I’m not ready. You want to wait until you’re ready? Kiss that dream goodbye, friend. You’ll never be ready. Embrace it and fly.
I don’t have permission. Most of the time we don’t realize we’re waiting for permission, but we are. We want someone to tell us it’s okay, that the time is right, that this is the best decision ever. You want permission? I hereby grant you permission to go forth and create. There.
It’s not the right time. Sometimes this is legit. But most times we’re just afraid. Want to know the difference? Here are 5 ways to know if the art has to wait.
People might not like it. Yeah. So?
I might look like a fool. Mmm, hmmm. Your point?
Someone else can do it better. Oh forthelove.
I have nothing to offer. I’m listening now – This is a big one, where the art takes a huge hit. You believe it’s already been said, done, created, explored. That you have nothing new to say. Say it anyway. Be brave anyway. Throw out your inhibitions and spin around in this crazy world of recycled ideas. There is nothing new to say. Say it anyway.
I am not an artist. We’ve been over this one. Allow me to convince you otherwise.
It’s a waste of time. Define ‘waste’. . . And then dare yourself to re-define it.
It’s too much work. Truer words have never been said. It takes work to show up, to be present, to engage your ideas and escort them with love and attention from seedling to full grown, leafy, living art. But don’t be fooled – it takes work to ignore it too. And that work can be just as painful, if not more so–running from the voice, hiding from inspiration, denying the way you were made, pretending you don’t care about the art. Are you going to do the work of hiding or are you willing to do the work of art?
What did I miss? What keeps you from showing up and living the art?
oh sweet emily. you have done it again. spoken truth right into the depths of my soul.
love your words.
melissa´s last [type] ..-endure the rain-
You nailed it again.
I am the “it has already been said, done, explored….” person just waiting to start a blog. And I hear the “We don’t need another one. There are already too many,” – both from inside my head and from others.
I guess I am also the “I am not ready” person because I tend to research every aspect of everything over and over and again until I feel ready. Pray for spontaneity!
Thank you for your wise words again and again.
kelly
You’re welcome Kelly. I have been guilty of “professional research” too. But I’m not passionate about research, I’m passionate about the art.
Emily´s last [type] ..10 things that keep us from showing up
I guess my addition would be under the “looking like a fool” category. I imagine a room full of people rolling their eyes at me, laughing and saying, “Who does she think she is, anyway? What the heck does she think she knows?”
Fantastic post, Emily.
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies´s last [type] ..Music on a Monday
That’d be me too.
Jessica´s last [type] ..When the darkness fled…
Ya…me too. Seems to be a swing between the “Who do you think you are” voice to “What do you have to offer?” voice. Two extremes, but both can work at shutting me down quite effectively if I let them.
Please keep at it, Emily. These are powerful, freeing words. Thanks!
Becky´s last [type] ..praise saved me
I hear “Who do you think you are?” everyday. Well, not everyday any more. But even writing a post like this one, I hear that – because who am I to try to encourage anyone else? I’m choosing to ignore that voice. But it’s still there in the background.
Emily´s last [type] ..10 things that keep us from showing up
I am so glad that you are encouraging us!
The “who am I” is the one that gets me, or the “I don’t have the right schooling/training.”
(Geezz, I’ve even struggled over writing this comment!)
Carol H.´s last [type] ..Wednesday’s Weekly Blessing
Wow! You are on it today. This should make everyone jump up and ask “What can I create today?” Thank you for this list.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..The Blessings This Week
I needed that today. Thank you. I love what you said about the fact that we are living in a world of recycled ideas….say it anyway. Never thought of it that way but it’s true.
Honeybee´s last [type] ..Wake Up
It seems like all our excuses are pride based or fear based…haha..just the opposite of faith and love! God has not given us a spirit of fear..but of love, of power and a sound mind…all the equipment to seize the moment and do something good..and He also says to commit our thoughts to the Lord that they would be established. So by praying first thing and then grabbing those opportunities to make a difference..by kindness, or establishing any other fruit of the Spirit then a work starts! I love your post today.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Seeing Rabbits in the Sky!
Good grief, girl, you are ON it! You appear to have an endless stash of motivation and encouragement. Thank you for showing up for US.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..Contrast
Mm, perfect. I’m going to print this out and hang it in my kitchen as a reminder for me *and* my teens to just go and create. Excellent post. Thanks, Emily!
Susan´s last [type] ..52 hearts- ideas
You nailed it for me with “I have nothing to offer”…that is the lie that keeps me from writing most days…paralyzed, actually.
Melissa´s last [type] ..How can I say thank you
oh, you make me laugh. this is my favorite…
“You want permission? I hereby grant you permission to go forth and create. There.”
melissa´s last [type] ..Gimme A Break
btw…how do you keep up with all the different melissa’s? i even saw the first comment, and had to stop for a minute and think, “did i already comment?!” lol
melissa´s last [type] ..Gimme A Break
I was just noticing how many Melissa’s there are.
I hadn’t even commented yet, and there were already three different ones of us. Haha!
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Guest Post – Sharon
Hey Emily – you are so good at offering this insight and encouragement. I wish I was better at receiving and applying it. My blog is nearly 4 years old now and I *still* think I have nothing to offer. It holds me back every day when I let the voices of other win. It also makes me very conscious of what my own voice says – I don’t want to ever be the voice that discourages someone else from exploring and creating and making art.
As a funny aside – a couple weeks ago my brother called me and said “I had a few minutes to waste, so I thought I’d call you.” It’s not what he meant, but every time I hear “waste of time” now, I think of that.
thank you for this, again.
This gave me goosebumps…in a good way.
Scooper´s last [type] ..Boys and Poo- the 8th Wonder of the World
Such beautiful words! Can hardly wait for your book to come out
Living A Bona Fide Life´s last [type] ..Changing Our Speak
What keeps me from showing up? Knowing I have something, but have to start over, or re-do it. That’s the hard part (for me).
Alie´s last [type] ..he’s a rockstar
love, love, love
need to read, need to read, need to read.
How did you know I have been struggling with these very thoughts for the past few weeks (ok, months). Seems I’m in good company but I truly would like to move beyond this now.
Awesome post!
Another thing that stops art in its tracks is the distractions of this world. The have tos, shoulds, coulds. The bank account that needs money in it, the house that needs cleaned, the errands that need running, the details of life that one by one can swallow life whole, leaving no room for art.
Bonita´s last [type] ..Ebooks- e-books- eBooks
I feel the look on my face…wish you could see that…no words..
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..I AM
I wish I could see it too!
Not giving myself permission. I have permission from my husband. In fact, he often comes up with ideas for me. A weekly conversation between us starts with “so I have an idea for a novel you should write…” But even though I have his support (which is a lot), I am afraid to give myself my support. I’m holding too tightly onto not writing and not creating. All out of fear. A fear I have such a hard time shaking.
I also blame feeling sick. Because I have been sick for the past almost five months. Some days I am okay. Other it is all I can do to get out of bed and make it through an 8 hour work day. I know I have time at home, but when I feel that sick, I just want to do nothing. I think it’s an attack of some sort because feeling this sick with no real explanantion (yet) is just not normal.
But its all excuses. I know that. And so I am starting. One step at a time. Until I reach my destination.
Leslie Knight´s last [type] ..a history so deep it hurts to look
I’m the one who struggles with the “I have nothing to offer” bit. And because I think I have nothing to offer, I tend to struggle with the idea that writing/dreaming/creating just aren’t important enough to fit into the daily schedule. With all the things that must be crossed off the to-do list – making sure work for my job is done, my house is cleaned, the laundry is finished (which never happens!), errands are run, bills are paid, Bible studies are finished, and the list goes on and on – it seems that there just isn’t room for that which I’ve convinced myself is trivial…
Imperfect´s last [type] ..On Habitual Writing
yes! i feel the exact same way.
Me too! This is exactly how I feel.
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..Gift Counting Continued 51–60
Feeling like I have nothing to say is probably the biggest. That and the time factor (which is more legit)… I keep thinking once my little ones are in school…
Great post. Convicting.
Megs´s last [type] ..What to do when you dont feel like it
wow you really nailed ALL my excuses. I could hear myself in your words. Great list and a keeper to remind myself to persevere.
Under “I have nothing to offer” you addressed it as if the only concern is “I have nothing new to offer.” But what about those of us who genuinely have nothing to offer? I am not concerned about the fact that my message is not new. I am concerned that I have nothing at all to say.
Kari´s last [type] ..udder-fodder
You’re right, I did address it that way Kari. I guess that’s because for me, when I feel like I have nothing to offer, it’s usually from a place of “I have nothing NEW to offer.” The things I want to say have already been said, and said better at that.
The time factor – it always seems like there is something more important that “needs” to be done first.
And the TIRED factor. Finding the energy to do the work it is going to take to make the dream happen…
Melissa May´s last [type] ..Heavenly!!!
I know in my season with 3 babies 2 and under, I was not living the art. A season for every purpose…? Perhaps.
Oh Emily, you nailed it! My only other excuse is, when do I find the time. I’ve got a job, a home, a family, a church…and the list goes on. Things I want to do, such as creating art, are the first things to get bumped from the to do list.
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..Gift Counting Continued 51–60
Perfect timing. Yesterday I emailed the lovely Jamie Martin, asking her why I’ve picked a career that is so hard and terrifying and yet thrills me like nothing else. The answer it already there. Art involves huge risk, facing fears daily (at least for me, especially when it comes to first drafts), and reaching outside myself, pushing beyond.
Caroline Starr Rose´s last [type] ..One Sentence Debut Reviews and WITHER giveaway
A few months into the book writing, I called my sister and said “Why did I sign up for a career where I have to do homework for a living?!?! This is HARD!” And then she reminded me how much I love homework.
#mysisterisalwaysright
Yes, and yes! Feeling inadequate, others say “it” so much better than me; wanting the words to be perfect before I push publish or enter; learning-and relearning that the joy is in the process. Interesting, I had a similar theme today, but you said it so much better. I know, I know….
Maureen´s last [type] ..Practice- Practice- Practice
Very good words. Very good.
Perhaps I shall create some this week.
Thanks!
Mariah´s last [type] ..How I Feel About Things
This has all been on my heart this last week. I think God and I need to talk about timing, His vs. mine.
Kristy K´s last [type] ..Great Friday
What keeps me from showing up? My insecurities about being an artist. I expect that if I’m genuinely talented as a writer people will suggest that I write, or ask me to write, or talk to me about my writing. When that doesn’t happen, I second-guess myself. Another thing that keeps me from showing up? Comparing myself to others. “They’ve said it better.” “They’re more experienced/knowledgeable/qualified.”
I really am encouraged by your words today, Emily!
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Guest Post – Sharon
What keeps me from showing up is a perceived lack of access.
Not enough time, not enough money, too few ideas, not the best sewing machine, etc, etc. When I think about it though, it’s a terrible rat race that I will never win. There’s always more to be had, but who’s to say I would do anything with it?
The question that I pose to myself lately is, “Is this honest?” Is this fear real? Is this my creativity or am I channeling something/someone just for popularity?
I feel like I’m getting to a really good place with my life, my faith and my craft. So…thank you for the timely (and prodding) reminder.
Asiyah´s last [type] ..Two good finishes and a new beginning
I think you pretty much covered all of my excuses. Yep. Now to go create.
Lara´s last [type] ..spandex alone for goodness sake does not a 6-pack make
Oh, this made me laugh.
Heartily and sheepishly. Thank you!
Amy´s last [type] ..The Road Once Again Traveled
God has really been speaking to me through you, Emily. I have been reading your blog for the entire Lent season, reading about “art” and struggling with “am I an artist?” “what is my art?” “what are my dreams?” “what is holding me back?” “I’m not good enough” “I can’t make enough money” and most importantly, the paralyzing, ever-present, lifelong belief that “I have nothing to offer.” God just took that on in a matter os seconds through your blog. Your/His words were so clear and cut right to the center of it with “Say it anyway. Be brave anyway.” I have been waiting for this moment for a month (honestly, probably my whole life) to feel free to “recycle ideas.” Thank you SO MUCH, Emily. I don’t think you could ever know the impact your blog has had on one little person so far away.
Jenny, I love hearing that. I trust you’ll find a way to say it anyway in the coming days/weeks
I can relate to so much of this…but often, if I’m being *really* honest, I’m afraid I’ll actually succeed, and therefore, will have to hold myself accountable to a new and unfamiliar (and higher?) standard.
Emily G.´s last [type] ..Kelly’s Senior Photos
Ah, the fear of success.
This one was timely for me…thank you.
Last night after pouring my heart into a blog post, I somehow deleted it.
Time is sparce around here, I irrationally considered “throwing in the towel” on the whole blog thing…
I know–way too much much emotion over a lost blog post–but for some reason, it felt like some sort of final straw.
Appreciated the link to 5 reasons that art might need to wait and also the reminder of Organized Simplicity.
Just finished it this past weekend.
Intentional living (which for me–includes–Lord willing–writing) is what I truly want.
Needed this reminder today.
Kara´s last [type] ..I Dont Want Our Kids To Feel At Home Here
I actually think accidentally deleting a heart-felt blog post is worth a lot of emotion. I’ve done that, and it’s a big deal. Blogging isn’t just a stepping stone to “the real art” Blogging may be the art. And when you delete a post on accident? It hurts, as it well should!
Touche’, my friend.
This post makes me remember a conversation I had with a friend many years ago. . . back when Jack and I were young marrieds, trying to pay off student loans from grad school, wondering when to start a family. That friend, a little older and a lot wiser than I, said, “Don’t wait until you can afford to have children. That day will never come.”
Somehow creating art is a little like having children. Feelings of “I can’t afford it/I don’t have permission/I don’t have anything to say/what if I look foolish?” battle for the prime real estate in my brain. Amazing how negative thoughts seem to take up more than their fair share of space.
Thank you for being the wise friend willing to speak up.
Richella at Imparting Grace´s last [type] ..The significance of insignificant things
Someone told me the exact same thing about having kids! (And it’s sweet to see you here, Richella.)
And this is why I come back again and again…
misty´s last [type] ..Liberation
There you go again, getting all up in my business, Emily. Thanks a lot! (Bookmarking this one to read pretty much every day.)
Shelly W.´s last [type] ..Your Royal Wedding Watchers Guide
I appreciate so much your words and encouragement here. How awesome that you would teach us from your own journey. Thank you.
Theresa´s last [type] ..Eric Ludy – The Gospel
I have a bunch of sticky note Emily quotes around my computer. =)
Every time I talk myself out of it, here you are reminding me why I want to get back in.
(The creating something new is definitely high on my list. Along with that crippling thought that it has to also be BETTER and more fresh and more creative than it’s been said before…which I immediately know is impossible and then the words won’t come).
shelley.´s last [type] ..a branch of a faithful tree
I have to say that your encouragement has been a big help in moving me forward. I am still not “there” yet, as I am not 100% sure where “there” is, but I have begun to make more changes moving me in that direction.
Thank you for being a willing vessel! That is what I hope to be as well!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Become an active participant in your life
As a young (as in “haven’t turned 18 yet” young) photographer, you have no idea how much you blog has inspired me to chase my dreams with all my heart to become a photographer. All of your art blogs have really encouraged me to create my own art with photography. Through reading your blog, I have realized that photography is an art too!
I agree with everyone who said you ‘nailed’ it! Because you did. Not the first post that I wished I could give you a hug after as a tangible thanks:-)
I didn’t have the time to read through all of the comments so, don’t know if it’s been said, but I think I’m struggling most with ‘it’s about me and not Him and I don’t know if I’ll ever be confident that it truly is about Him as I desire it to be.’ I have a thousand inherent answers for this, but still, it nags deeply…
And I don’t think it is the right time to pursue some of the deepest art I want to create because I am in the midst of an insane move overseas transition…but I am afraid of losing the dream as I have before…and had to fight hard to recover it:-/ so, that’s me.
Abby´s last [type] ..Our Story God’s Story The End is only the Beginning-
Another breath of life to my weary soul. I closely identify with the “I am not an artist”, both in my writing and my painting. I need to tell myself 1,000 times in the mirror that I AM an artist!
Barbie´s last [type] ..He Is Risen!
You left out the “I’m too busy/I don’t have time” argument or the “it will take away from…” (my kids/job/yada yada)
This one was great. I think “permission” is a big one. I was having this talk with a friend today. I went with “what do I have to gain from trying” … she said “You never know until you try…” RATS! She checkmated me by being SO RIGHT!
Carmela´s last [type] ..Week 15 – Water World
Oh how I love you! Let me count the ways. Starting with the ten right up there!
Lisa-Jo´s last [type] ..My job in a musical- stop-motion-photography nutshell
Gracious, Emily! Every. Single. Time.
Thank you for saying so, all of it!
Carmella´s last [type] ..Sketch
Just stumbled across this blog and love it! What keeps me from showing up? Probably something akin to a fear of rejection or maybe it’s closer to a fear of success. I’m not sure which, but this post made me think.
Thanks
rohan´s last [type] ..53 Washington DC Carnival
I love you! Just at the moment when doubt was creeping in and I didn’t have the faith to nip it in the bud – you spoke each and every word I needed to hear. Bless you.
Your blog is simply, sweet and inspiring.
I’ve thought about every one of these. Currently, I’m at the place of asking myself if I will ignore how God created me, and seek out safety instead. Weirdly, I’m OK with being in the “holy tension” of it for now!
Confronting, insightful, empowering, truthful.. I love it
Melissa Sharman´s last [type] ..Moments
This was by far one of the most encouraging posts I have ever read. I especially deal with the thought that I’m not that creative and don’t have anything much to offer. But you have encouraged me otherwise. Thank you so much for your words.
JoAnn´s last [type] ..Homemade Pretzel Bites