Create Like No One's Watching

When spring blossoms or fall leaves turn, I'm drawn to bringing the beauty of the outdoors into my home. Fall brings a somberness that resonates with my introspective side, while the giddiness of spring encourages me to take chances and embrace new beginnings.

This day, as I stepped outside to gather, I watched earnest bees buzzing around the blooming flowers. I decided it was best to leave my flower clippers untouched for the day.

A blank piece of paper lay before me, inviting me to transform it. With my water-soluble crayons and markers at arm's length, I envisioned setting a table with a vibrant yellow checkered tablecloth beside the ocean's serene waves. I carefully placed an imaginary vase and whimsical flora on this imagined tableau.

Like a child with a canvas of endless possibilities, I began to scribble and pour my heart into the work. The process was quick, messy, and undeniably fun. Throughout, I understood that I wasn't crafting a masterpiece but simply expressing myself in the most liberating manner. The act of creation became a form of release, filling me with joy, spontaneity, and a sense of wonder.

"Remember, do not overwork your art," a stentorian voice echoed in my head. "It's critical to know when to stop, otherwise you will spoil your effort."

I chose to ignore that cautionary voice, as well as the moments when a judgmental whisper reared its head now and then and tried to critique my work. I firmly told these "judges" to take their opinions to the kangaroo court and let myself continue without restraint. Letting go of expectations granted me the freedom to soar beyond self-imposed limitations.

Do I love the final artwork I've created? Not particularly. But do I need to? I've come to realize that I don't require anyone's permission or validation to feel a certain way about my creative expression.

Despite any reservations about the end result, the joy I experienced throughout the creative journey is palpable. This feeling alone is compelling me to share my work on a social platform, inviting others to fearlessly embrace creativity, let go of expectations, and create solely for the joy it brings.

While external validation may be a default concern for many, I choose to focus on the deeper value of this exercise. By sharing my unpolished work publicly, I hope to inspire readers to see beyond social approval and recognize the intrinsic value of the creative process itself.

Just as it's said that the journey matters more than the destination, so too it is with the creative process over the finished product. Embracing this perspective has enriched my creative journey, reminding me that joy can be found in the act of creation, regardless of the outcome.