Have you ever poured your heart into a piece of art, writing, music, dance or other creative work, only to watch it disappear into the void of social media? You know it’s good—maybe even as good as the work that’s getting thousands of likes and shares—but your masterpiece barely gets fifty views. It’s a frustrating, soul-crushing experience that every creator faces at some point.
But what if there’s a way to reframe this struggle? What if the key to creative fulfillment isn’t about chasing likes or views, but about shifting your mindset entirely?
This is the theme of my latest AI Art Music Video. Read on for the philosophy behind it.
The Problem: Why Isn’t My Work Being Seen?
Artists, writers, musicians—no matter the medium, the challenge is the same. You create something beautiful, something you’re proud of, and yet it feels invisible. Social media algorithms seem to favor the already popular, pushing their work to the top while smaller creators struggle to be seen.
For introverted artists or those without a large network of friends to share their work, the problem feels even more insurmountable. Without money to boost posts or promote your work, it’s easy to feel stuck.
And let’s be honest: it’s heartbreaking. The lack of recognition can make you question why you even bother creating at all.
Of course, we know we create for ourselves because we’re inspired and we won’t stop creating so long as the inspiration keeps coming, but the feeling that no one is interested in what we spent so long perfecting can sap our inspiration. And when inspiration leaves, so does some of our spark, leaving us devoid of enthusiasm for life or with it at least somewhat diminished.
Reframing the Struggle
After years of wrestling with this issue, I found a way to move past the disappointment. The answer? Treat your art as an offering.
An offering is something you give freely, without expecting anything in return. It’s a gift to the world, not a transaction. When you approach your creative work this way, the pressure to “succeed” fades, and the joy of creating takes center stage.
A Personal Story: Finding Peace in the Offering
I’ve been creating for decades—writing, making art, and now experimenting with AI-generated videos. At seventy years old, I’ve had plenty of time to grapple with the ups and downs of being an artist.
For a while, I stopped writing altogether because I felt like, “What’s the point?” But eventually, inspiration struck, and I couldn’t resist the urge to create again. That’s when I realized something profound: my work didn’t need to be seen by thousands to have value.
I started thinking of my creations as offerings. Whether it’s a book, a video, or a piece of art, I put it out into the world with no expectations. If someone sees it and enjoys it, that’s wonderful. If not, that’s okay too. The act of creating is enough for me.
This concept of offering, came from my Buddhist study and practice.
Offering as a Spiritual Practice
In Buddhist traditions, offering is one of the simplest and most profound spiritual practices. At its heart, it is an act of generosity — giving without grasping, without agenda, without the subtle hope of being seen or rewarded. When we offer something freely, whether it is a candle on an altar or a piece of art shared with the world, we loosen the tight knot of self‑concern that keeps us identified with the small, egoic “me.” That softening creates space. The mind becomes more open, the heart more spacious, and in that openness it becomes easier to recognise our essential nature — the part of us that is already whole, already free, already connected.
A true offering is made without expectation of return. This is what makes it a spiritual practice rather than a transaction. In its deepest expression, offering rests on the understanding that giver, gift, and receiver are not truly separate. Buddhist philosophy often uses the language of illusion to describe this: on a quantum level we are both waves and particles, energy and form, appearing solid only because of how our brains interpret experience. When we understand this — even conceptually — it becomes easier not to cling to what we create. Our art is real, but not ultimately real. It arises from us, but it is not us. And so we can give it away lightly, without fear, without needing anything back.
When offering is done in this spirit, it brings a feeling of clarity and peace. The mind relaxes. The heart opens. Sharing becomes an act of freedom rather than a plea for validation. This is how I hold my own creative work: my sharing isn’t for likes or comments (though they’re lovely when they come). It’s an offering to the wide and silent universe — a gesture of generosity, a moment of connection, and a reminder that the act of giving is itself a path toward awakening.
Key Insights: How to Shift Your Mindset
Here are the lessons I’ve learned about treating your art as an offering:
1. Create for the joy of it.
The process of making art is its own reward. Focus on the fulfillment you get from creating, not the external validation. As artists we know this, but we often forget, and we may not be fully aware of just how important it is for us to engage in some form of creativity. This is especially true for neurodivergent people, where creativity is a prime support in emotional regulation.
2. Let go of expectations.
When you stop expecting likes, shares, or sales, you free yourself from disappointment. Say to yourself, “No expectations; no disappointments,” post your offering, go do something else, and then DON’T check the stats. That last one is important.
As soon as you look at the numbers, it can subtly affect the direction of your art, and if you start creating for others, rather than yourself, you lock yourself in to a transaction mindset with all its expectation and resulting disappointment.
3. Think of your work as a gift.
An offering is given freely, without strings attached. Your art is a gift to the world—whether it’s seen or not.
4. Celebrate small moments of connection.
A single comment or review can make your heart sing. Cherish those moments instead of chasing numbers.
5. Support other artists.
When you see work you love, share it, comment on it, and let the creator know. Small acts of encouragement can make a big difference.
6. Jealous of others success?
If jealousy arises when you see others’ work doing well, turn it around by imagining how wonderful it must feel for them and celebrate with them, whether you think their work deserves it or not. In this way, jealousy becomes appreciative joy that is much better for your psycho-spiritual health.
6. Keep creating, no matter what.
Inspiration is a powerful force. When it strikes, follow it. Your work matters, even if it doesn’t go viral.
Why This Matters
This mindset shift isn’t just about protecting your mental health—it’s about maintaining the joy of creating. When you treat your art as an offering, you stop playing the exhausting game of chasing likes and views. Instead, you focus on what truly matters: the act of creation itself.
And here’s the beautiful part: when you create from a place of joy and authenticity, people notice. Your work may not reach millions, but it will resonate deeply with those who do see it, and because you’re staying true to your own vision – not creating for likes – it resonates with you.
What’s Your Offering?
So, what’s your offering to the world? Whether it’s a painting, a song, or a story, remember that its value doesn’t depend on how many people see it. The act of creating is enough.
Next time you feel discouraged, remind yourself: your art is a gift. Share it freely, and let go of expectations.
What’s one piece of art you’ve created that you’re proud of? Share it in the comments—I’d love to see your offering.
About the Video Art
Made for my fellow creatives.
Theme based on my Psychemagination books — illustrated tools for self-discovery, grounding, and inner transformation. Explore the books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRR1BLK9
Original song & lyrics by Tahlia Newland – https://tahlianewland.bandcamp.com/track/light-offering
How This Video Was Made | AI tools:
- Concept, story, structure, lyrics, and emotional intent by the human artist
- Midjourney – the medium used to create the visuals
- Kling – brought still images into motion
- Suno – produced the music from my lyrics and song. I sing the tunes into the music generator.
- Captcut – video arrangement, each clip placed by hand
The Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Does light try to shine?
No, it is light itself
Illuminating by nature
It needs no effort, no eyes to see
[Verse 2]
You are light,
Shining by your nature
A flame that cannot fade
Even when clouds roll in
Even when shared far and wide
[Chorus]
Place your light by the wayside
Let it glow, let it be
It will light the path
Whether someone walks it or not
Whether they see it or not
It’s no business of yours
[Verse 3]
It matters not the form you choose
Lantern, candle, stick or globe
Large or small, well-shaped or poor
The light shines forth
Even if no eyes behold
[Bridge]
These light forms are your offering
To the wide and silent universe
No need for thanks, no need for praise
No receiver, no giver
Just the act of selfless grace
[Final Chorus]
Place your light by the wayside
Let it glow, let it be
It will light the path
Whether someone walks it or not
Whether they see it or not
It’s no business of yours
[Outro]
You are light
You are light
You are light
Shining by your nature
Shining by your nature
