(the following definitions are taken from Roget’s Thesaurus)
Worth: a measure of those qualities that determine merit, desirability, usefulness, and importance.
Worthy: admirable, honorable, valuable.
Do you know how important your particular talents are for bringing positive energy to our world?
Most of us do not, and I can almost hear you snorting in disbelief. In fact, most of us would deny that the things we have to offer contain much in the way of value in the bigger picture, and that most of our offerings are commonplace.
The actual Truth is multifaceted. The crucial things to keep in mind are:
- It is unfair to you and your Life to compare your talents and skills with those of anyone else.
- Every word, thought and deed that you put out has an impact on you and the world that you’ve built around yourself.
- Though it may seem undiscoverable on some days, you do have a purpose here.
Consider this old saying:
For want of a nail, the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost,
For want of a horse, the rider was lost,
For want of a rider, the message was lost,
For want of the message, the battle was lost.
You may be familiar with different versions of this, and it all points to the vital contribution of the smallest part. We are all “nails” in the world. Our creativity, and the passion that drives it, are essential for bringing in beauty and novelty, and for setting an example for others.
Creative people often suffer self-doubt and question whether their inspirations are worthy to share. If you fall under this category, take a few minutes to do an honest personal assessment. Grab your journal or a blank sheet of paper and a pen, and ask yourself the following questions:
- What creative pursuit(s) bring(s) me joy?
- When I make time for them, how do these pursuits contribute to my life and world?
- Do I feel acknowledged for these contributions? Do I acknowledge them?
- How do my creative side and pragmatic side relate to each other? (ie: do they work well together, respect each other’s needs, avoid the belief that one is superior to the other, except in cases where the approach of one is clearly the best choice? We’re talking ‘relationship’ with self here!)
- Do I nurture my creative side?
- Am I achieving goals I set for myself?
- Do my activities and lifestyle contribute to my sense of worth and well-being?
- Do I take personal responsibility for my actions? Or non-actions?
- Does something or someone else dictate how I should spend my time, feel or act?
All false humility aside, this is important stuff that has great benefits when filed under “self-knowledge.” Your answers may either reassure you or point to areas of your creative life that need more balance and attention. What do your answers mean for you? Do some journaling around this inquiry and if it is helpful for you, allow the following unfinished sentences to guide your thought processes.
- I am happiest when ______
- I feel worthwhile when ______
- I feel that the things I create are worthwhile when ______
- I feel competent and successful with my particular form of expression when ______
- A positive outlook for my creative future includes ______
- I like myself because I am ______
By spending time with the exercises above and allowing your heart and inner knowing to inform the answers, you are exploring territory within yourself that perhaps you’ve not ventured into before. You are shining light into dark corners where either your self-esteem has been swept, or a powerful muse awaits you. The pictures you will paint with your answers can clearly illustrate your values, strengths, insecurities and potential directions in which the creative aspect of your life can travel.
So, take a deep breath, and leap into this healing journey. You don’t have to be famous or overtly powerful to leave a legacy in the world.
(*sidenote: it could be helpful to review these exercises and your answers each year, and to watch the evolution of your creative passion and process.)
Yours in new beginnings,
~Terrea
“Our negative thoughts are valuable messages to us about our deeper fears and negative attitudes. These usually are so basic to our thinking and feeling that we don’t realize they are beliefs at all. We assume that they are simply “the way life is.” We may be consciously affirming and visualizing prosperity, but if our unconscious belief is that we don’t deserve it, then we won’t create it. Once we become aware of our core negative beliefs, they begin to heal.“
~Shakti Gawain~
“May I be the wishing jewel, the vase of plenty,
A word of power and supreme healing;
May I be the tree of miracles.“
~Shantideva~
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