Not long ago, I was journaling about some personal goals I would like to set for myself, and one of them was “become a writer.” I stopped, and thought about what I had written. I had referred to myself as a writer before, but through that written goal, I suddenly realized that I did not truly believe myself to be one.
I have often felt that I was too young and inexperienced to have anything of real value to say. I would write page after page in my journal- sometimes even on my blog. I’d tell myself I that would be a “real writer” when I had gained more life experience, seen more places, had done more notable things… then I would have something to offer.
So often we struggle with allowing ourselves titles- “writer”, “photographer”, “artist”. I think we fear that if we refer to ourselves with those terms, we will have to live up them. We fear that more will be expected of us then we are able to give.
The truth is, I have always been a writer, whether I was brave enough to claim the title or not. For as long as I can remember, I have filled page after page of my journals with thoughts and opinions, memories and dreams- they were extensions of my very being.
It was not a matter of becoming a writer. What I really needed was to give myself permission to believe I was one already. I needed to let go of the fear that I would not have enough to offer, to let go of the fear of failure.
I am a writer. I am an artist.
(My heart sings to be able to confidently type those words.)
Many extremely creative people hide behind the word “aspiring”. It is okay to admit that you are still growing and have much to learn- we all do. We are each at a different point in our creative journey. I grow as an artist, photographer, and writer every single day. But when we boldly claim what we already are, within, we give ourselves permission to create. It is not about claiming to have “arrived”, it’s about claiming to be on the journey.
You, as an artist, have something amazing and unique to offer, right now. No one else sees and experiences the world the way you do. Your voice is your own, and if you are willing and brave enough to break yourself wide open and share your unique and beautiful heart, what comes out will be real- nothing “aspiring” about it. That kind of authenticity is extremely powerful, and is truly art.
I dare you to trust your own voice as it is right now. Give yourself permission to boldly claim who you already are. Just watch what happens.
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