It's Not the Critic Who Counts

Learning more about self-doubt and how to handle critics

-Theodore Roosevelt

Hey fellow artists, writers, and creators

I have been doing a lot of self-care to prepare myself for my first book coming out this summer. I’m listening, learning, and taking in all I can so that I can be vulnerable and not “armor up” every time I go out there to be seen alongside my work.

I decided to share what I’m receiving, with you. I know we can all use this stuff every day because putting yourself out there, creatively, is hard. But at the end of the day, it’s worth it.

“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about showing up and being seen in my work and in my life. And if you’re going to show up and be seen. The second thing is, this is who I want to be. I want to create. I want to make things that didn’t exist before I touch them. I want to show up and be seen in my work and in my life. And if you’re going to show up and be seen, there is only one guarantee. And that is, you will get your ass kicked. If courage is a value that we hold, this is a consequence. You can’t avoid it.” -Brene Brown

I’m paraphrasing here, but Brené Brown says, It’s about bravely creating without fear of spectators. Because if those spectators are on the sidelines yelling at those in the arena getting their ass kicked, but they don’t have the courage to get in the arena for their ass-kicking, I’m not interested in the feedback.

• A real clarity of values is important

• One person in your life that picks you up and dusts you off

• Remember how we started, where we came from, the people who love us, The moments that make us who we are

I got a lot out of this one, and the ending made me cry