i.e., boxed in

Part of my mission in life is to demystify the arts so that more people will be encouraged to take a stab at a creative outlet of their interest. In this world of critics who pass judgment then tell the rest of us what we should see or skip, the average person tends to shy away from venturing into territory reserved for those deemed artist, writer, musician, dancer, etc. by the authorities; just the titles alone can be quite intimidating. My feeling is that anyone can claim any one of those labels if they so desire, you just have to:

 be open to all that is possible, i.e., let go of excuses;

 forget that somebody in your past told you that you weren’t good at it, whatever it might be, i.e., there is no right or wrong way to do it when it’s for your own pleasure;

 remember this is just for you, i.e., don’t even think about what others might think;

 let go of the desire to be perfect, i.e., there is perfection in imperfection so lose the inner critic;

 resist the temptation to do whatever it is like whoever’s work you admire, i.e., follow your own heart, something old can only become new when you bang your own drum, march to a different beat;

 not over think it, i.e., just go on and do it!

Time and time again I have witnessed talent newly discovered by one who just found out they had it or pride when those who took a chance walked away satisfied with just the attempt. But first things first -- give yourself permission to be free, i.e., lift the lid on that box you need to think outside of and…

keep your peepers open! ®