Don't let perfectionism keep you stuck: The art of creativity

You usually won't catch me using oil pastels.

I don't “like” them.

Which more accurately means I am not “good” at them, plus… they are messy.

Recently, I attended a 1:1 expressive arts intensive, and I was invited to choose between markers and these.

As I was there to heal and connect with my younger self, I chose what I would have chosen as a kid without a fear of mess.

Doubly, I know choosing what scares me is where the growth happens.

So now I'm creating for my monthly snail mail letter and want to send everyone a print of some art, and I again choose oil pastels.

My goal is to just enjoy the process and see where it goes.

I was making something cute but not “print-worthy”, and I let that be okay.

Instead, I explored and got curious with the medium.

I practiced creativity and tried new things just to see what would happen.

By the end, I had discovered that I like layering and stretching out the color to make designs.

There is a part of this drawing I really like, so I cut it out and started there for the next step.

I ended up drawing something I am very proud of.

Something in my style, but with a completely new texture.

Go figure, I tried something new, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Mind you, the accomplishment is not the finished project.

It was the choice to keep going.

To keep trying.

To not let the “mistakes” in the beginning be anything more than creating for the sake of exploring.

Because I didn't force myself to make it perfect.

And because I didn't quit just because it wasn't “good.”

I continued on and eventually reached a final project.

And though it is beautiful and satisfying, the real art comes from the journey and process I continued choosing.

This is why I am such a fan of creativity, art, and whimsy!

Without it, we are all stuck doing the same thing out of fear of not doing the next thing perfectly.

Somewhat Congruent,

Candice

P.S. If you are interested in being a part of my snail mail club or want to send something fun to a friend, check it out HERE Great easy gift your the recovering perfectionist in your life!