“Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough probably isn’t even your own voice.
It’s a collection of every critique, every rejection, every hot take from a Reddit comment section or portfolio review or awkward conversation with someone who said “this doesn’t really work for me.” Over time, you’ve absorbed all of those opinions and rebranded them as your own internal monologue.” — This part hit me like a TRUCK. Unfortunately that voice, not only it being SO loud, has concrete evidence that supports what it tells me. If I’m meant to be the creative that I’ve always wanted to be, it wouldn’t be this difficult, existing wouldn’t feel like a burden or a waste.
I hear you. That voice can be so loud, and when it comes with what feels like real evidence, it’s even harder to tune out. But you’re not alone in this. It’s the battle so many of us face in creative work. Like anything in the craft, it takes patience and practice. You won’t shut it off overnight, but you can turn the volume down, little by little. Keep going. You’re not a burden. You’re becoming.
I needed a couple days to really sit with the grief and pain, but thank you so much for being a supportive voice in my period of creative transition! This newsletter and community you’ve created has unlocked a version of me that I had to put away because it didn’t ‘fit in’ with what I was taught or expected to be by the industry and even people close to me. I may need a break so I can start again in the way that feels true to me and brings my spark back 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
This is excellent down-to-earth practical advice. And also some sort of universal truth I think. Or rather, how life/the universe/consciousness/creativity might work. Agree with Jamila very liberating on all levels. Thank you!
This resonates heavily!! Made me think of the saying "All models are wrong, but some are useful", which I've heard a lot during my social sciences degree. Great reminder for everyone, but especially creatives, to not get stuck following rules and theories thinking you know everything; though they might help us gain an initial understanding, the point is to keep exploring, breaking, and expanding. :)
How liberating is this post?! Everything you write resonates. It hits right into the heart of us artists
Thank you for reading and being here!
Could not agree more! What a great post
Great content.
Thanks for reading!
“Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough probably isn’t even your own voice.
It’s a collection of every critique, every rejection, every hot take from a Reddit comment section or portfolio review or awkward conversation with someone who said “this doesn’t really work for me.” Over time, you’ve absorbed all of those opinions and rebranded them as your own internal monologue.” — This part hit me like a TRUCK. Unfortunately that voice, not only it being SO loud, has concrete evidence that supports what it tells me. If I’m meant to be the creative that I’ve always wanted to be, it wouldn’t be this difficult, existing wouldn’t feel like a burden or a waste.
I hear you. That voice can be so loud, and when it comes with what feels like real evidence, it’s even harder to tune out. But you’re not alone in this. It’s the battle so many of us face in creative work. Like anything in the craft, it takes patience and practice. You won’t shut it off overnight, but you can turn the volume down, little by little. Keep going. You’re not a burden. You’re becoming.
I needed a couple days to really sit with the grief and pain, but thank you so much for being a supportive voice in my period of creative transition! This newsletter and community you’ve created has unlocked a version of me that I had to put away because it didn’t ‘fit in’ with what I was taught or expected to be by the industry and even people close to me. I may need a break so I can start again in the way that feels true to me and brings my spark back 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
This is excellent down-to-earth practical advice. And also some sort of universal truth I think. Or rather, how life/the universe/consciousness/creativity might work. Agree with Jamila very liberating on all levels. Thank you!
Thanks for reading!
This resonates heavily!! Made me think of the saying "All models are wrong, but some are useful", which I've heard a lot during my social sciences degree. Great reminder for everyone, but especially creatives, to not get stuck following rules and theories thinking you know everything; though they might help us gain an initial understanding, the point is to keep exploring, breaking, and expanding. :)