All of us who are creative need support from time to time. Kind words of encouragement from a friend, a favourable review from a mentor, a motivating chat with a coach, or a letter from a stranger thanking us for the inspiring effect our creative work had had on them, all help us to feel were on the right track and can be proud of being the creative person we are. But what about those times when we feel less supported? Times when we feel alone, isolated, trudging along an untrodden path, unsure where were heading, and believing no-one else quite gets what were trying to achieve with our creative ideas? Often its precisely during these periods when we dont feel as supported ourselves that were most sensitive to, and aware of, what's missing, and were able to provide this for others. Somehow our compassion and empathy is heightened and we give more spontaneously and willingly the type of support we crave ourselves. As creative people, the kind of unconditional love and support provided by family and friends is incredibly valuable. Yet theres a difference between this, and support from someone else creative who truly empathises, through having felt similar doubts, anxieties and struggles. There is somehow a deeper connection, even in the early stages of a relationship with another creative person, just because you both know you have the common urge (and usually NECESSITY) to create. Anyone who's creative is in their own way on a kind of heroic journey to finding ways of expressing themselves that are unique and valuable to them, discovering the things and people in their lives that are truly important, and the ways their creative work can touch others and make a difference. We all have successes and victories, doubts and failings, moments of inspiration and exuberance, days of apparent isolation, and desertion of thoughts and ideas. Just being in touch with other creative people, knowing that theyre going through similar experiences that we are, is a very powerful, almost unspoken, invisible connection. Sometimes too, it's by reaching out and supporting others that we can quickly feel better ourselves. In some ways, being supportive to another is a partly selfish act. By helping other people improve their lives for the good, we also feel good. It's a simple equation. So consider how supportive you are to other creative people youre in touch with. In what ways do you receive support, and whats most valuable to you? Consider how you can begin providing this more for others, however supportive you feel you are already. This can be anything from dropping a note or short email to someone whose creative efforts you admire, just to let them know, to forming your own creative support group to regularly meet and help each other on your creative journeys. There are dozens of way we can help others be more creative and feel theyre work is important and worthwhile. Write a list of 10 things you could do TODAY to offer support to someone else creative. Then pick at least 3 and put them into action. One final thought. By being supportive to others, youre also acknowledging the importance and value of creativity in the world today, and therefore validating your own creative identity and work. And, if nothing else, remember that simple equation - Helping someone else feel good makes us feel good too. Copyright 2006 Dan Goodwin |
