When Fear Holds You Back

If you are an artist of any sort, then you may relate to the feeling of hesitancy when it comes to sharing your work. As a writer and introvert, I felt this the majority of my life.

I started writing poetry at the young age of 12, and I hid those poems with a passion. This fear, however, stayed with me and eventually held me back.

I refrained from seeking out writing contests and outlets, as well as performing my poetry at open mic nights. Eventually, I did begin to share my writing, which was mostly due to writing workshops I attended in college.

In retrospect, this fear of sharing my work held me back from truly growing as a writer and poet. If it would not have been for my writing workshops, professors, and friends, I don’t know where my writing would be today.

I think about the goals that I wish to reach regarding my poetry and creativity, and I can’t help but think about how much further along I would be if I wouldn’t have been so fearful.

It’s amazing how paralyzing fear can be, but as I’ve gotten older, I have come to realize that if I have some type of fear regarding my creativity, it usually means that that is the direction in which I need to go.

If I am having some sort of trepidation, then that path will only push me and my art to grow. In those moments of hesitation, I have learned to examine my fear and its causes, so that I can harness that energy and use it in my work.

It is not an easy process, and it requires a lot of self-reflection. In such moments, I have found journaling to be helpful in clearing my thoughts and in creating a plan-of-action.

Have you ever felt this way about your creative work?

Keep creating,
Marisol