Would You Like to Share with the Class?

Photo credit: Andraz Lazic

I am of the not-so-humble opinion that every human has something within themselves to create. Some have the capacity to be creative in multiple ways, and some will only ever pursue one creative endeavor. I determined at an early age that I want to write stories and poetry. My brother has always been one for composing music. These are somewhat more mainstream creative endeavors, but even if your talent is lesser-known, I still believe that everyone was created to create.

In my last post, I discussed the difference between writers and authors, and how I believe that anyone who writes is a writer. However, I mentioned the fact that many writers aspire to become authors, and that to become an author, one must share one's work publicly.

And how that is a bit frightening, to say the least.

It is intrinsically terrifying to share something you have created. Why? Generally, humans fear criticism. Some fear it more than others, but being criticized is never a wholly pleasant experience for us, no matter how well-intended it is. With that being said, criticism of something creative hurts us especially because we have a tendency to view the things we make as extensions of ourselves. This is where we must put away the eccentric writer and understand that while it came from our brain, it is not us. What other people think of something you made is not indicative of your value as a person. Yes, I am asking you to be logical. I know it is a difficult thing to do.

I know the feeling well of having my work criticized and feeling like I've failed as a human. I think this is because creativity is the highest function of humanity. It is what sets us apart from animals. So, when we step into this higher calling and we are told there is something wrong with it, it hurts. But what we must remember is that as imperfect beings, we are incapable of creating anything perfect. This does not mean, however, that we are incapable of creating anything good.

Our ability to create things that are good is a wonderful gift. It may be seen as a bold statement, but I fully believe that it is each person's responsibility to share good creations with the world. Art has the ability to speak to our souls in a way that nothing else can. I have vivid memories of times when art pulled me through some of my lowest points. I know you have similar memories. I hate to imagine a world in which everyone's creativity is cut short by fear of criticism, because it would be a cold, petrified world.

Last time, I talked about the importance of taking the leap of putting your words on the page. This time, I want to emphasize how vital it is to share those words. We were meant to live in beauty. As society declines, so does art. As society flourishes, art does the same. Art is not a bonus, it is part of our lives as humans. Food and medicine keep us alive, but art helps us to truly live.

You have the ability to create some type of art, and if you're here, it's likely that you love to write. Don't just write the story, tell it to the world. I know you remember a time art saved you. Let your art save someone else.

"Always go a little further into the water than you feel you're capable of being in, go a little bit out of your depth, and when you don't feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you're just about in the right place to do something exciting."

~ David Bowie