Hello friends! There are many beautiful comments here about both being creatively discouraged as a child and battling the internal critic. I wanted to share two prompts from the archives that came to mind. Here they are:
Both of these prompts have been deeply meaningful for my creative practice. I hope they help anyone who hasn't seen them (or needs the reminder). ❤️❤️❤️
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved painting. Watercolours, color pencils, chalks - my favourites were wax crayons. I loved their smell and the bright colors. But since my parents and teachers discovered musical talent in me, I moved from doing things for fun to a systematic after-school music education. The older I was getting, the rarely I would take my colors or anything else and just create out of pure pleasure. I remember very vividly, when my mom saw me one time painting and said "well, it's clear you have a talent for music, right?" I laughed it off, but I felt discouraged and hurt. Fast forward to today, my now husband, who's professional visual artist, is my biggest supporter. When I shared with him, that "I can't paint" he told me "well, that's impossible - just grab the colours and let it all out." He taught me that I don't have to strive for perfection, that I don't have to be afraid of mistakes. It's all fun and I can actually ENJOY it without fearing that someone might judge me. The most important thing is the entertainment part, the process, not necessarily the result. And so, from time to time, we create together and we even had a small joint exhibition last fall :) something that I would never dream of and never aspired to.
Thank you for your responses and support. What brings me the most joy though, is realization, that I don't have to prove anything. In a world where we're judged on a daily basis and a lot of people present themselves as perfect in every aspect (or at least that would be my impression after a couple scrolls on social media), it's so relieving and almost radical to admit that you fail at something and don't care too much. Well, I know for a fact that I won't be another Picasso or Shakespeare. I just want to have fun! To hell with perfection :)
As a teenager and young adult I used to dabble in poetry writing. I attended a arts’ camp and one of the activities I chose was writing. A few of my poems were published in the camp magazines put out by and for the campers. I probably wrote about 20 poems during my high school and early twenties, but after the camp experience I never shared them or thought much of them.
Fast forward to the pandemic I was working in an emergency room and going through all kinds of emotions. I decided to start working on myself. It was suggested to me that I write about my feelings. At first I just wrote for myself about what I was experiencing at the time and about issues I had been thinking about for years such how I felt about being a mother, my attitude towards money and towards those who are not truthful. Writing helped me organize my thoughts and make sense of my emotions.
About three years ago I discovered the Isolation Journals which provided thought provoking prompts and I began responding to those. At first I only showed my responses to some friends and colleagues and I got a lot of good feedback. About a year after I discovered the Isolation Journals I found Narrative Medicine Rounds. I began participating in those and sharing my writing with the other participants. After the sessions I had the opportunity to post my writing. The other participants in the rounds were very complimentary and encouraging. I started to post my responses to the Isolation Journals as well and could not believe all the wonderful and affirming feedback I was receiving. I began to believe that perhaps I had talent and something to share. I began to read my writing to as many people as I could.
Being a part of the Isolation Journals and Narrative Medicine communities has given me the encouragement to continue writing and to even try my hand at publishing.Being part of a group has provided the inspiration and encouragement that I needed.
The group gives permission, support, freedom, encouragement and sometimes really great suggestions. That is exactly what the poetry groups and mentors have done for me!!
Love this. This group has a wonderful vibe to it. And it is the most virtuous conduit for all of our thoughts that are bubbling around in our heads. And love that it lands on a quiet Sunday morning.
Lisa, how wonderful that your creative fire spoke to you through this community and also the Narrative Medicine Rounds. Yes! "Inspiration and encouragement."
This is so beautiful Lisa. Thank you for sharing your words and growth journey. It inspires me to share more often on here, instead of always just writing it in my journal!
this is so beautiful and it's made even more special that you found someone who will allow you to relive the love that met you as a younger child. Like Love returning through a different vessel. And to top it off, a joint exhibition! Thanks for sharing
"Banish the Censor," my Developmental Editor, Susan Conley suggested. And then, I was free, scared, but free. The raw, blurry to clear memories, questions, reactions, and most importantly, the uncensored "Me" came out to play. My memoir went from a meager 30, 000 words to 90,000 as I dove back into each scene and built each out. And when "the Censor" would rear up, I would tell it to "Shush." And with the memoir complete, Susan said, "And now, we know you." I will be forever deeply grateful to her for identifying and naming my captor and giving me the metaphorical key to freedom. Suleika and Mr. Kureishi, you are both an inspiration, each with your own stories and creative paths. Thank you both for letting us walk beside you on this artistic journey.
Thank you, Mary, for revealing a little bit more about you! I am always in complete awe of those who actually dream a dream and then bring it to life!! With a little help from friends, nipping at heels, speaking the truth in love. What a testament to honoring your voice, your heart, your story! Congratulations.
Yes!! Just the inspiration I needed today to move forward to my creative writing and art. It’s time for me to “trust” and not overthink before I put my work in the world. I appreciate this community as I never feel fear in sharing in this supportive community space ❤️
I have an identical twin sister we're one minute apart at birth. In high school we attended art class together I always felt people liked the mirror affect of She and I. I just wanted my own identity- separate from being a twin, my own voice and my own craft. I was very, very shy she was not. We planned to be fashion designers, but took a different route.
We both went into the corporate world and both dabbled as a hobby making jewelry since 1991.
In 2005 we opened our own boutique together, we support one another collaboratively always with a purpose, message attached, and specific intentions when creating. I do know we both anchor one another, respect one another with clarity, support our creative space, enthusiasm, and lastly encourage one another. My twin sister is my lifetime partner. We help each other grow. 🦋👭❤️
My friend said recently that it’s been four years since we began our gathering of two. I am amazed at this length of time. Wasn’t it only “yesterday” that we began this collaboration? It feels this way because each encounter is so fresh and inspiring. These four years contain the experiences and energies that fuel the exciting possibilities of our next meeting. And, what is it we do?
Four years ago, before COVID, we began meeting, each bringing flutes to our gathering of two. My friend is a long-time student of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute. I have been playing Native American style flutes. We began to bring haiku poems into our meetings. One of us would choose and read a haiku poem. The other person would pause, then improvise a flute interpretation of the poem. Then we would switch roles. In the haiku tradition there are haiga, visual interpretations of a haiku. A painting or drawing that might depict a scene from the poem. We have been creating sound/musical haiga. Over these four years I have listened to and witnessed my friend’s growth with the Shakuhachi, and with improvisation. Improvisation is all that I do. Once COVID began we have taken to zooming on the computer. Our meetings are still fresh and inspiring for me. My friend’s growing skills with improv, his sensitivity to the wonders of the Shakuhachi, always inspire me to play flute into the beyond; beyond the familiar, gather inspiration from what I hear and reach more deeply into the unknown, the spaciousness of what might be next. We are becoming “song birds” each singing our finest songs of the moment before us. From this experience I am learning you are never just what you have done. Much more than this, you are becoming what you are about to do. Lucky me, tomorrow, Monday, we zoom again. Rumi has a poem:
All day and night, music,
A quiet, bright
reedsong. If it
fades, we fade.
My friend and I gather together and we glow, we inspire, and we sparkle. 🏮
So beautiful, David. Annie Dillard said how we spend our days, is how we spend our lives. Being creative, making music or art of any kind, is such a lovely way to live.
A dear friend taught himself to play the Native American flute and played it as his wife was dying from cancer. Then he played it at her funeral. It was haunting. It was the wind over the plains, carrying her spirit to a better place.
Yes, Jacqueline, I admire your friend's choice to pick up this flute and play for his wife and at her funeral. Before Covid I had an amazing opportunity to bring these flutes into our local hospitals. To play for people not feeling well, some who have since died, and also, in the birthing unit, for new borns and their mothers. Hearing you tell your story about your friend makes my heart sing. Yes, Yes, Yes. These flutes sing of this Earth and all Her joys and sorrows. Best, David
This is beautiful David! I'm inspired by this gathering you have with your friend, and as a fellow flute player, you inspire me to pick it back up again after years of dormancy!
I played piccolo when I was in band back in high school. If I would have paid less attention to the negative stigma of "being in the band" and more to the beauty and purity of this instrument I may have continued! Your collaborations with your friend sound just so full of joy - they must just fill your cup up tp the brim!
I always felt like I was a bad artist. The other kids at school always had the focus so I turned that part of me off. I decided to take a painting class a few years ago. I showed an artist friend who ended up taking one of my paintings and making it her screen saver on her phone. She sadly passed away with her only wish of me was to not stop painting. It took me some time to paint again as the connection was to the deep loss of her. I'm still taking painting.
My husband and I were talking last night and he shared that he had read an article that couples should spend time talking 90 minutes a week. We both laughed because we can easily succeed 2 hours every evening. We are always communicating. So it’s no wonder he has been my collaborator of life. He encourages and supports my painting career by giving me space to work and he’s designing our home to be an art gallery. My husband is a song writer and musician. He shares snippets of verses and explains ideas of how one of his songs is forming and the story it’s telling.
Everyone loves when we sing together a Johnny Cash and June Carter song.
We were both abandoned by our parents in different ways. Finding each other didn’t make us whole but made us better together. We have built a collaborative home, family and business. Just this weekend we put 16 different colors on a wall to find the right one... it was no surprise when the winning color was the one we mixed together.
Write about someone—a family member, friend, or creative collaborator—who silences your inner critic. What do they allow you to do that you can’t do alone?
Thank you for this mornings prompt.
This is terrible to admit, but I’m not a team player. I grew up with a mother who did not but criticize. Before I started I was a failure. I still find it difficult to complete anything. At 5 I was signed up for dance class. My parents determined I was not cut out as a dancer. I was 5. I wasn’t a tiny graceful girl. I was tall. At 5 I was already hating my body. I never dance in public.
I did love drawing and would spend time ( by myself) drawing and coloring. It’s something I could do away from the critics. And I even was complimented on my drawings at times. This sounds awful but I like doing creative endeavors alone. I always found myself drawn to friends who were outgoing and complimented my shyness. As partners in crime this worked great. But for creating these friends would drown me out. I hated being put in groups to work on any project. I just want to be alone when I work or create. I love my friends. I just don’t want to lose myself.
I have connected to art with my friend Karel who is an artist. We took classes together and I enjoy my time with Karel. I have enjoyed taking jewelry making with people. Classes are ok. I think it’s because I feel like a class is more on equal footing.
I do like people. I just find comfort alone with my own thoughts. And who knows. Maybe there is someone out in the world who won’t make me feel small and silent.
Thank you eternally, Suleika Jouad, as a struggling writer (lost my life partner and my gentle critic to cancer last year), your recent post to Isolation Journals was just what I needed—but didn’t know it. 🫶🏼
I must express that I do not like this prompt because it bubbles up some discomfort from my inner self. When I visit my friend's "cabin", high in the mountains of Pennsylvania, we always work on making it better. At my old age, it's hard to tell me right from wrong, especially in my lifetime commitment field of construction. When my friend tries to do a repair that I know is being done poorly, he states "It's my treehouse -I'll do whatever I want". The bullhead that he is, keeps me from being the bullshitter I am. I know what's best for the "cabin", but the Princton N.J. detailing is not needed at all. My closest lifetime friend keeps me in check by reminding me that perfection is impossible and coming from a place of excellence is all that's needed.
Created a storytelling group called “Tales of the Eight”. Felt isolated in the storytelling community and decided to manifest are own community with support, conscious feedback, growth, and create our own community. ! I don’t have to do this alone. Delegation is one of the keys♥️
I'm a psychotherapist and I love my work but I'm also a creative and have the mind of an entrepreneur (I've had very small businesses such as making and selling curtains for VW vans (18 years old), making bathing suits where you can order a top in one size and matching bottoms in another, making prom dresses from vintage fabrics, making and selling stain glass sun catchers, having an herb garden and wreath making business...you get the idea...kind of silly but fun. Several years ago I began painting again and paint watercolors and other mediums. Then I discovered the business of surface pattern design (everywhere you see design...fabric...wallpaper...cell phone cases, etc., someone designed that...who knew!!??). I began taking classes online. There was simply no where I could go to learn these things in person. So...since 2021 I've immersed myself behind my computer learning Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. It can be very lonely business...but the community! I've never "met" such giving, collaborative people! Everyone seems to want everyone else to succeed as much as they have. The courses I've taken are with people who surprise me with the amount of information, advice, and time they give to help us learn and succeed. We cheer each other on, answer each other's technical and design questions, critique work, and help each other move forward. There are women who I've gotten to know off line because we have seen each other's names in several of the same classes. I couldn't do this without this group of online "friends!"
My husband! We are this wonderful blend of compatible crazy! He is a military historian by trade, a deep thinking, calm and rational, big picture thinker. He validated my stream of consciousness thinking, my zig zagging of ideas, and adds some structure to my thoughts. My creative side lies in seeing patterns and making connections and a little bit of out of the box thinking. I use it my role for business development in a wonderful organization that delivers leadership development worldwide. Our goal is to help people “do all things humanly possible”. I also find this forum to be a wonderfully safe space to let my thoughts flow. @Suleika, I was so happy to read that you were able to merge your creative worlds and get input or feedback when needed. We can see it thru the telly. I love seeing you and your hubby together and hearing you speak as this terrific team❤️. Happy St.Patrick’s day to all. I am from Ireland (living in US), the mystical land of saints and scholars.. And here we find ourselves ☘️🧡
In the spring of 1987 my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In the autumn of 1989 I submitted an article for publication about the effect cancer has on the family, or those caring for, the patient. For weeks I heard nothing from the magazine. I prayed that even if it were not published, perhaps my words would bring encouragement to someone. Around Christmas I received a phone call from the editor. My article would be in the January issue. In addition, he said a good friend had recently been diagnosed with cancer and my words brought a measure of comfort. Ah. Thank you, Lord. Yet, when my copy of the magazine arrived, I was stunned to see the following note, written by the editor, beneath my story;
“Jacqueline Leslie Des Isles is proof that effective writing about observations and feelings is not the sole domain of published, professional writers”.
I was speechless, humbled and honored.
This community, as expressed by another member, leaves me wonderful sweet comments along the way. The truth is, I need the leg up. The support. The friendship and love. Not to write, but to carry on.
There is a beautiful African proverb that says this best,
“We are all just walking each other home”.
On my living room wall hangs this beautiful saying,
“ Every meeting of persons is an exchange of gifts”.
If we hide our gifts, who will see the light they need? To carry on?
I really love what you had to say about creative collaboration. It's something I want more of in my writing life. I also think it can be hard because so many people come from a competition mindset, especially if they're writing in the same "space" but you've highlighted how and why creative collaboration can be so wonderful, thank you!!
Hello friends! There are many beautiful comments here about both being creatively discouraged as a child and battling the internal critic. I wanted to share two prompts from the archives that came to mind. Here they are:
42. Creative Injuries – Stacie Orrico - https://www.theisolationjournals.com/explore/prompt42-creative-injuries
96. Drawing in the Margins – Anne Francey - https://www.theisolationjournals.com/explore/prompt96-drawing-in-the-margins
Both of these prompts have been deeply meaningful for my creative practice. I hope they help anyone who hasn't seen them (or needs the reminder). ❤️❤️❤️
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved painting. Watercolours, color pencils, chalks - my favourites were wax crayons. I loved their smell and the bright colors. But since my parents and teachers discovered musical talent in me, I moved from doing things for fun to a systematic after-school music education. The older I was getting, the rarely I would take my colors or anything else and just create out of pure pleasure. I remember very vividly, when my mom saw me one time painting and said "well, it's clear you have a talent for music, right?" I laughed it off, but I felt discouraged and hurt. Fast forward to today, my now husband, who's professional visual artist, is my biggest supporter. When I shared with him, that "I can't paint" he told me "well, that's impossible - just grab the colours and let it all out." He taught me that I don't have to strive for perfection, that I don't have to be afraid of mistakes. It's all fun and I can actually ENJOY it without fearing that someone might judge me. The most important thing is the entertainment part, the process, not necessarily the result. And so, from time to time, we create together and we even had a small joint exhibition last fall :) something that I would never dream of and never aspired to.
Thank you for your responses and support. What brings me the most joy though, is realization, that I don't have to prove anything. In a world where we're judged on a daily basis and a lot of people present themselves as perfect in every aspect (or at least that would be my impression after a couple scrolls on social media), it's so relieving and almost radical to admit that you fail at something and don't care too much. Well, I know for a fact that I won't be another Picasso or Shakespeare. I just want to have fun! To hell with perfection :)
This is so beautiful.
Love that you are back to drawing. And a joint exhibition🌿💙. How wonderful that ye found each other!
That is amazing Eva!!
So beautiful!
Beautiful and inspiring!!
As a teenager and young adult I used to dabble in poetry writing. I attended a arts’ camp and one of the activities I chose was writing. A few of my poems were published in the camp magazines put out by and for the campers. I probably wrote about 20 poems during my high school and early twenties, but after the camp experience I never shared them or thought much of them.
Fast forward to the pandemic I was working in an emergency room and going through all kinds of emotions. I decided to start working on myself. It was suggested to me that I write about my feelings. At first I just wrote for myself about what I was experiencing at the time and about issues I had been thinking about for years such how I felt about being a mother, my attitude towards money and towards those who are not truthful. Writing helped me organize my thoughts and make sense of my emotions.
About three years ago I discovered the Isolation Journals which provided thought provoking prompts and I began responding to those. At first I only showed my responses to some friends and colleagues and I got a lot of good feedback. About a year after I discovered the Isolation Journals I found Narrative Medicine Rounds. I began participating in those and sharing my writing with the other participants. After the sessions I had the opportunity to post my writing. The other participants in the rounds were very complimentary and encouraging. I started to post my responses to the Isolation Journals as well and could not believe all the wonderful and affirming feedback I was receiving. I began to believe that perhaps I had talent and something to share. I began to read my writing to as many people as I could.
Being a part of the Isolation Journals and Narrative Medicine communities has given me the encouragement to continue writing and to even try my hand at publishing.Being part of a group has provided the inspiration and encouragement that I needed.
The group gives permission, support, freedom, encouragement and sometimes really great suggestions. That is exactly what the poetry groups and mentors have done for me!!
Beyond honored that our beautiful community has played a roll in your creative growth. Thank you Lisa! ❤️
Love this. This group has a wonderful vibe to it. And it is the most virtuous conduit for all of our thoughts that are bubbling around in our heads. And love that it lands on a quiet Sunday morning.
Ah, yes. Sundays are set apart for soul and spirit.
Lisa, how wonderful that your creative fire spoke to you through this community and also the Narrative Medicine Rounds. Yes! "Inspiration and encouragement."
This is so beautiful Lisa. Thank you for sharing your words and growth journey. It inspires me to share more often on here, instead of always just writing it in my journal!
Louise, sometimes I write two versions. One I post here and one more personal that I only show select people
Wonderful idea!
Yes! How wonderful! I agree. This community is another source of encouraging creative collaboration. Thank you for sharing this. <3
this is so beautiful and it's made even more special that you found someone who will allow you to relive the love that met you as a younger child. Like Love returning through a different vessel. And to top it off, a joint exhibition! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for being here!!!
"Banish the Censor," my Developmental Editor, Susan Conley suggested. And then, I was free, scared, but free. The raw, blurry to clear memories, questions, reactions, and most importantly, the uncensored "Me" came out to play. My memoir went from a meager 30, 000 words to 90,000 as I dove back into each scene and built each out. And when "the Censor" would rear up, I would tell it to "Shush." And with the memoir complete, Susan said, "And now, we know you." I will be forever deeply grateful to her for identifying and naming my captor and giving me the metaphorical key to freedom. Suleika and Mr. Kureishi, you are both an inspiration, each with your own stories and creative paths. Thank you both for letting us walk beside you on this artistic journey.
"Scared, but free." This is wonderful Mary. ❤️
Thank you, Mary, for revealing a little bit more about you! I am always in complete awe of those who actually dream a dream and then bring it to life!! With a little help from friends, nipping at heels, speaking the truth in love. What a testament to honoring your voice, your heart, your story! Congratulations.
Jacqueline, and once again, you have lifted my spirits and spread hope through your words and kindness. Thank you so much!
You are welcome, dear friend. ❤️
Love the idea of that one word “shush”.
Yes!! Just the inspiration I needed today to move forward to my creative writing and art. It’s time for me to “trust” and not overthink before I put my work in the world. I appreciate this community as I never feel fear in sharing in this supportive community space ❤️
“The uncensored “Me” came out to play.” I just love this.
I have an identical twin sister we're one minute apart at birth. In high school we attended art class together I always felt people liked the mirror affect of She and I. I just wanted my own identity- separate from being a twin, my own voice and my own craft. I was very, very shy she was not. We planned to be fashion designers, but took a different route.
We both went into the corporate world and both dabbled as a hobby making jewelry since 1991.
In 2005 we opened our own boutique together, we support one another collaboratively always with a purpose, message attached, and specific intentions when creating. I do know we both anchor one another, respect one another with clarity, support our creative space, enthusiasm, and lastly encourage one another. My twin sister is my lifetime partner. We help each other grow. 🦋👭❤️
Ah love this! Can I ask where your store is. I might get to pop in one day.
Out of respecting the rules no cross-promotion. Your welcome to search my name and you will find me on Google.:) blessings.
Duh, Mrs. Mages! Will ask my other friend, Google!
My friend said recently that it’s been four years since we began our gathering of two. I am amazed at this length of time. Wasn’t it only “yesterday” that we began this collaboration? It feels this way because each encounter is so fresh and inspiring. These four years contain the experiences and energies that fuel the exciting possibilities of our next meeting. And, what is it we do?
Four years ago, before COVID, we began meeting, each bringing flutes to our gathering of two. My friend is a long-time student of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute. I have been playing Native American style flutes. We began to bring haiku poems into our meetings. One of us would choose and read a haiku poem. The other person would pause, then improvise a flute interpretation of the poem. Then we would switch roles. In the haiku tradition there are haiga, visual interpretations of a haiku. A painting or drawing that might depict a scene from the poem. We have been creating sound/musical haiga. Over these four years I have listened to and witnessed my friend’s growth with the Shakuhachi, and with improvisation. Improvisation is all that I do. Once COVID began we have taken to zooming on the computer. Our meetings are still fresh and inspiring for me. My friend’s growing skills with improv, his sensitivity to the wonders of the Shakuhachi, always inspire me to play flute into the beyond; beyond the familiar, gather inspiration from what I hear and reach more deeply into the unknown, the spaciousness of what might be next. We are becoming “song birds” each singing our finest songs of the moment before us. From this experience I am learning you are never just what you have done. Much more than this, you are becoming what you are about to do. Lucky me, tomorrow, Monday, we zoom again. Rumi has a poem:
All day and night, music,
A quiet, bright
reedsong. If it
fades, we fade.
My friend and I gather together and we glow, we inspire, and we sparkle. 🏮
"My friend’s growing skills always inspire me to play flute into the beyond" 💜💜💜
So beautiful, David. Annie Dillard said how we spend our days, is how we spend our lives. Being creative, making music or art of any kind, is such a lovely way to live.
A dear friend taught himself to play the Native American flute and played it as his wife was dying from cancer. Then he played it at her funeral. It was haunting. It was the wind over the plains, carrying her spirit to a better place.
Yes, Jacqueline, I admire your friend's choice to pick up this flute and play for his wife and at her funeral. Before Covid I had an amazing opportunity to bring these flutes into our local hospitals. To play for people not feeling well, some who have since died, and also, in the birthing unit, for new borns and their mothers. Hearing you tell your story about your friend makes my heart sing. Yes, Yes, Yes. These flutes sing of this Earth and all Her joys and sorrows. Best, David
Perfection & Inspiration! Thank you, David! 💜
This is beautiful David! I'm inspired by this gathering you have with your friend, and as a fellow flute player, you inspire me to pick it back up again after years of dormancy!
I love “you are becoming what you are about to do”!!!
I played piccolo when I was in band back in high school. If I would have paid less attention to the negative stigma of "being in the band" and more to the beauty and purity of this instrument I may have continued! Your collaborations with your friend sound just so full of joy - they must just fill your cup up tp the brim!
Hi, Nancy, as it is often said: never too late. Even if it’s one breath, one tone, one moment. There you are.🏮
I always felt like I was a bad artist. The other kids at school always had the focus so I turned that part of me off. I decided to take a painting class a few years ago. I showed an artist friend who ended up taking one of my paintings and making it her screen saver on her phone. She sadly passed away with her only wish of me was to not stop painting. It took me some time to paint again as the connection was to the deep loss of her. I'm still taking painting.
I'm so glad you came back to painting, Linda. ❤️
My husband and I were talking last night and he shared that he had read an article that couples should spend time talking 90 minutes a week. We both laughed because we can easily succeed 2 hours every evening. We are always communicating. So it’s no wonder he has been my collaborator of life. He encourages and supports my painting career by giving me space to work and he’s designing our home to be an art gallery. My husband is a song writer and musician. He shares snippets of verses and explains ideas of how one of his songs is forming and the story it’s telling.
Everyone loves when we sing together a Johnny Cash and June Carter song.
We were both abandoned by our parents in different ways. Finding each other didn’t make us whole but made us better together. We have built a collaborative home, family and business. Just this weekend we put 16 different colors on a wall to find the right one... it was no surprise when the winning color was the one we mixed together.
I love this! True collaboration. ❤️
💜 “Finding each other didn’t make us whole but made us better together.” 💜 Exquisite!
I love this!!!!
Write about someone—a family member, friend, or creative collaborator—who silences your inner critic. What do they allow you to do that you can’t do alone?
Thank you for this mornings prompt.
This is terrible to admit, but I’m not a team player. I grew up with a mother who did not but criticize. Before I started I was a failure. I still find it difficult to complete anything. At 5 I was signed up for dance class. My parents determined I was not cut out as a dancer. I was 5. I wasn’t a tiny graceful girl. I was tall. At 5 I was already hating my body. I never dance in public.
I did love drawing and would spend time ( by myself) drawing and coloring. It’s something I could do away from the critics. And I even was complimented on my drawings at times. This sounds awful but I like doing creative endeavors alone. I always found myself drawn to friends who were outgoing and complimented my shyness. As partners in crime this worked great. But for creating these friends would drown me out. I hated being put in groups to work on any project. I just want to be alone when I work or create. I love my friends. I just don’t want to lose myself.
I have connected to art with my friend Karel who is an artist. We took classes together and I enjoy my time with Karel. I have enjoyed taking jewelry making with people. Classes are ok. I think it’s because I feel like a class is more on equal footing.
I do like people. I just find comfort alone with my own thoughts. And who knows. Maybe there is someone out in the world who won’t make me feel small and silent.
Love the honesty here and also the sense of hope!
I always appreciate a different perspective, Laurie. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you eternally, Suleika Jouad, as a struggling writer (lost my life partner and my gentle critic to cancer last year), your recent post to Isolation Journals was just what I needed—but didn’t know it. 🫶🏼
Sending love to you Judit. ❤️
Thank you, Suleika Jaouad! You’re my new bff!
I go by Judy!
You put my feelings into words… what being in this group reveals for me is often the most delightful surprise!
I must express that I do not like this prompt because it bubbles up some discomfort from my inner self. When I visit my friend's "cabin", high in the mountains of Pennsylvania, we always work on making it better. At my old age, it's hard to tell me right from wrong, especially in my lifetime commitment field of construction. When my friend tries to do a repair that I know is being done poorly, he states "It's my treehouse -I'll do whatever I want". The bullhead that he is, keeps me from being the bullshitter I am. I know what's best for the "cabin", but the Princton N.J. detailing is not needed at all. My closest lifetime friend keeps me in check by reminding me that perfection is impossible and coming from a place of excellence is all that's needed.
Love this, Jody! Can't wait to see how the old house and barn are coming along :)
Sometimes the prompts we like least are the best to explore. Lovely to read about your friend and how they've helped you over the years. ❤️
Created a storytelling group called “Tales of the Eight”. Felt isolated in the storytelling community and decided to manifest are own community with support, conscious feedback, growth, and create our own community. ! I don’t have to do this alone. Delegation is one of the keys♥️
Just love this!!!!
I'm a psychotherapist and I love my work but I'm also a creative and have the mind of an entrepreneur (I've had very small businesses such as making and selling curtains for VW vans (18 years old), making bathing suits where you can order a top in one size and matching bottoms in another, making prom dresses from vintage fabrics, making and selling stain glass sun catchers, having an herb garden and wreath making business...you get the idea...kind of silly but fun. Several years ago I began painting again and paint watercolors and other mediums. Then I discovered the business of surface pattern design (everywhere you see design...fabric...wallpaper...cell phone cases, etc., someone designed that...who knew!!??). I began taking classes online. There was simply no where I could go to learn these things in person. So...since 2021 I've immersed myself behind my computer learning Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. It can be very lonely business...but the community! I've never "met" such giving, collaborative people! Everyone seems to want everyone else to succeed as much as they have. The courses I've taken are with people who surprise me with the amount of information, advice, and time they give to help us learn and succeed. We cheer each other on, answer each other's technical and design questions, critique work, and help each other move forward. There are women who I've gotten to know off line because we have seen each other's names in several of the same classes. I couldn't do this without this group of online "friends!"
I love your list of businesses, Linda! I can't choose a favorite. ❤️
They were all fun...not money makers, but fun none the less. LOL
Like be your creative solopreneur work. The curtains and swimsuits💙
Yes!
My husband! We are this wonderful blend of compatible crazy! He is a military historian by trade, a deep thinking, calm and rational, big picture thinker. He validated my stream of consciousness thinking, my zig zagging of ideas, and adds some structure to my thoughts. My creative side lies in seeing patterns and making connections and a little bit of out of the box thinking. I use it my role for business development in a wonderful organization that delivers leadership development worldwide. Our goal is to help people “do all things humanly possible”. I also find this forum to be a wonderfully safe space to let my thoughts flow. @Suleika, I was so happy to read that you were able to merge your creative worlds and get input or feedback when needed. We can see it thru the telly. I love seeing you and your hubby together and hearing you speak as this terrific team❤️. Happy St.Patrick’s day to all. I am from Ireland (living in US), the mystical land of saints and scholars.. And here we find ourselves ☘️🧡
In the spring of 1987 my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In the autumn of 1989 I submitted an article for publication about the effect cancer has on the family, or those caring for, the patient. For weeks I heard nothing from the magazine. I prayed that even if it were not published, perhaps my words would bring encouragement to someone. Around Christmas I received a phone call from the editor. My article would be in the January issue. In addition, he said a good friend had recently been diagnosed with cancer and my words brought a measure of comfort. Ah. Thank you, Lord. Yet, when my copy of the magazine arrived, I was stunned to see the following note, written by the editor, beneath my story;
“Jacqueline Leslie Des Isles is proof that effective writing about observations and feelings is not the sole domain of published, professional writers”.
I was speechless, humbled and honored.
This community, as expressed by another member, leaves me wonderful sweet comments along the way. The truth is, I need the leg up. The support. The friendship and love. Not to write, but to carry on.
There is a beautiful African proverb that says this best,
“We are all just walking each other home”.
On my living room wall hangs this beautiful saying,
“ Every meeting of persons is an exchange of gifts”.
If we hide our gifts, who will see the light they need? To carry on?
Keep shining my friends!!
What a beautiful, encouraging post Jacqueline. So glad to read that this community lifts you up. ❤️
I really love what you had to say about creative collaboration. It's something I want more of in my writing life. I also think it can be hard because so many people come from a competition mindset, especially if they're writing in the same "space" but you've highlighted how and why creative collaboration can be so wonderful, thank you!!