I wondered where to start. What would be the appropriate topic for this first publication and what photographs could accompany the text. How it should be structured and exactly what content it should cover. Also the right length. I was once again thinking about too many things, demanding a sublime result before I had even started. I was in a loop: thinking, planning, organizing and controlling everything. When I took my mind off the form, the packaging and all the demands and expectations, it became clear. When I pushed all those thoughts away from me, the answer sprouted. Clear and unequivocal. From the only place from which something true can emerge. A simple process of simplification to arrive at the elemental. There it was, exactly behind the point of paralysis in which I found myself and which I had experienced so many times before. The only difference is that, on this occasion, I decided to push myself into it and not use it as an excuse.
Precisely because it was the reason I hadn't started earlier, I thought it would be a good idea to write about: how the pursuit of perfection paralyzes us and prevents us from expressing ourselves, fueled by its faithful ally, the fear of judgment.
We don't believe we are worthy of sharing our creativity, our ideas, emotions, experiences, knowledge or wisdom, our own art. We are constantly caught in a spiral of comparison, one in which we will always come out losers. There is no way out. We let the standards we impose on ourselves (whether internal or external) stop us and lead us off the path. The idea of perfection, as illusory as it is false, represses us and subdues our will, our imagination, our essence, eventually plunging us into lethargy and driving us straight into inaction and apathy.
Why can't you offer the world a piece of writing without being a master of the craft? You may never become one. Or maybe you will. But does it matter? What prevents you from painting or showing your painting just because it's not comparable to Caravaggio’s? Absolutely nothing.
Do we have less right to do so because our qualities are judged unfavorably? No, no and no. It is absurd that such nonsense could even cross our minds. It is absurd that such nonsense could even cross our minds. Can our own judgment and the verdict of others make us feel like a fraud? We will decide how much damage that will cause us. You will not be a fraud unless you believe it and keep that idea in your head. It all depends on you. Mind you, only if we act out of fear will we experience failure. Because in reality there is no such thing. Undoubtedly, disassociating ourselves from that concept will push us forward.
Is it because we are scared and afraid of what we will be able to achieve? It is possible that we resist what we can become. That's scary. But it would be sad not to try for fear of discovering our potential and our inner greatness.
So why should we take the risk? For a higher motivation. The one that should guide and push us at all times: to show the world our creation. That which has been granted to you and has come from your heart. Our mission should be to discover, uncover, expose, and allow it to reach another human being's heart—to inspire, provide help or comfort, or simply to be admired or interpreted. Any reaction is valid, including indifference. We don't know what it may stir within someone else. That’s why we must surrender to the process, pour ourselves into it, and leave it out there. With no other pretensions.
What happens if it reaches no one? What if our message is ignored? Nothing. The world won’t end, and tomorrow will come again. But let’s go further. Even without any impact, we are still compelled to do it. Giving without fear, without struggle, without shame, will help us grow. It will lead us to fulfillment and a sense of wholeness. It is an act of humility, love, and profound generosity. It takes courage and, above all, acceptance. We accept ourselves. And at the same time, we recognize that not everything is in our hands. We celebrate it. And we embrace the liberation that comes with this understanding. We have eradicated fear. Because to know that we’ve given form to what we held inside is the greatest gift. The only goal is to express what you came to express, through whatever medium or channel you choose. That is the true success, the great victory. To fully absorb this process and make a small shift in our perception changes everything.
If we dare to embrace this, we will hold a colossal and infinite power. A power that is available to all of us. At all times. Trust it and use it!
Today, I can say that accepting my insecurities, my blocks, and my resistance is what gives meaning to everything I do. The very act of creating, giving, and sharing brings purpose. It allows me to show my way of seeing life. And though there will always be more steps ahead, this is the first of many. They say you will receive what you give, and you will learn what you teach.
This is a celebration of our human and perfect imperfection. It is who we are, what connects us, and for that reason, it is what we are bound to offer.
Shine in peace.
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