Let's do it together - Creativity with Community
Today I want to share something that I often say to my daughter (and I suspect many other parents say to their children as well). It’s a few simple words that I feel, can be pretty powerful.
“Let’s do it together”
When I sense she is overwhelmed about something, or is given a big task (like cleaning her room - such a hardship, I know) or even just working on a puzzle or a game, simply giving her the option to work on it together, lets her know that she’s not alone. (Side note - this is not a way of avoiding her getting frustrated or overwhelmed or hand-holding her through everything. I think it’s important for kids to have to work with these feelings as they grow up and do things on their own too. This is simply about letting her know that there is support, if and when she wants it).
On the surface, working together can help get a task done, but on a deeper level, it brings empathy and understanding of what she is feeling to the situation. To know she is heard and allowing her room to ask for help or articulate where she feels stuck, doesn’t mean she is incapable, but rather it’s empowering her to work through the tricky stuff in a supportive environment.
For us adults, saying let’s do it together can be equality as powerful. It can be a way to work things out, get through the difficult times or simply to have fun together in discovering a new way of doing something. On a larger scale, doing things together creates comradery, community and hope - which is a wonderful thing (especially after this last year).
So in all this talk about creativity over the last few months, I hope that you know that you don’t have to do it alone.
Creativity takes courage and energy and curiosity - as does life. It takes time and togetherness. And though it seems like it might come so easily to some, I guarantee there is work that has been done (or is being done) behind the scenes…hard work, or heart work as I sometimes call it.
If you are looking for a way to get some support around your creativity and/or life, here are a few suggestions:
First, know that you are valid in wanting some support. Nothing is wrong with you, you haven’t failed and in fact, it shows a lot about your character to ask for help.
Start making a list. When you are in the midst of your work and you feel you are getting hung up in certain areas (which often leads to avoiding those area all together), take note of those times, so when you do get some support, you know the questions to ask.
Find your people. Find other people in your area (or online) that share in your common interest. Perhaps other makers or artists. Talk to them, ask questions, encourage one another.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire. This is one of the best suggestions I got from a coach early on. If there is someone who has a website you like, or a painting style or a way of doing things that you think is pretty cool, don’t be afraid to reach out and say hello. Be honest and let them know you really like what they are doing. People love this type of feedback and are generally more than willing to share some of their tips. And who knows, it could lead to a really great point of contact for the future.
Last, I’ll offer up that I’m here if you’d like to chat. This doesn’t have to be a formal thing, remember, working through things together can be fun and uplifting, not to mention extremely helpful. I’d be happy to talk it out and move forward, together.