I don't really consider myself an artist by any means, but I enjoy attempting to create. However, struggling with perfectionism and having a fear of going against the rules have become roadblocks in feeling that freedom to create. Comparing my own work - like photography - to the work of others will often lead to frustration and wanting to give up. Come on, ladies, we're exceptionally good at playing the comparison game in every category and we lose every time.
My husband is very creative and he must be because that's the nature of his job as a filmmaker. Early on in our marriage I became frustrated because I felt that my photography wasn't as good as his and decided that I wouldn't take pictures anymore. Yes, I have the nature of a 5 year old. This made no sense to Sherwin (I'm assuming about 95% of my strange emotional states make no sense to him). But because he is so ridiculously patient with me and loving, he placed the camera back into my hands, encouraged me to learn to become better, and told me to stop comparing myself to others.
I'm slowly (ever so slowly) learning to let go and just enjoy the process of creating. Even if the end result isn't perfect, I'm learning to see the beauty and uniqueness of it all.
Do you enjoy being creative? Do you struggle with the creativity comparison trap?
No comments:
Post a Comment