Making art is not always easy. It looks like it should be. Children in kindergarten and certainly my grandsons make art with ease whether with a brush, marker, crayon or even a stick out in the yard.

All we must do is grab a brush, press play on that course, make a little something while dinner is in the crockpot.

But the moment we try being creative, something deeper starts stirring.

It’s not just about paint or paper. It’s about us.

It touches all the soft spots—our emotions, our self-worth, our stories.When we try being creative all the old rules about what’s allowed and what’s not come to the forefront of our minds.

And if you’ve been wondering, “Why is this so hard for me?” There’s a good reason. You’re likely carrying a lot.

Maybe a lifetime of putting other people first.(You’ve probably become so good at it that you don’t even realize you’re doing it.) Guilt that bubbles up when you finally sit down to take time for yourself. Fear—real, gut-deep fear—of being judged.

Or worse, that you’ll finally try and realize you’re “not good enough.” (Even though no one ever says what “good enough” actually means.)

Listen and watch the video to learn more!

Make Art~Be Happy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lynnhardin.substack.com/subscribe