Matters To Me  by Nejella Photo Art
This is the final post in a series from our Special Guest Blogger for June – Tania Wojciechowski from manusmade. Tania has given us a beautiful series of posts on how to use creativity to reconnect with your authentic self. You can read the first post here, the second here, and the third here.
In this series, we’ve talked so far about how to get ourselves into a creative space – a space where our body feels comfortable and we can get out of our heads and into our creative hands, a space that is joyful and free, and a space that comes from within.
But what exactly is the point? Why do we create? And why do we want to create from an authentic place?
Why do people create?
Just because we can write well doesn’t mean we are going to write a book. And just because we can tap our toes in time to the music doesn’t mean we will become interpretive modern dancers. But there are many people who DO do those things…. Why?
Because it matters to them.
Making it matter
Creativity is choosing to make something that matters. It’s the ability to make unique connections, to take ideas and turn them into something you are proud of. Products you create are tangible expressions of your ideas and dreams, they are an example of how you interpret the world and of what you want to say. We, as creatives, create meaning in the world that is very personal and unique to ourselves.
When we really know the unique meaning we bring to the things we are creating, our creative process can be nothing but authentic to us!
Sounds easy, right?! Yes and no.
What gets in the way?
Part of the problem for us are all those things that get in our way… you know, little insignificant things like Fear! Expectations! Failure!
Yeesh, ok, maybe not so insignificant. These little things can make us freeze, doubt ourselves, and decided that what we are making is not good enough. It can be terrifying.
One day, just for fun (!), choose not to run away from those Biggies. I recently heard somewhere that if you are terrified and it feels like you are being chased by a tiger, it might be a good idea to turn around and actually check that that tiger has teeth!
Our fears are there for a reason – they are trying to talk to us, not paralyze us – if we feel anxious enough about something, we can rest assured that we truly care about it. We want our creation to be great because it’s something that’s close to our heart – it MATTERS to us. Those feelings of fear are how you know you are getting close to your most authentic self.
Share your unique meaning with the world!
When you find your own unique voice, that Meaning that feeds all your creative endeavours, there will be no stopping you!
The more in touch and clearer you can be with this essence, the more unique and vibrant your creative voice will be. You will no longer be making things just because other people like them – you will make them because YOU like them.
You will no longer worry about how your artwork will be received – you know it comes from a place of authentic expression and people won’t be able to stop themselves from wanting to hear more from your strong voice.
Not only will the pieces you make have a point of view, your life in general will have more meaning as you imbue all your small daily moments with more beauty, power, and authenticity.
Happy creating, everyone, my wish is that your own creative process will bring you closer to your best selves.
Tania xoxo
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Tania Wojciechowski is the owner of manusmade, where she makes modern goods for you and your home from natural materials.
She is passionate about helping people connect with their creative super powers, joy, and their authentic self through creative expression.
She feels most like herself when playing with linen and wool and everything tactile. The more she plays, the happier she is!