In the wise words of Alan Cohen, “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” So, from time to time, I make it a point to disconnect from the demands of work and simply let my hair down to relax.
Recently, I had the pleasure of doing just that with friends from my book club. We embarked on a delightful picnic, and amidst the planned activities, the prospect of painting emerged. Watercolors, brushes, and canvases beckoned our creative impulses.
At first, I hesitated, gripped by the fear of my own inexperience. Questions swirled: Where do I even begin? How does the brush feel on the canvas? What if my painting isn’t “good enough”?
While my friends eagerly dipped their brushes into vibrant hues, I found myself seeking refuge in the role of coordinator and discussion anchor, secretly avoiding the challenge of painting.
But then, a realization struck me. How could I, who encourages others to face their fears and reach their full potential, be cowering before a mere brush, paint, and a blank canvas? It was time to hold myself accountable, face my own fears, and embrace the unknown.
I seized the brush and confronted my self-doubt, as symbolized by the blank canvas before me.
From this experience, a valuable lesson emerged: the fear of being perceived as inadequate or unsuccessful often becomes a barrier to realizing our full potential. Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the pursuit of perfection can paralyze us, preventing us from taking that crucial step forward. The attachment to outcomes, whether success or failure, can become a suffocating constraint.
I decided to paint, knowing that even if the result was far from perfect, it wouldn’t define me. And so, I took the plunge and created my artwork. To my surprise, my fellow picnickers appreciated my effort, oblivious to the internal struggle I had faced. Their encouragement served as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest obstacle is our own self-doubt.
Ultimately, this experience taught me that it’s better to try and potentially fail than to never try at all. It was a valuable lesson in embracing vulnerability and allowing oneself to grow.