longevity. This is something I have had to learn may times when facing burnout. For me, that may look like getting out into nature, going to a support group, or listening to something inspirational and uplifting. I have to remember that I am only human and I can only do so much. Life is short, eat the donut.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played an important role in your development?
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin has been extremely influential to me. I haven’t even finished reading it, but I feel like I understand exactly what he’s saying. I have a difficult time finishing a book because I jump to action or get distracted by something else. But, I feel like Rick explains similar thoughts that I have had, and it feels nice to hear that my thoughts and perspectives are consensual with someone else’s. I would say that the most valuable piece of his book pertains to the relationship with creativity and spirituality. They are basically the same things, to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.schoolfieldart.com
- Instagram: @schoolfieldart
