We are scared to create.

Fear evolved to help us stay physically safe. Thanks to our ancestors heeding their fears, we are alive today. Yet, how many people today really need that fear in their lives?

Yes, there is violence. There are reasons to fear for our safety, but to always live with it? To have fear hold us back from living our lives?

Why does this extend now to our emotional space? Why has fear for our physical safety, at one point a necessary evolutionary need, permeated our emotional, intellectual and social space?

We listen to the voice of fear.

Physical, chemical reactions occur when we experience fear. This triggers our emotional state as well. According to science, it’s an autonomic reaction. This means it happens without our conscious control and understanding, which means we don’t realize it’s happening until it’s happened.

Today, most people in my life don’t have to focus on their physical safety. I’m expecting many of you share that experience. As Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs explains, as our needs are met at different levels, it gives us space to consider larger, more cerebral or spiritual issues. Each need builds on the next. For many of us, we are dealing with one of three (in ascending order): (1) Love and Belonging Needs; (2) Esteem Needs; or ultimately (3) Self-Actualization.

Is Fear Holding Your Back From Your Art? on Artist Strong

What prevents you from taking that first step of paint to canvas? (Or pencil to paper?)

Where does art fit in?

Being creative isn’t a foundational need like Physiological or Safety Needs are, but it is foundational if you are trying to honor your creative calling and any of the previously mentioned states.

If you feel called to make art, it is tied to love and belonging, your esteem, and ultimately your ability to self-actualize. Interestingly enough, I’ve only ever met people who share an interest in being creative. (Yes Dad, that includes you, you told me you wanted to write a book someday!).

The arts are a tool for self-actualization.

Art, Love and Belonging

What story do you have about art and love, and belonging? Are you someone who was hurt by another’s insensitive statement about a creation of yours? Did someone laugh or say it was stupid to think about art as a career? Sometimes it is subtler, well-meaning family member that can take us away from our art: because really, if you can’t do it as profession, why would you do it at all anyways?

All of these experiences are forms of rejection, the very opposite of feeling loved or that you belong anywhere or with anyone. As soon we begin to express ourselves creatively, we begin to stand out as an individual. This is especially threatening to adolescents, who are hardwired to seek conformity and likeness. This is also threatening in Eastern cultures, which put family and community before the individual. Sometimes, we are our own saboteurs.

Art and Esteem

If we don’t feel like we belong, or that we are loved, and our creative interests could contribute to this situation, we certainly won’t think highly of ourselves or our need to be creative.

The funny thing is, once people who avoid creating get into the groove and have one of those moments of flow, all bets are off. We walk with a little lilt to our step, a small perpetual smile crosses our face, and we are kinder and more giving to our loved ones. Art making actually enhances feelings of self-esteem and self-actualization (“I am meant to be doing this, I am meant to be here”).

Is Fear Holding Your Back From Your Art? on Artist Strong

We may be more skillful than we realize. More importantly, there is purpose in our desire to create.

Art With Purpose

There are times where I’ve felt my desire to make art is selfish, thus, a less valuable use of my time. I’ve neglected my need to make art, because I should be doing work that really helps others.

No one really knows why we are here on this planet. There are many different ideas of how we got here, and many more about why, but the truth is only faith can carry us through this unknown. And what a big, scary unknown that is?! What if we are born to do something on this planet? What if we weren’t?! What should we do?

What if that inner voice of comfort, direction and support actually knows what it’s talking about?

Everyone has a passion for something in their life. For some it is their profession, for others its being a change agent, and for many of us, it’s making something with our hands. We hope that by putting pen to paper and sharing ideas we can make the world better. We hope that by putting a paintbrush to canvas we can share a feeling of connection.

Whether we fully understand it or not, all the art we make is with purpose.

If I listened to people’s fears (and my own) I would have never lived overseas. I would have never moved to the Middle East, where I’ve grown as an artist, teacher and person. I’ve met some amazing, life-long friends and my husband over there. I’ve learned from people of all nationalities and faiths.

I could have lost everything that has made me the person I’m proud to be today if I listened to the voice of fear.

Fear doesn’t disappear, even with knowledge that we are safe, and loved. Fear shows up every day we decide to sit down and write, each time we go to a party to meet new people, each and every time we take a leap of faith, in our art and in ourselves.

Quiet the voice of fear through repeated acknowledgement of it’s existence and then dismissal of it. Say “I hear you,” and do what scares you anyway.

Is Fear Holding Your Back From Your Art? on Artist Strong

Why do we hold in the fear, and ignore our love of creation?

To ignore our desire to create is to choose a life with less meaning.

It feels safe not to stand out, to be accepted and supported by our peers, family and loved ones. It feels safe to take the road easily traveled. It feels easier to avoid our inner calling and desire to be creative when we are in the thick of fear. We feel “safer.”

Are we happy?

I wish I could bottle up the feelings I experienced when I was told at 18 I could die. I don’t want anyone to have to experience that kind of health problem, but yet, I know it’s exactly why I’m writing for Artist Strong. It’s exactly why I’m teaching classes encouraging people in the arts. And it’s why I knew to worry less about things like matching silverware than about making time for my art, or to travel the world with people I love.

I choose to create despite my fear. Will you join me?

I am Artist Strong: How has fear held you back as a creative? What is one step you can take today to move forward with your art?