I got inspired by Simon of SFarnell for this post as we talked about this quote:

Simon: I guess that’s why when we’re being artistic we’re sensitive to it and hide it ( I do anyway) because it’s so personal any criticism would be hurtful.
Erika: …  right because it is so personal, no one actually can criticize it because no one else is that spirit who created that piece of art. That was the insight that took all the fear off of me when I started publishing my poems. It is MY thoughts and feeling and there is no reason to discuss whether they are right or wrong… they simply are!
Simon: I agree totally with you – But it doesn’t stop others from having an opinion eh?
Erika: No, it doesn’t… so what? Their opinion is not my problem… plus it is only an opinion…

What is the biggest reason that keeps us from letting our inside, our light, flow into the outside world? What keeps us from trying something new or big? It mostly is because we doubt ourselves. We doubt if we are good enough and fear failing. But that is not the source of skepticism. What we actually fear is coming after seemingly failing: being questioned and criticized.

Again we make ourselves dependent on the opinion of others. A while back my best friend told me a story. She is giving courses for apprentices and in the end, they have to fill in a feedback form about how the course was. There were 9 fantastic assessments and 1 very bad one! She did not see the 9 excited feedbacks but was pondering around that one poor assessment. She had a sleepless night and could not find peace because she had no explanation. Her self-doubts went so far that my friend even considered quitting courses. She talked to a colleague who knows that one person. I don’t remember the details anymore but it turned out that the person has never given nice feedback and is known as difficult. Once she knew about that she felt better and laughed at herself because she focused on that one negative voice so much more than on the 9 positive voices.

In the end, it doesn’t matter at all whether we get positive, negative, or no feedback at all. As long as we do what we do from a place of inner conviction, of a place of joy, of a place of passion for what we do, it is our unique and powerful creative energy flowing from us into the world. There will always be someone who might not like what you do. But… so what? I am not talking here about studied professions but about letting your spirit flow into what you love to do, regarding art, writing, music, and sharing experiences. I am talking about sharing a part of yourself. There is only one you in this entire world. They are not you! They don’t feel like you feel. They don’t have your history and experience. They don’t have your skills. THEY DON’T HAVE YOUR DREAMS. Even if they claim to be entitled of judging what you do, they can’t! If they have a problem with what you share then it is only that: They have a problem for whatever reason ever. Mostly their problem is rooted in one single point: They are jealous of what you do because they are too afraid to be questioned and criticized!

Don’t ever let anyone hold you back from what you want to share with yourself. It is the most precious thing you can give and the most fulfilling experience! Right here on WordPress, you experience it daily that what you give is highly appreciated. Yes, there may be some negative comments at times, but that is life. See it as inspiration, see it as a way to look at things in more ways, see it as an addition to what you do but not as a limitation. You are awesome! All of you are awesome! Who you are is a blessing and it is a blessing what you share! There is only one You in this world and we are gifted to be connected to you! Thank you so very much! You are another brilliant facet making this world a brighter and more colorful place. Please, don’t hide your light from someone who feels blinded by your beauty… rather suggest they wear sunglasses 😉

In Love and immense Light!