A close friend of mine sent me this video. I was taken aback by its message. It touched my heart so deeply. I never felt understood before until I watched this. Being a writer is my love and I enjoy creating.
However, like many other creative and talented people, I struggle to find the beauty in my own work. I always say I take the negative criticism way easier than I do the positive. Why? Because it feeds that voice inside my head that has always told me I’m not good enough. I’m not good enough to be an author. I’m not good enough to be a friend. I’m not good enough for anything. If someone compliments my work, I say thank you, but feel like they are just saying that to be nice. That they truly don’t care for it but don’t want to hurt my feelings. If you’re a creative person and have never had any doubt inside your head when putting work out there, then I applaud you.
I’ve had the opportunity to help a writer with her first novel and it was the greatest privilege I’ve had so far. I don’t pretend to know everything about the book industry, and in many areas, I’m lacking. The one area that I remember the most in the journey to find a publisher is the constant rejections until the ONE day that someone decides to give you a chance. It’s hard to accept that your work isn’t for everyone. Not every single person you know will like what you write or want to read it. Not everyone will understand the inner struggles you go through on your way to success, but it’s VERY important that you keep going. That you keep putting yourself out there. That you keep putting your heart on the line. You and your work matter. Reach out to those on a similar path and I guarantee you will find the support you need.
For me, being creative is more than just putting words on to a piece of paper. I pour my heart, tears, laughter, scars, love, and hope into the things I write. Maybe no one will relate to any of it, but it is my hope that at least one person will enjoy my work. I’ve said it before. If I can help just one person to feel less alone and loved in this world, I’ll feel like I’ve made a difference.
No matter your journey or how difficult you feel it is, please keep going. Keep showing the world your talent and your heart.