Sometimes it is a struggle to find the ‘right’ words to say or message to give. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be creative. We encourage ourselves to make a space for our passion and do what we love. While we forge our own way, we are bombarded by ads, photos, and ‘inspirational testimonies’ every single day. Before we know it, we are pushing ourselves harder to create the next big thing, maybe leaving ourselves feeling inadequate. It is easy to fall into this trap when we look at the numbers of likes or shares on a post and judge our work as a success or failure accordingly. When we do this, it is easy to internalize it, labeling ourselves by the same criteria.
No matter what our path is or the items in which we want to create, we are encouraged or feel pressured to raise our voices and tell our stories. We feel this because there are so many options out there. How can we stand out in the crowd? What makes our message resonate with others? If we take a break, will we ever be noticed? If we force something together just for the sake of it, it can feel like we are only adding to the cacophony of voices needing to be seen as the next ‘new thing’ or the shiny object that you must simply have to have. But is it what you want? Is that how you want to be seen? How do you want to create? What makes your voice unique?
For me, I don’t want to feel forced or contrived. I place enough pressure upon myself. When these questions arise, I know it is a message to myself saying that I need to take a step back and breathe because I am not feeling authentic in my creative process. It took time for me to understand that taking a break is not an act of running away. It is a chance to decompress, contemplate, and dream a bit. It is a hard thing for me to do, but it is necessary.
I know it is important to take a break. Our bodies and minds mind need them. Our spirit needs to dream and play. These acts of self-care and love brings forward inspiration by creating space for ourselves. Laughter and fun helps to open the way forward. If what we create is our passion, shouldn’t it also bring us joy as we work? I have been seeing and feeling these known truths much deeper lately and I believe it more now that I did before.
I hope this helps to give you the courage to take a break and breathe as well.
Be well today. May you find the spirit of inspiration in what brings you joy.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 