We are vulnerable when we create

When we create anything, whether a piece of writing, a crayoned drawing or succulent dish, we are vulnerable. We reveal a little part of ourselves that was tucked safely away. As we grow stronger, we are able to bring even more and more of our creations into the world. What helps the most is having Validating Souls surrounding us. These folks mirror our worth back to us and support us when we stumble and step into potholes. They remind us who we really are under the costumes of what and who we think we should be.

Those potholes are the opposite of Validating Souls. They come in the form of people. They aren’t bad people by far, just different species then you. It’s like you came from the tribe of Ookie Dookies who all loved music and liked to write and were round and short. Some time long ago you wandered off from the tribe to find berries and got lost. You were found and taken in by the Ipsy Lipsies. They loved and cared for you but still look at you like you are a little strange because you aren’t into science and math and have long arms and legs. This whole other tribe doesn’t even think like you — their vision and perception have a whole other view because they wear very different glasses to see through — big red, solid frames with angular curves.

It’s hard for a sensitive person to not feel rejected when their Ipsy Lipsie tribe comes to visit and looks at you like you have three heads. They just can’t see you, not with those glasses that they wear, and that’s hard not to take it personally when you feel everything so deeply. You just want to feel accepted and that you belong.

The other day I sent out Episode 3 into the world of my web show. Those web shows are a part of me that have long been forgotten and want to be heard. I ran into an old acquaintance the other day. I sent her the link to my show that is on my new video Tumblr blog. On that blog, I share all my video creations, my sketches and my process. So far, I only share other folks’ videos there if I am truly inspired and out of all the blog posts so far, I only shared one. She wrote back thanking me profusely for sharing the link–she loved the video I posted, the video I didn’t create! My stomach fell to the floor. There wasn’t one comment about my work. I was back to being that little girl being raised by Ipsy Lipsies who had blended into the wallpaper and wasn’t seen.

To the rescue, was a few members of my Ookie Dookies. They heard my distress call from far away and came swarming in. “Loved the bird drawings, they are perfect,” my beautiful friends said. “I love your way with story.” They saw what I saw and showered me with shared visions. They speak my language.

I will remember this whenever I step into those potholes and fall deep in for several days. I will call out my distress call for my tribe. And of course, I will keep creating as I continue to grow strong.

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I love to share what I’ve learned through story that usually has some whimsical illustrations or two. If you like my writing, consider taking one of my written classes, or buying my books. You can see my story studio here.