Encouragement of the day: You are enough

In this post, I want to encourage you. My encouragement is a reminder that you are enough.

You are enough.

I am enough.

We are enough.

There is nothing bad with taking inspiration from others. There is nothing wrong about waiting and reflecting. Still, in our society today, there are many messages we are constantly bombarded with every single day that state we don't measure up. Again, having a standard is acceptable. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be better, experimenting with different techniques or materials, and learning at the feet of teachers and people ahead of us.

But it is different, and it is something else when you are told and subsequently internalise this lie that you are not enough.

The work created from the lie is you have to strive to be anyone or anything other than yourself. Being yourself is essential in art and what we do as creatives because your uniqueness brings that unique perspective. Otherwise, you just become like everyone else, and by becoming like everyone else, you become invisible, and no one pays attention because you don't stand out in any way.

So, the very thing that we are trying to limit, change, chisel, cut out, hide, suppress, vanquish, subjugate, and erase, including our limitations and challenges, is the very thing we need. Instead, 'Be someone else.' But the truth is that everything you are, all the things that come with it, all the quirks, and your differences make you attractive and compelling.

Now, this is a continuous battle. We must continue fighting and resisting because the world doesn't like difference. The world wants cookie-cutter and sameness because this is what trends and commercial success are built on. However, commercial success always feels bland and wanting. It lacks soul and joie-de-vivre and it must be that way for it to be mass-produced.

Anyway, resist this and even another urge like it. There's no one on this earth like you. LITERALLY.

I know it hurts to not be accepted. I know it's hard to stand out or to be told you are too much, too little, or too...fill in the blank. Sometimes, it's even lonely.

However, push on despite this. And I remind you once again:

You are enough.

Fearfully and wonderfully made.

So take a deep breath in...and a breath out and repeat after me:

I am enough.

So, until we gather again, move towards your dream - one step at a time - no matter how small.