Ever thought “that’s just not me”…?

 Dear Passion Seeker,

Have you ever wanted to be something you always thought you "weren't"?

I’ve never really considered myself an artist even though, for 25+ years in corporate and agency life, I worked with “creatives.” We partnered, solved problems and sweated metaphorical blood for clients together. But, I never saw myself as one of them – their genius often lived on an entirely different level. 

That's why being part of an Artists Market on Saturday felt like stepping into slightly wobbly territory!

My stall was alongside people who were, in every sense, Artisans With A Capital A. One had blown beautiful glass pieces, another had crafted intricate wooden lanterns from a laser cutter in her shed (?!). And there I was, with "Born to Buzz"...

I met some lovely people, had some beautiful conversations, gave some (temporary) tattoos to kids and sold some books.

One guy though, walked up looking like he was trying to figure me out and said "So, you *just* have the book?..." (Wooooaaah!)

(I had to laugh: sure, yeah, "just" years of my life, mate! Needless to say, he didn't buy one;)

I signed up for the market knowing full well I'd live one of the "Sparks" in the book: "We Ignore Labels". 

Labels can hold us back. They can make us feel like we don’t belong, that we’re not qualified, that our version of creativity doesn’t count.

However, to do more of what we love, sometimes we have to push those labels. 

Labels: bring it on! 

There are various ways of working with labels: we either ignore them altogether and do the thing anyway, we accept that we DO belong and merrily embrace the label, or adapt the label to who we are, or who we want to be more of. Only you will know what is right for you, so take some time to decide which step you'll take. 

Patience: challenging or even ignoring labels takes time!

Testing those limits doesn't mean quitting everything to do it – but you can dip your toe in, just like I did this weekend, to see how it feels and to begin to live it. You don't need to feel 100% part of something to DO IT!

Recognize the labels you've outgrown.

Sometimes, we outgrow the labels we’ve worn for years, we just haven’t noticed yet.

This month, pay attention to the moments when you feel a bit “wobbly.” That’s usually a sign you’re stretching who you are, and although it can feel uncomfortable, it's a sign you're making your own path.

Can't wait to see what you do...

Laura

Founder, Passion Collective