Photo by Bianca Isofache on Unsplash
One of the most ambivalent things about creative work is sending a part of yourself out into the world. I’ve had the honor of having many of my haiku published, and I’m about the worst one when it comes to courage.
What if no one likes it? Maybe it completely sucks. Along with visions of glory when you become famous! (Kidding….sort of).
I have to be honest here, being a creative type takes guts. Especially if your intention is selling your work. You’re balancing self-expression with filling needs. Now that I think about it, those two ideals are not exclusive to each other. But back to the topic….
By its nature, any kind of creative project is infused with you. It’s not like, say, producing quarterly reports, or issuing traffic tickets, or transcribing papers – although those could be done creatively, maybe without the appreciation of one’s boss! It’s saying this is who I am and what I do. It’s the closest you can come to perfection. And it makes you feel rather vulnerable.
There’s a heck of a lot I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure that when your creative inner self comes up with a great idea, it’s best to follow up. Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic says something along the lines of, “If you don’t respond to an idea, then the idea will move on to someone who will do something with it.” Not an exact quote, but that’s the idea. So for a limited time, it’s yours to make something fantastic, huge, and beautiful.
So back to my original question. As a creative type, how do you feel when sending your creation (art, writing, music, fashion, dance……whatever is yours) into the sea of humanity?
How do you deal with your experiences?
What have you learned?
Like anything else, the more you do it, the easier and more nearly perfect it becomes. But that doesn’t make it easier, as we’re intimately aware of our own shortcomings (real or not), and assume everyone else is, too.
I wouldn’t have had the courage to submit my haiku without a group of supportive poets. It does make it easier with a tribe cheering you on. Do whatever it takes to set your art free. Your particular piece will not be appreciated by everyone, but for yourself and those who need it.
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