"we all have the urge to create. to do so is freedom for ourselves and others" (Gabor Mate)
This past week has been a little tough for me creatively. Call it lack of confidence, lack on inspiration...I'm not entirely sure. Sometimes it feels like such a risk to share my art. I put hours of effort, love and creativity into each piece I design and make. At times I find myself worrying over how it will be received: will people see the value in it? will I be criticized? It all comes back to just one question that seems to follow me around, regardless of what creative endeavor I'm working on:
Am I enough?
Why is it that I can create with joy, pour my life and soul into a project, and then when it's finished, only see the flaws? Only see how it's not good enough, not creative enough...not ever ever enough? And yes, I worry about what others will say, but it goes deeper than that. I am, really, my own worst critic.
This quote reminds me of the reasons why I make. The urge to create is something I follow because being creative keeps me grounded in who I am. There is freedom in it. I love that I'm able to share what I create with others, but even if no body ever takes notice, I will still respond to that urge inside me to make beautiful things.
side note: this quote is from one of my favorite books, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts (a look at the psychology behind addiction) by Gabor Mate. If you've never read it, I would recommend picking up a copy!
Hmmm, I lost my original comment. I hate when that happens. I think I said something like this:
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to what you're saying. I'm a writer (I have a separate writing blog) and even when there is success I never feel like I'm enough. I think creatives are always their own worst critics and maybe that's one thing that keeps us going; always striving for greatness.
I'm going to check out that book! Hope you feel inspired again soon.
ooops- I added a new comment instead of replying, haha. here is what I said:
Deleteoh I didn't know you had a writing blog! I will have to check it out for sure! It's true what you say about creatives being their own worst critics. So often I'm grateful for that, because it keeps me going! just wish sometimes I could turn it off :)
oooh, you'll have to let me know what you think of the book. It's a really interesting read!
(also 2 hours away from a Canadian standard nothing at all!)
Haha. We are a pair having issues here! My writing blog is at mymutedvoice.com and I also wrote for Tipsylit.com which is a fun site for readers and writers. You should check it out! Let me know if you do.
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