Finding permission to change

Back in 1995, I worked through The Artist’s Way. As a result of the exercises in the book, I took all kinds of art classes. Drawing. Calligraphy. Dance. Singing. Acting. Painting. And of course, writing.

I loved all these forms of expression, but it didn’t take long before I realized to make any decent progress, I would have to commit to just one medium. So I chose writing.

Later, as an entrepreneur, I saw this notion that you can only be known for one thing reinforced. Apparently people would get confused if you were both a writer and an artist.

But the truth is, people change. My whole business is built upon helping people change. I even love calling myself a change agent.

For years, though, I hid my artist from the public, fearing that if I stepped out as an artist, it would somehow cancel out my writer and my writing coaching. A friend said, “I wouldn’t hire a writers’ coach who doesn’t write.” I felt I wasn’t allowed to change, and that because I’ve been a writer for 22 years, I better keep on being a writer.

Have you felt this? A desire for change can be squelched by the status quo.

The truth is, we can’t hide our true selves. Most creative people I know have multiple interests like me. That’s okay – to deny the different parts of ourselves is to banish our truth to the basement where resentment and discontent can fester like a toxic kimchi.

The problem with doing many things isn’t in having many interests. It’s not completing anything that leads to dissatisfaction, not having multiple passions. Having many interests is fun and energizing.

I have worried that being an artist would mean my coaching business would flounder, and that what my friend said would hold true. But just because writing isn’t my main creative medium now doesn’t cancel out 17 years of experience coaching writers and other creative types.

What’s better, as a beginning artist, I have a real-time, deep understanding of what it’s like to be a newbie. To feel insecure about my work and my ability to make my art a viable thing. My empathy with my clients has soared, and I feel much more compassionate with those tender shoots of a dream breaking toward the light.

We can change. In fact, as some have said, change is the only constant. Maybe you’re changing mediums like me. Or getting a new job, a new life partner or who knows, a new sexual orientation or even a new gender.

Whatever is shifting in you, embrace it.

If you’ve been hiding a vital part of yourself in the basement for fear of what others might think, be brave and let it out. What’s one small step you can take today to claim the changes you are feeling now? It doesn’t have to be public. It just has to honor the ever-shifting landscape that is you.

You can change. And you will. Don’t let anyone – especially you – tell you otherwise.

Permission to change, granted.

P.S. I’m still a writer. And an artist. And a kick-ass coach for creatives. I have three spots in my coaching practice for the August – October coaching cycle. If you want support for your creative or professional changes, let’s connect. Get the ball rolling here.

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