A guest post by Shannon Kinney-Duh for the Creative Harvest series
I used to be scared. Scared to be myself around new people. Scared to try new things. Scared to admit when I didn’t know something. Scared to make art. And, definitely scared to show anyone my art if I did get the courage to make it.
I knew I wanted to express my creativity. I longed to get messy with paint. Deep down inside I desperately wanted to be an artist, but I knew, or at least my mind was convinced, that “I wasn’t creative and I wasn’t good at anything.” I let self-doubt, perfectionism and worry bring me down. I later learned that these self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors were all an expression of my fear. I had to learn how to face and embrace my fears, think new thoughts and get out of my own dang way!
I’ve journaled all my life. When I was young, my journal was more of a diary where I documented my daily activities and events. As I got older, writing became my refuge. My journal became a place to sort out the confusion and muck swirling around in my mind. To this day, my journal provides me with a safe place to hold my contemplations, explorations and new discoveries. It is my creative confidante, my buddy, and my sweet, dear friend.
Little by little, all my sifting and sorting of words and reflections helps me become more aware of the blocks, resistance and creative fears I had let get in the way of my truth – my authentic way of being. And ultimately, my happiness. The new self-awareness I uncovered through writing led to more clarity and strength, and helped me connect to my inner wisdom, which inspired me to follow the messages my heart was putting on the page.
Journaling is honest. It helps me see consistent patterns taking place in my life. I can go back and read through old journals and see I was writing about the same old fears years later. That is a wake-up call to make change and move on with my life – to stop worrying and start living!
As humans we can get pretty forgetful and sometimes we need reminders, especially when doubt and worry get in the way. Reading my journal during times of doubt reminds me of what’s truly important in my life, and gives me the encouragement to continue on my path.
Our thoughts are energy and our thoughts manifest themselves in our daily lives. If you think, “I’m not creative. I could never do that. I don’t matter,” well, eventually you’ll see those thought patterns come true for you, just as I did. Yet, if you change your thoughts to, “I am a creative being. I matter and I am open to the possibilities life has to offer me,” then over time you’ll start to see these thoughts manifest. Little gifts will begin coming into your life that you never thought possible!
Journaling helps reveal any negative thoughts that might be holding you back – thoughts you may not see until you become aware of them through writing. Writing can also help you unveil the dreams that are ready to be born within your heart and soul. And writing those thoughts on paper gets you one step closer to making your dreams a reality.
Starting a journal is easy. Get yourself a new journal and some favorite pens. Make a little time each day to write – even if just for a few minutes. Don’t worry about spelling or punctuation. Write swiftly, without much thought. Quiet your mind, let go of judgment and thoughts like, “You’re doing it wrong!” This is your time to be kind and gentle to yourself. Let your heart spill over the pages. Be honest. If you feel stuck, keep your pen moving. Doodle, draw swirls, turn the page upside down or try writing with your opposite hand or with your eyes closed. Eventually the words will start to flow. Smile and breathe.
I now make art a little each day, usually with my two little boys. And being dedicated to being my most authentic self, each and every day, has led me to the place where I am now – working from home, staying home with my children and inspiring others to create lives they truly love, too.
My big creative dream that has come alive over the last few years is teaching e-courses. Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery is a 5-week life experience that helps you become a bold explorer of your inner world, while you build strength to face your creative fears so you can discover your dreams waiting to be free.
Through art, writing, yoga and guided meditation you will get messy, let go of “perfect,” and play, learn and grow. You get to take the course in the comfort of your own home while connecting to an amazing group of self-explorers from all over the world. It’s pretty darn cool. I hope you will join us, and continue making space for what matters most in your life!
Shannon Kinney-Duh is a mom of two young boys (ages 3 ½ & 10 months).
When she’s not building forts, going for picnics or cleaning mashed peas off the floor, she loves to play with wool, knit, paint, art journal and take pictures.
Shannon is a certified Hatha yoga teacher, holistic life coach, artist and e-course creator. She loves connecting with other life-explorers from all over the world.
Connect : Blog | Facebook | Twitter: @FreeSpiritKnits
[...] Think a new thought, change your life: How journaling helps set your inner dreams free [...]