Art Should Make You Feel Something.
I read something today that really resonated with me
“….art should make you feel something.”
About 2 months ago I started working with a professional coach to develop myself. I entered the relationship with an open mind and an open heart. At the time of writing this blog I am just past the halfway point of a 12-week journey. I am amazed at the progress that I have made. How differently I approach situations both professionally and personally.
I have completed several exercises with her to identify how I am perceived, how I show up, more importantly, what I value. There are times when we are comfortable in life and in order to grow, we need to become uncomfortable. Talking about myself to someone else, what I do well, where I struggle, really, truly reflecting on ME, that’s uncomfortable.
One of the exercises I did was to identify 3 adjectives that describe me. I sat with that question for more than a moment and I struggled with this. She sent me away with the homework assignment and told me to ask my husband. So, I did. The first adjective he used to describe me, BLEW ME AWAY! In fact, it’s one of the reasons I started this blog. He said I was creative. He knew what my response would be (we’ve been together for 20+ years, he KNOWS me). He further added that he wasn’t thinking of creative the way I was thinking of creative. I think of creative as painting, sculpting, things that involve hot glue guns and messy activities. I have a sister that is quite talented in the creative department. I’ve always admired her talents and skills. I just don’t have those skills, that’s not me. I didn’t see myself as creative.
My husband said that I was creative with my words. The way I can shape a story. In that moment my heart was melted, and my mind was blown. He was right. I just needed the push and the courage to do something with this creativity. When I reported back to my professional coach, we dug into that a bit, working towards what I would write. We tossed around a few ideas, and she asked if I had ever thought about a blog. My mind was blown once again. My facial expressions always give me away. I can only image what my face looked like in that moment. The cat that swallowed the canary.
I had thought often about a blog. I just never had the courage to go for it. Have I mentioned how scary it is to write your thoughts into words and then share it with people? What if people don’t like it, what if people don’t agree with it, what if people judge me, what if….?!
What if I encourage someone, what if I motivate someone, what if I spark emotion in someone? Then it’s all worth it. I just need to continue to be brave, to get outside of my head and push forward. One reader shared with me that they shed a few tears while reading my post. My response to them was that I know it’s a good post when I shed a few tears while writing.
I am creative. What if my art, this blog, should make YOU feel something? If that happens, I’ve done what I’ve set out to do.
I would love to hear from you. Drop a note in the comments below, what have you felt, what do you want to be brave about, what is your art?
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