Does something call to you again and again? You’ve always wanted to try creating, making, building this… You imagine yourself writing it, playing it, learning it, speaking it.
But wait.
You can’t.
It’s not “for” you.
Acting is for your brother, who is extraordinarily charming and a natural in front of any camera. Singing is for your aunt with the sweet, clear voice. Writing is for your best friend who has a innate knack for composing stories that keep you riveted.
Yes, these crafts are for them. But, guess what—they’re for you too!
As in the Highlander conceit that “there can be only one,” I can’t express how often I’ve come across the notion – whether openly acknowledged, or tacitly accepted as true – that certain hobbies, crafts, skills, or pursuits, are the special province of one, and only one, member of the family or friend group.
Of course, when we analyze this idea, we see the preposterousness of it. The world doesn’t have one precious architect, mathematician, or sculptor. But many of us as artists and creators hold ourselves back, because we fear that we’ll never match the skill of our friend. Or worse, maybe our skill or ability will be perceived as surpassing theirs, and thus, we’d be taking away a special identity from our loved one. And perhaps, in some circumstances, the friend positions themselves as the expert or “owner” of a special area of expression, and may indeed bristle when someone else comes to explore.
What to do? Will you spend your life wondering “what if” and wishing you had given yourself a chance to try?
I promise you that certain something which keeps speaking to your heart, soul, or mind will keep returning to your consciousness until you acknowledge it and take a step forward. How then we can get past this fear, this blocker, that “it isn’t for me”?
Know that it is for you.
The very fact that you’re being called to express something is an important call to action. Joseph Campbell speaks of “the call to adventure” in his analysis of the hero’s journey. Listen because there is a deeper wisdom in your inner knowing than you may comprehend, that is essential to set you on the next stage of your own life journey.
Relate to the abundance of the Universe
If resources like love and compassion are boundless, so too is creative inspiration. An affirmation: there is more than enough for them, and there is more than enough for me. Anytime you feel stuck or guilty for exploring a new space, take a few breaths and repeat the above mantra.
Understand that your ways of expression will always and can only ever be yours
No one else has shared precisely the same life experiences, dreams, interests, hopes, and thoughts that have shaped you into the person you are right now.Your experiences will support and shape your new craft in ways that make it truly and uniquely yours, not a copy or imitation of someone else’s work.
Call on strength
It can take strength to explore something that you do imperfectly, at first. . It’s challenging to be vulnerable and accept trying a new path that others may not have let you feel is “yours.” When you feel vulnerable or not enough, embrace it as a beautiful, necessary part of your creative journey. Your new art may even be the perfect outlet for expressing and working through those feelings of not enough-ness.
One of the most compelling reasons to “answer the call”? You are saying yes to a new energy in your life that can gift you with incredibly positive and unexpected outcomes! You may make amazing new friends. The craft of your choice might open your mind to related pursuits or studies that you haven’t considered before. Something as seemingly simple as exploring a new art, craft, or skill can set your life in very unexpected, wonderful directions. And you know what? It might just be really, really fun!
Today, we challenge you to give yourself permission to explore and create in new ways – the path you crave is for you! Answer the call – say yes.
Magdalene Journal 