Dreaming of Joy

You know that dream you have, the one where you are finally living a life that brings you joy? The one where you wake up excited for another day because of what you know you are going to create with it? Where you lie down at night to sleep with a smile across your face as your heart is still singing from the fun you had in your creative projects and interactions that day?

Oh wait, here they come, all the reasons you tell yourself that you have no time for that dream or that you likely couldn’t make it your reality anyways because you really aren’t that talented, and you finish with, What’s the point really? What difference will it make in the world? Ohh, all the ways we squash our joy.

When you see a child having so much fun playing with their imagination, exploring new textures, movements, ways of expressing themselves, would you tell them what they created is nonsense, looks ugly, sounds stupid? Of course not, as you know that not only would be stomping on their joy but inhibiting them from ever feeling confident to explore themselves creatively again. This is the same act you are doing to yourself when you allow your inner critic to dismiss your creative interests.

Joy comes to us when we stop judging ourselves or concerning ourselves with what other people may be thinking of us, and we allow ourselves to simply enjoy the experience we are having. Enjoy feeling your body move to the music, Enjoy feeling your voice sing that song from your heart, Enjoy watching the colors, textures, story appear before your eyes as you follow your inspiration!

Know that the first step towards your creative project is always the hardest as you have years of momentum in avoiding this. Yet, once you push through that wall of fears (and how to do that is a whole other post), and begin that project you’ve been dreaming of for years, you will feel lighter, happier, proud of yourself and more committed to creating this joy for yourself every day.

I’d love to speak with you regarding your questions and comments below, perhaps share what your new mantra is for your creative pursuits or any struggles you have in beginning them.

Warmly,

Charity