Well, I have officially launched my Etsy
shop. I must say, this was a much more laborious feat than I had anticipated. Not necessarily because of time, or inspiration, or actually finishing items to publish...no it was much more of a personal issue. A fear to overcome. A bump, hurdle...ok you get the picture; there was an obstacle of some sort. Creating things and offering them to the world (more or less) forces oneself to answer certain questions. Does this express me truthfully? Am I enjoying this? Will it sell? What if others don't like what I make? Now for those of you that have undertaken a task similar to this, you know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you? If we are honest with ourselves. There is an opening up...an offering... And I believe it is the scariest kind. Offering self, knowing it's a guarantee some will not accept. You are faced with a choice. Do you push ahead? Do you recognize the still, small Voice reminding you your worth doesn't lie in others, either by their acceptance, or rejection.
If you listen to that voice I think you will find that at its source is an infinite well of fulfillment. There will always be those that don't approve. If that is what you are listening to, fear will keep you from whatever it is for you personally.
My Internet was down a good part of the last week so my office became various coffee shops. I was sitting there, hazelnut breve latte in hand, staring at my iPad after checking and rechecking and rerechecking the things I was about to publish, and I exhaled, and opened shop. Done! A small victory. One less obstacle to overcome on this path.
There is a quote I have written at the front of my drawing journal...I like that it reminds me that there is something within everyone that is their's to share with others...a creativity...
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman
Warmly...Lórien
