Creativity & Vulnerability | SHW #1

If you've ever created anything before, especially something you've been really passionate and excited about, you know how terrifying it can be to put it out into the world.

We all have a natural desire to fit in, to be loved and accepted by our pack. Sharing our ideas can be scary because we don't know how they'll be received.

Will this go over well? Will people think I'm stupid? Crazy?

I've spent most of my life falling in line and blending in, and I've learned one thing—it's costly.

It has cost me money, joy, relationships, experiences, pretty much anything you can name.

I decided I wanted to step out of my crafted persona years ago when I started teaching myself how to draw and putting whatever I could conjure on the internet.

It was all fun and games until someone I knew found my secret art account. And then another person. And then another person...

Before I knew it I had dozens of people that knew me IRL—normally as the computer girl, not the art girl—looking at everything I was creating.

At first, it paralyzed me. I was so afraid of what people would think.

That thought still lingers, but I'm learning to coexist with it.

I'm learning to create with my whole heart and trust that, whatever happens, the experience is worth it.

I'm learning to be more true to myself and to stop people-pleasing.

I'm learning to say no and be more vulnerable.

Ironically, by not trying to mold myself into what I think everyone wants me to be, I feel more deeply connected to everyone around me.

Creativity and vulnerability go hand in hand. Every time you create, you'll leave a little piece of yourself behind. Vulnerability is necessary for rich creativity.

The problem is that most of us have been taught that vulnerability = weakness. We shy away from it because we don't want to appear weak.

But vulnerability isn't weakness. It's human. When you show others your vulnerable side, you're showing them your capacity for human connection.

I love connecting with people. I love seeing others' weird, quirky sides. The people we are when we're all alone. It's one of the most beautiful parts of being human.

So here's my wish to you:

Put your ideas into the world. Share them unabashedly, and no matter how they're received by others, love yourself all the way through.

Best wishes 💙