As a multifaceted creative, I’ve grappled for years with the idea of finding my voice. Often we find it hard to become the people we were meant to be because we grow up in environments that constantly compare us to each other. No two snowflakes are alike, yet no one ever says, “I like this snowflake better than the other one.” Each of us is like a snowflake—unique and beautiful.
Well into adulthood, I finally realized how much I love creating. So I dove into poetry, writing, painting, singing—with little or no formal training. At first I was afraid that I wouldn’t measure up to people who had formal training or far more experience in these areas. But I have come to realize that my goal is not to be as good as other people are, but to be the best that I can be.
Vincent van Gogh, a 19th century impressionist painter, said, “If you hear a voice inside you saying, ‘You are not a painter,’ then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced.” That quote—and finding out that elephants could paint (what?!)—inspired me to attempt new things, including painting.
It’s not about who thinks you’re a painter or who doesn’t. It’s not about how many albums of your music you can sell or how much you can sell them for. It’s about whether what you are doing brings you joy, even if no one else likes your work. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore things you’re passionate about and room to come up with original ideas.
Take some time to list a number of things that make you come alive. Then ask yourself, “Am I doing any of these things?” If you’re not, what’s holding you back? One of my mentors, T. K. Henderson, recently said to me, “If you’re not walking in your purpose, the world is unbalanced. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
It’s your time. Become who you were meant to be.
Minda Magero 
Wow… I loved Van Gogh’s comment. Like you, I also need creativity and art in my life to feel at piece. I love it when people I love show me their art because to me, it is like sharing the deepest part of them with me.
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Thanks for stopping by, Virtuos and beautiful! Keep being creative.
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Yes yes yes yes yes yes YESSSSS!!!!!!
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Yes! 🙂 Love you, Miles!
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ooohhhh – this is a really good one Minda. And, just what I needed to hear tonight. When doubting myself I want to turn to an “expert”, a “professional” and with each disappointment I realize that there are no experts. We are all on our own path and we are equipped for the journey. Sure there are people who come up to support, teach, motivate, etc. but that is very different from me handing the job over to the so-called expert to sort out. I am learning to trust myself more and more. I’m delighted to hear that you are singing, painting, creating….with greater fervor.
Keep shining.
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So glad this was helpful to you, Clare! We certainly are each equipped for our unique journeys. Keep blazing the trail!
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Always an inspiration, more so today…..
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Thanks, Esther. Keep creating.
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Grand! That’s something I have also struggled a lot with in life… getting it right like “whoever whoever”, who was just doing it his own way. Nice…
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I know, bro. I’m so proud of you because you’ve stepped out and become your own person despite it all, and with such wonderful results!
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Great read…:-)
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Thanks, man!
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