Dear Creative-
Let's just say what everyone already knows.
Being a creative person- an author, a screenwriter, an actor, a singer, a painter, a dancer- is HARD.
There is no other way to say it: plain and simple. Yet, this HARD thing that your soul yearns to partake in is also what makes you so, so HAPPY and provides so much JOY. Oh the torture of being a creative soul!
Like anything in life, nothing comes for "free." There is always a risk involved, always some sort of sacrifice. But, in the creative world, I think there comes a point where you reach a breaking point. You love this thing that feeds your soul and gives you fulfillment...but you also yearn to have recognition for it. You want others to recognize how much it means to you. You want to make an impact. You ask the question...DOES THIS CREATIVE ENDEAVOR MATTER? WILL IT EVER MAKE AN IMPACT?
Well, let me ask you this: Is your creativity POSITIVELY impacting YOU ?
If it is {and I hope it is}, and if it makes YOU happy...then to be honest, you HAVE achieved your goal.
"But, that's lame," you say.
I get it. You want others to participate with you- to laugh, cry, to experience - this "thing" you have created. And they will, even if it's your best friend. But here is the thing. Creativity is subjective. And you've heard it before. You will and can not make everyone happy. So, you need to worry about yourself and how it impacts YOU.
You've heard the cliche phrase, "Dance like no one's watching." And as cliche as it is, I totally agree with this.
When you participate in this kind of activity, of creating when no one's watching, you are uninhibited, you are free, your creativity knows no bounds, you aren't doing it for anyone but yourself. This is when the magic truly happens.
So, if you are wanting to give up because you haven't achieved a self imposed HIGH ENOUGH level of success, stop it. Stop thinking that way and listen to me: I don't care if you haven't gotten a book deal, or an option on your screenplay or had your art displayed in a prominent art gallery.
Hear this: Your voice, your dance, your words, your art, your everything MATTERS. And if it makes you happy and brings you joy {when you aren't filling your brain with the junk and muck of where you think you should be, or comparing yourself to to others} then keep on doing it.
Don't dance for the fame, don't write for the money, don't paint for the recognition. Do it because you love it. Push yourself to be better than you were the day before.
But don't let the lack of public recognition drag you down and here is why:
Putting unrealistic expectations on yourself (i.e. wanting to be the next J.K Rowling or whatnot) can seriously kill your creativity. It can stifle you. It can paralyze you before you even take a step. It can create a block that is very, very hard to move. So many people don't even begin things because of this.
Think of what you could achieve if you truly threw what everyone else thought out of the window? Umm...wow.
So, do not give up. Be creative because you love it. Keep your aspirations, keep your goals, and go for them. But, keep your perspective to. Develop a thick skin for when others tell you to quit. Know in your gut that your perspective is solid - that if it's a creative outlet that fills your soul, then that's enough. And forget the rest. You may be surprised by what happens when you drop the layers of expectations you (unknowingly) put on yourself to succeed...You may just break through and shine. But even if you receive acknowledgement and fame...creativity will always be a struggle and it will always a bit messy. Just be sure to enjoy the mess you're in. The price {or sacrifice} of being a creative is worth it if it truly makes you happy. Remember that.
Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."
Let's just say what everyone already knows.
Being a creative person- an author, a screenwriter, an actor, a singer, a painter, a dancer- is HARD.
There is no other way to say it: plain and simple. Yet, this HARD thing that your soul yearns to partake in is also what makes you so, so HAPPY and provides so much JOY. Oh the torture of being a creative soul!
Like anything in life, nothing comes for "free." There is always a risk involved, always some sort of sacrifice. But, in the creative world, I think there comes a point where you reach a breaking point. You love this thing that feeds your soul and gives you fulfillment...but you also yearn to have recognition for it. You want others to recognize how much it means to you. You want to make an impact. You ask the question...DOES THIS CREATIVE ENDEAVOR MATTER? WILL IT EVER MAKE AN IMPACT?
Well, let me ask you this: Is your creativity POSITIVELY impacting YOU ?
If it is {and I hope it is}, and if it makes YOU happy...then to be honest, you HAVE achieved your goal.
"But, that's lame," you say.
I get it. You want others to participate with you- to laugh, cry, to experience - this "thing" you have created. And they will, even if it's your best friend. But here is the thing. Creativity is subjective. And you've heard it before. You will and can not make everyone happy. So, you need to worry about yourself and how it impacts YOU.
You've heard the cliche phrase, "Dance like no one's watching." And as cliche as it is, I totally agree with this.
When you participate in this kind of activity, of creating when no one's watching, you are uninhibited, you are free, your creativity knows no bounds, you aren't doing it for anyone but yourself. This is when the magic truly happens.
So, if you are wanting to give up because you haven't achieved a self imposed HIGH ENOUGH level of success, stop it. Stop thinking that way and listen to me: I don't care if you haven't gotten a book deal, or an option on your screenplay or had your art displayed in a prominent art gallery.
Hear this: Your voice, your dance, your words, your art, your everything MATTERS. And if it makes you happy and brings you joy {when you aren't filling your brain with the junk and muck of where you think you should be, or comparing yourself to to others} then keep on doing it.
Don't dance for the fame, don't write for the money, don't paint for the recognition. Do it because you love it. Push yourself to be better than you were the day before.
But don't let the lack of public recognition drag you down and here is why:
Putting unrealistic expectations on yourself (i.e. wanting to be the next J.K Rowling or whatnot) can seriously kill your creativity. It can stifle you. It can paralyze you before you even take a step. It can create a block that is very, very hard to move. So many people don't even begin things because of this.
Think of what you could achieve if you truly threw what everyone else thought out of the window? Umm...wow.
So, do not give up. Be creative because you love it. Keep your aspirations, keep your goals, and go for them. But, keep your perspective to. Develop a thick skin for when others tell you to quit. Know in your gut that your perspective is solid - that if it's a creative outlet that fills your soul, then that's enough. And forget the rest. You may be surprised by what happens when you drop the layers of expectations you (unknowingly) put on yourself to succeed...You may just break through and shine. But even if you receive acknowledgement and fame...creativity will always be a struggle and it will always a bit messy. Just be sure to enjoy the mess you're in. The price {or sacrifice} of being a creative is worth it if it truly makes you happy. Remember that.
Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."
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