Happy Sunday, and congratulations on making it to February. It’s been a busy week, no, a busy month, but at the risk of repeating myself from one week to the next, I’ve been enjoying the extra daylight we’ve been getting each morning and evening, and looking forward to more of this.
I thought I’d do something slightly different with today’s blog post, and write myself some words of affirmation to quell the doubting and dissenting voices I hear in my head every now and then. These are words I make a conscious effort to remind myself of every day, and they keep me moving along on this creative journey I’m on. I’d love to hear what you think of them, and if you’ve found them helpful.
Some thoughts and words for when I doubt myself…
I don't need permission to make art. I give myself permission. I will allow myself to create art to my heart’s content.
I have stories to tell. I have songs to sing. I have pictures to paint. I have <insert noun form of art> to <insert verb form of art>. I will not die with all this art inside me. I have something new, interesting and unique to contribute to the world through my art. Only I can make the art that I make.
My art is not a side hustle. My art is not a hobby. My art is not a pastime. My art is not a fad. My art is the real deal. My art has value. My art is worth creating.
I am a breathing, thinking being with a lived experience and a life full of wonder, places I've been, people I've met, things I've seen, all of which enable me to make the art I make. I cannot be replaced. My work cannot be replicated. There will always be a place for my art.
I am human. To be human is beautiful, and wonderful, and fantastic. All of the above apply to my human art.
I hope you have a wonderful week and month ahead. I intend to.
P.S.: My debut non-fiction book, Art Is The Way, and my middle-grade novella, A Hollade Christmas, are out everywhere now. You can get them in all good bookstores and from all major online vendors.