Do you want to be an artist? a writer? a musician? a dancer? Do you consider yourself an artist, writer, musician, or dancer?
Perhaps you are active in your desired field - or perhaps you aren't. Either way do you hold yourself back from realizing the full potential of your dreams because what you are doing know doesn't qualify for what a true artist should be doing?
Ever since I started reading for enjoyment, I longed to be a writer. So, as you might imagine, I own a ton of writing books. While each book has had its good points, one of them almost destroyed my dream completely. In this book particular writing book, the author stated that unless you were willing to write 7 or 8 hours a day, then you weren't serious and you weren't a writer. No in-betweens, no few hours here or there. You were only a writer if you wrote that long every day. No skipping holidays. No cookie for you.
Can you imagine my dismay when I read this? For a long time I held onto that belief, but thankfully over the years I've found it to be entirely out of whack. While it may hold true for the author, it doesn't hold true for me. There's no set definition of a writer. You don't need to be published to be a writer. You don't need to write 500 words a day. All you need to do is write and write whenever you can.
Many people think they should have special credentials, or that they should have their work in galleries or in print to qualify as an artist. What is it you think you should be doing before you can call yourself a writer, musician, artist, etc?
Try This Exercise
1. Identify what and who you want to be.
2. List at least 10 things you think you should do in order to qualify as (fill in the blank)
3. Ask yourself if these are realistic expectations.
4. Redefine the role of the "artist" to include you!
Your dream is as unique as you are. Don't hamper it by what you think you should be. Claim the title of artist, musician, dancer, or dreamer. Nurture your unique gifts, talents, and dreams. You qualify just the way you are!
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