The Joy of Being an Amateur
We spend so much time trying to become experts in our field. Culture often tells us to work hard now and to save play for later. I hear from friends all the time that the fear of mediocrity is what keeps them from trying something new - but what if we felt the freedom and comfort to be amateurs? After all, everything has a beginning, and oftentimes the most difficult part is picking up the tools to start.
For the Fun of It
From as early as elementary school, we try out different activities until we find our fit. For some, it’s band, for others it's softball, while some just stick to the books – and by no means is this wrong! We find activities that we excel in and that make us feel good. What’s interesting is that all too often, we feel confined to these spaces, decreasing our likelihood to step out to try something new.
When it comes to trying new things, wallowing in ineptitude isn’t going to get us anywhere. We can both acknowledge the fear associated with new things and also enjoy the freedom it offers! You can do something literally just because you like it. A ‘professional’ is one who gets paid to do a thing. An ‘amateur’ is one that does a thing for pure love or enjoyment. Take heart, and take this as your sign to do something you enjoy this week.
Career…and Passion
We’ve all heard stories about the new retiree discovering their passion for drawing, and I love it! Any story that appreciates art is worth sharing. What’s funny to me is that people truly believe they develop a new skill from the ground up at 65. What if the skill was always there, but was just never properly nurtured? We’re told the narrative career or passion, money or art, or whatever it was for you – but they aren’t mutually exclusive. Imagine how much creativity we’d see in the world if we knew how to draw it out of people…we just have to be courageous enough to try!
Staying Grateful
Self-care is at the forefront of our minds now more than ever. At the end of the day, it’s important to give back to yourself, especially when you experience the joy of being an amateur. Gratitude not only helps cultivate strong character, but it strengthens relationships.
I hear feedback from BrushCapades clients all the time. It’s important to receive suggestions and compliments, but oftentimes they sound a little like this…
“I started painting and I got lost in it…that feeling of the brush and the paint against the canvas was so satisfying. Just meditative. I forgot about trying to make something that looks good and just went with it. I just did it. I didn’t hate it. I was proud of it.”
This client admitted that they were terrified to participate in my class, and even schemed to “miss work” that day. By listening to their small, instinctual creative nudges, a world of wonder was unlocked. Art is healing, and we all have the capability to create something magical. May we remain childlike, seeking opportunities to experience newness in all of life!