Who Is Living Your (Creative) Life?

Watercolor by Suzanne Lorenz

If you’ve ever said, “One part of me wants to go to the gym and another part wants to watch Netflix and eat chocolate,” you have recognized that you might have different parts/selves inside yourself.

One of those selves, with or without your permission, might be living your creative life.

Do you recognize any of these voices?

First, your inner critic, or as I like to call it, your Judge. When you start your creative process, it might sound like this: “Don’t bother. It will stink anyway.”

Or your inner child: “This is too hard. I’m going outside to play.”

Or your Jellyfish (who fears starting anything ever): “I’m too busy right now. Laundry. Maybe tomorrow.”

Or your Jailer (who fears visibility): “No point in making anything. Too scary to show it to anyone anyway.”

One or more of these selves might be living the rest of your life also, probably without your permission and maybe even without you having made a conscious choice.

We all come by these parts honestly. They’re all simply trying to keep us hidden, and therefore, safe. Plus they work hard to sound convincing so you won’t challenge their authority. Waking up and seeing who’s steering the boat can be pretty challenging.

But it’s time. Your work matters. That’s why it’s vital to see who’s in charge of it.