Unleashing Your Inner Superstar: Breaking Free of Fear

Hi friends! 🌿🎨 Today, I'm shining light on a topic that's incredibly close to my heart: overcoming our fears and insecurities to let our true selves shine. We've all been there – holding back our ideas, stifling our creativity, or dimming our light because we're worried about what others might think. I see this in my workshops and guess what? I do it too!

It's time to break free and unleash your inner superstar!

The Power of Authenticity

Before we jump in, let's quickly look at the pros and cons of overcoming fear:

Pros:

• Increased self-confidence
• More genuine connections
• Enhanced creativity
• Greater personal growth
• A sense of freedom

Cons:

• Initial discomfort
• Potential for criticism
• Challenging old habits
• Possible relationship strain
• Increased responsibility

The pros far outweigh the cons. The joy, color, and hope that come from embracing your authentic self are truly immeasurable! The feeling you get when the brush hits the paper and the pigment lands just right... totally worth the discomfort when it all goes right.

Facing Your Fears

Here are some strategies to help you face your fears and silence your inner critic:

1. Start small: Begin with manageable projects to build confidence. I love working in 5" x 7" to 6" x 8" pieces to make it feel less risky.
2. Embrace imperfection: Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Twist and turn your brush in ways you've never thought of before. Splatter paint and let things bleed without perfecting them.
3. Challenge negative thoughts: Question your inner critic's assertions. Think "Who are you to say this isn't good?"
4. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness. Allow mistakes and welcome "happy" accidents.
5. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every step forward. Hang up all of your artwork with no negative remarks, only transformative positive encouragement.

Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

When we let go of the fear of judgment, we open ourselves up to growth and authenticity. Try these tips:

1. Reframe criticism: See feedback as an opportunity for growth. Make a list of everything you enjoy doing in your art practice and everything you don't enjoy doing. Growth will come from passion, which will be the list of things you enjoy doing.
2. Surround yourself with support: Build a network that encourages your authentic expression. Confide in only positive people about your artwork, steer clear of naysayers and people that bring you down and make you question your very personal artistic process.
3. Embrace your uniqueness: Celebrate what makes you special. If you are a technical artist, embrace it. If you are an expressive artist, embrace it. See your strengths and concentrate on them. Do what brings you joy as well!
4. Focus on your values: Stand firm in what matters most to you. Don't undercharge for your work. Express what you believe in through your art.
5. Practice mindfulness: Stay present rather than worrying about future judgments. Do away with all negative inner commentary about your art. Say to yourself, "The joy is in the process!" No one is judging your art. No one can take your creativity; it belongs to you.

Prioritizing Your Creativity

Your creativity deserves attention. Here's how to make it a priority:

1. Schedule creative time: Block out time for your creative work. Leave a messy desk, inspiration and art supplies everywhere. Whenever you get even 20 minutes, run to it and start making. Move the brush around without any hesitation and see what comes out.
2. Create a dedicated space: Carve out a corner for your creative pursuits. You do not need a fancy studio with a Herman Miller thinking chair. You need a small desk, a rolling cart and some cute shelving. It does not need to be Pinterest perfect.
3. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy. Make a list of things you don't enjoy doing, and remove them from your process slowly.

Finding Joy in the Process

Remember, creativity isn't just about the end product—it's about the joy of creation itself:

1. Experiment: Try new things to reignite your creative spark. Get crazy! Try new papers, new pigments, change how you paint, try standing up to paint. Go wild!
2. Play: Approach your work with a sense of playfulness. Move your arms freely. Dance while you paint. Channel your 5-year-old self and do whatever comes into your head.
3. Focus on the process: Enjoy each step of creation. Learn to love the mundane. Appreciate the pigment moving, take in the slow building of your art. Dig in.

The Journey, Not the Destination

Overcoming fear and embracing your authentic self is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, and that's okay! What matters is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Remember, every time you choose authenticity over conformity, you're not just empowering yourself – you're also inspiring others to do the same. People love positivity, and your smile and ability to cheer yourself on will encourage others!

Conclusion

You are more than enough. Your creativity matters. And you are never alone in making art; there's so many of us in this community. By facing your fears, silencing your inner critic, and embracing your truths, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.

Your creative voice is unique and valuable. It's time to let it shine! Because you are more than enough, and the world is waiting for your gifts. Just do you!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on overcoming fears and unleashing your inner superstar. Drop a comment below or reach out on social media.

Keep shining your light and your art in the world!
Jenny K 🌸