On Wednesday, I wrote about the challenge of getting started on something we dream of doing. It seems crazy to resist something we really want to do, but it happens a lot. This morning, I remembered a quote that was a huge help to me the first time I encountered it, because it showed me why I was so terrified of failing.
Of course you’re scared. Writing really matters to you.
Julia Cameron in Finding Water, p. 15
I hadn’t realized that the more we admire an art form, the more fear it brings with it.
The things I love the most — writing and drawing/painting — are also things I revere. I adore the moving writing and breath-taking paintings of others. When I sit down to do them myself, I become paralyzed with the fear that I will make a mess, goof up, even insult my beloved art form with my inept performance.
But we can’t make art without making messes. We can’t get good at creating without practicing. And we can’t grow without making mistakes along the way.
I’m embracing the imperfection of growth and learning. After writing about getting started on Wednesday, I actually did it. I got out my watercolor paints and started experimenting with the supplies I have.
I’ve started at last. Now the challenge is to keep going.
Do you love something so much you’re afraid to start? How do you get yourself moving?
