Fear and Creativity

Fear is the enemy of creativity

Somebody famous probably said that, and if so, I just stole it. I remember hearing of an experiment where a pottery class was divided into 2 groups. One could make as many pots as they wanted, experimenting until they got to the final product. The second group had one chance to get it right. At the end, the group who could experiment produced a much better pot. Apparently, the ability to experiment and make mistakes along the way frees us up somehow.

The story was in something I was reading about art, but it can apply in fashion and daily life too. Pretty much anything you're afraid others will judge you for. Since I've set about playing with my clothing and experimenting, I've had to face down insecurities I didn't even know I had. My husband likes to say, "Gee, you have a lot of issues!" Yeah, and for some reason God seems intent on opening them all up to the light and dealing with them all in the last few months. I really don't know why. What is he preparing me for? I'm hoping it's just time to deal with them. I mean, I'm 40+. How long am I going to let these things hold me back?

All of this was prompted by my attempting to arrange my front entrance of my house in a pleasing way. I've been joyfully tackling the closet and other areas, but the front curio cabinet had me frozen in fear. It's the 1st thing you see as you walk in. Bam! There it is--the first impression of me and my home. Just to add to the pressure, it was hand-made by my grandfather. As I was begging my Facebook friends for help, I realized it's not lack of inspiration holding me back, but fear. Normally I play with something till I'm happy with it. You know just enjoying the process. O.K. I'm feeling this is a little too deep for a Saturday, so get out there and enjoy yourselves.

Hopefully more closet progress to come. I have begun nagging, um, I mean brainstorming with my husband on ideas for shoe storage for both of us. The poor thing was very patient as I showed him every shoe storage idea on Pinterest last night. He's awesome at stuff like that and will probably do something I haven't even thought of.

Is Body Image a Spiritual Issue?

It's everywhere I look now. It started with reading a few blogs. Then just prior to my surgery I became fascinated with women and body image. While I was out recovering from surgery, my schedule was free so that I could read more on the subject.

A few weeks ago I was thrilled to hear my favorite Christian radio program Midday Connection announce this program about body image. They even had a panel of guests of different ethnicities. Prior to this I had not given a lot of thought to how someone from a different background would have different experiences and concerns.

We tend to think of appearance as not a very spiritual issue, other than for a list of do's and don'ts. But since our body image is so deeply tied to how we view ourselves and how we approach others, I believe it is a spiritual issue worth considering. We are created by God, and that fact should always reassure us that each person is a work of art. So listen to the program if you dare. Did it change the way you think about this subject?