what you don't know, you can learn
do you believe that if it’s not easy right away, it’s not meant for you?
Dear Creatives,
What you don't know, you can learn.
What you're not good at, you can practice.
Do you believe that what you want is too hard, impossible, or out of reach because of your limitations? Do you believe that if it’s not easy right away, it’s not meant for you?
What if the true reward is gaining a deeper understanding of how you move through challenges and transcend limitations? What if the true reward is showing yourself that your limiting beliefs aren't true?
Living a creative life requires self-trust, humility, and the willingness to be a beginner. It also requires a faith that your callings are yours for a reason.
I struggled with my book proposal for more than a year by myself, but once I started working with accountability partners and groups, I got it done in six months at a pace that was comfortable for me. I let go of the timeline and just focused on showing up for the daily chunks, asking for help when I got lost, and celebrating the milestones.
If you focus on taking one step at a time, keeping your bigger vision in mind, you will build courage, confidence, and clarity as you move through obstacles. Taking action, even small baby steps, provides you with information that reveals unexpected insights and demystifies the process.
Instead of asking yourself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ start asking yourself ‘What do I need? Who can help me? How can I look at this differently? What is this obstacle trying to teach me?’
It’s not a matter of if you can do it, it’s a matter of figuring out what works for you.
I used to tell myself that I was not skilled enough, disciplined enough, business savvy enough, or thick-skinned enough to be able to support myself as a writer. I believed there would never be enough time, never
Once I stopped beating myself up and arguing for my limitations, I got curious about what I could do without the disadvantaged narratives that were keeping me stuck.
Specifically in my writing journey, this meant letting go of rules and "should's", asking for help, admitting what I didn't know, finding people to learn with, experimenting over and over, taking risks based on the idea that I will either win or I will grow. I shared a video about this today on Instagram.
In the Inner Story Writing Circle, we approach our writing goals from the inside out, doing the inner work that cultivates a healthy creative mindset, so writers can get unstuck and get free to explore the possibilities that their writing journey has to offer.
What limitations are you attached to that are in the way of your creative growth? What’s one step you can take to find a pathway through it?
a book giveaway
Everyone who comments on any post that goes up between today and Thursday, January 25 will be entered to win a copy of author Natalie Lue’s book, The Joy of Saying No. I will be giving away one book here on Substack and one on Instagram. (I’ll be announcing the Instagram giveaway tomorrow.) You can enter both giveaways if you like!
In addition to receiving the book, the winners will be able to join us for our Author Visit with Natalie on January 27.
Continue reading to learn more.
coming soon:
Our first Inner Story Author Chat w/ Natalie Lue on January 27 at 10 am et
On January 27 at 10 am et, the Inner Story Writing Circle will be joined by author Natalie Lue to discuss her book, The Joy of Saying No: A Simple Plan to Stop People Pleasing, Reclaim Boundaries, and Say Yes to the Life You Want.
I’ve read other books about boundaries, but I was missing the deeper layers of why we people-please, how to heal the inner wounds that cause the behavior, and how to expand your nervous system to manage the uncomfortable feelings that come with taking your power back. Lue’s book is giving me meaning and self-understanding. In our session, Natalie will be answering questions about her book and her writing journey.
If you are not a member and would like to join us, you can purchase a copy of Natalie’s book (any format), email me proof of purchase, and I’ll send you the link to join us. Proof of purchase can be a photo of you with the book, a picture of your receipt, etc. You can also grab a copy from the library if you can access it that way.
write with me this weekend:
January 21 and 28. Journaling Techniques for Writing Memories (w/ The Writer’s Center) // 1 - 4 pm et
The older I get, the less I buy into that imposter syndrome BS, I can do anything I choose! Tanks for asking
I planned to comment anyway because I got so much from this post, including two journaling prompts that got my brain wheels spinning 😆
This year, though only two weeks in, is already providing evidence that my limiting beliefs are sometimes irrational and false and I need to remember that playing small should no longer a part of my process.
Also, Natalie’s book was life changing and while I have the audible, the physical book has been on my list to buy so that I can highlight and note so I’m throwing my name in the hat! 🤞🏾