Creative Doubts and Fears

I was chatting with a friend about the hurdles one faces in a creative career. I talked about the struggles and the frustrations and the confusion; I kept saying, "Oh I don't know if I can do that. I'm not sure I'm brave enough or have the right voice/look/style/experience...." etc. etc. etc. It was then and there that she interrupted me and asked: "What are you afraid of?"

I stammered to actually have a coherent and legitimate answer as she probed into why I felt "I could never do this" or "I'm not brave enough to do that." And then she sent me this quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

― Marianne Williamson

I found it extremely inspiring and thought provoking. Whatever you do, whatever goals you have,  I bet you've been given everything you need to succeed.

Don't let your light frighten you.