“What’s the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable.”—Anonymous
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness and success. I am happier than I’ve ever been before. Most of my clan would say I’ve been successful for years, but this is the first time I’ve really felt that I am succeeding at living the life I’ve dreamed of living. I’ve got less money and more time than I’ve had since my university days, but my heart is twenty-one years old again, and the world seems full of opportunities. The difference is that I’ve finally got self-confidence on my side.
“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of a lot more than you imagine.”—Roy Bennett
Even a year ago, I didn’t consider myself an artist. I was comfortably tucked inside my shell of anonymity, where there was no fear of failure. I dangled a toenail outside of the shell when I went to my first pottery class. Last summer, I thrust out a whole foot when I did my first reading. I’m pretty much unstoppable now–I’m outgrowing the shell.
Since I was five, I’ve wanted to be a writer. Since I was an angsty teenager, I’ve wanted the freedom to express myself. Then I sort of tucked those thoughts away in my twenties and thirties while I focused on being a parent and a teacher. Although there was always something missing (an out for my self-expression), in those years my mind was busy working out how to go about this dream of mine—a dream of living true to myself. Thank goodness my son gave me the push I needed when he graduated from high school, or I might still be lost!
“If you want to live the creative life, you have to lose your fear of being wrong.”—Anonymous
We all have gifts to contribute to the world, but most of us keep our talents hidden or don’t trust enough in our ability to shine. After all, exposing yourself to the world is risky to your self-esteem and most of us are lacking in the self-esteem department. But then again, exposing yourself can be great for your self-esteem…and for the larger world.
When I am nervous or afraid of putting my words out into the world, I remind myself that the risk is worth it. If I believe what I have written will benefit a handful of people, it is worth it. Last weekend’s Arts Congress was an excellent reminder of this well-known fact.
All of the speakers and performers at the congress were inspirational and motivating, but two stand out in my mind.
- After his verbatim theatre piece about the Colten Boushee case was performed, Joel Bernbaum said, “Is it better to have [this] version or no version at all?” Although I somewhat followed the Colten Boushie’s horrific story on the news, it was Joel Bernbaum who made his story real. That’s what art can do. That’s what taking risks and exposing yourself can do.
- Interdisciplinary artist Adrian Stimson’s provocative performance hit on this same note. It is evident that he won the 2018 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts not because he played it safe, but because he put himself out on a limb.
Food For Thought
What Do We Mean When We Call Art Necessary?
100 Motivational Quotes that Will Inspire You to Succeed