Express Your Individuality
Recently, I went for an angel card reading. And whether or not you believe in angels, that isn’t what this week’s message is about. It’s about the messages we receive (though they can come from many sources) and what we choose to do with that information.
One of the cards I drew during my reading was the “Express Your Individuality” card. It really made me realize how much I had conformed to the world around me without even noticing it. I realized that my thoughts are often focused on the things I need to accomplish and my wardrobe resembles that of most other people I know: yoga pants, jeans, plain t- shirts (most of you probably have these things somewhere in your closet). I guess I never really wanted to stand out too much. But somehow, in the midst of this, I had lost my individuality. The little girl inside me was trapped. She wanted to come out and express herself – to be creative. She wanted to wear exotic flower patterns and have short, pink hair. Clearly, I expressed myself much more when I was younger. But, then social norms and other people’s expectations got in the way. Funny, how it happened and I never even seemed to notice – like a shroud slowly encompassing me, smothering my originality.
The cards also reminded me that I used to express myself through painting. I used to enjoy brushing paint on paper, but soon I began to judge my own work. I never felt talented enough so I gradually stopped. Perfection seemed more important than creation. But there’s something very wrong with that idea. Creation is what life is all about. And sometimes, ideas for that creation come as small nudges. For me, I had recently considered the possibility of illustrating my own children’s book one day, but then quickly disregarded the idea. I simply cast it aside. It became something I might do one day – and that was the end of it. But, maybe those ideas shouldn’t be cast aside so easily.
Do you have dreams about something you might do one day – something that connects with your soul and truly expresses who you are? That’s what writing does for me. But, that doesn’t have to be the only thing. I have other creative outlets that need to be fed. Sometimes, I become so focused that I channel all my energy into one area of creativity. But, I don’t have to limit myself. It’s okay to be doing several projects at once – to leave things undone and just create.
So, what about your creativity – your need to be an individual? What does that look like? For me, it was having the nerve to place the brush on a canvas and let go of the result after a quick stop at the craft store to buy fresh paints and supplies. But, maybe next week it will be writing a poem or snapping a few pictures along the seashore. What about you? Will you pick up a brush, play a few notes, or write in a journal? What is calling to you? Express your creative side. Dye your hair. Be who you are. It might surprise you how fun being an individual can be.
