Many years ago, I went on a couple dates with an accomplished author.
I was working in the music industry at the time, knee deep in the business side of things and far away from anything creative.
I had written a few songs and stories but wasn’t sharing them at all. I felt stuck.
I asked him if he had any advice.
What he shared changed my life.
“Sure,” he said. “Maybe you don’t really like them?”
I was taken aback. What did he mean? Of course I liked them! I wrote them, so…?
But then I looked more deeply.
Did I love them?
Who did I write them for and why?
Had I written them in the hopes that other people would like them, and give me accolades and attention?
Had I settled for “decent” when I wanted them to be excellent?
Was I not sharing because… they weren’t that good?
Gasp! He was right. They weren’t that good.
And I’m glad I kept looking deeper, because my art was coming from a very egoic place at the time.
I didn’t have access to my channel.
Now, when I channel creativity there is flow. There is beauty. There is joy. There is grief.
What is not there? People pleasing, trying to impress, struggle and pressure.
These things try to creep back in but I immediately spot the garbage they create and throw it out.
I go back to my heart. So simple, but not easy.
When my coaching clients are afraid to share their music, art or writing, this is one of the places we look.
Do they feel proud of their creation? If not, why?
This is a delicate exploration- so often I’ve mistakenly nearly tossed a masterpiece out the window because of fear, not because it was bad.
This is why it’s so helpful to have trusted feedback. (Though, if you love something, screw the feedback and run with it!).
Are you ready to bring a creative project to life and have it seen? Has it been a struggle or something you haven’t found a way to prioritize?
My free 5-day course, Create & Flow, will walk you home to your creative fulfillment.
