Connecting with the Creator in all we do is important. He guides us and leads us and the more we come to know Him, the more He will reveal things to us that can shape our creativity. Connecting with others comes a close second. Human beings were designed for relationship. Just look at the relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are in perfect relationship with one another, and we’ve been made in their likeness… we’ve been made to be in relationship with others.
And man, have I been in place! When I reflect on that time, I think part of the reason I preferred to fly solo was due to ignorance. I just didn’t know how to be engaging, I was scared to open up and really share about myself, so I had no idea how to communicate effectively. Things have changed since then though….
But why have things changed, and how have they changed? What have I been doing differently? I’ll give you the short answer… it’s focus. I have seriously narrowed my focus on what I’m creating, on how I’m creating it and finally, on how I’m “showing my work”.
You might recall about two weeks ago I went live on Facebook and Instagram to share that I was going to start reading Austin’s book, and I promised then, that once I was done, I was going to review it with you.
Austin begins by really encouraging you, that you don’t have to be a genius to show your work. I love how in this chapter, he points out that we are all amateurs and that it’s okay to be an amateur. He says, “because amateurs have got little to lose, amateurs are willing to try anything and share the results. They take chances, experiment, and follow their wins. Sometimes in the process of doing things in an unprofessional way, they make new discoveries”. We don’t have to be at this place of excellence to be able to show our work online. How refreshing is that!
Austin also explains how overall, we should really just be ourselves. We need to open up our cabinets of curiosities and let the world see what makes us us. Don’t be shy, don’t be a copy of someone you look up to, just be you! It’s only by being ourselves that we will truly connect with others and in doing so, strengthen our relationships.
Once I narrowed things down and focused on exactly what I was working towards, expressing myself became so much easier. And when you express yourself clearly, connection happens as others can understand and relate to what you’re saying. Before you know it, relationships form.
After realising this, I’ve found it easier to implement some of Austin’s other suggestions. I haven’t put everything into practice that Austin suggests in his book. I’m thinking that I probably will, over time, as I get more structured and settled into the routine of creating and blogging. I will however, be opening up my cabinet of curiousities… big time!! I have a very large cabinet, that has many years worth of stuff in it. Consider yourself warned, there will be no holding back from this post onwards!
If I’m going to be opening up my cabinet of curiousities, will you be opening yours? I’ll go first, I love collecting vintage signs. Here’s a pic of my favourite one.
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Until next time, listen to your heart and sharpen your coloured pencils. A masterpiece awaits!
Bless you my friend
Chrissie xx