Do You Ever Feel Like an Imposter?

You’re not alone.

I arrived at the art gallery in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood where I was going to perform my short story in front of an audience. I had written the piece based on my interpretation of a piece of art. Colorful paintings and talented artists were everywhere, and I immediately was grateful to be surrounded by so much creativity.

When I checked in, the event organizers gave me an artist’s badge. I corrected them and said, “I am a writer, not an artist.” They then corrected me and said, “you all are artists.”

It took me a minute to not feel like an imposter. Isn’t that a feeling that so many of us experience? I wandered around the room, telling myself to own it. There was a reason I was invited here.

I Wish I Could Sing

I used to write lyrics, and singers would tell me they envied my ability to write. I would then tell them I envy their ability to sing. We would tell one another it’s not that difficult.

It’s funny the lens through which we view ourselves. That lens is often a bit blurry because it’s covered with a layer of our own skepticism, self doubt and even a bit of insecurity.

Wearing that artist’s badge actually gave me an extra boost of confidence. Amongst many spectators, guests and observers, I was one of a handful of chosen artists.

“Art creates a profound connection between the artist and the audience. Through that connection, both can heal.” — Rick Rubin

Our Mind’s Colorful Palette

After the writers read their poetry and short stories, and after the painters talked a bit about what inspired their pieces, I spoke with family and friends who had attended the event. Their takeaways, I now realize, were artistic, as well. Their own histories and fears and hopes turned into observations — their own unique, stylized interpretations.

Ever since that event I’ve been thinking about the definition of “an artist.” I’ve also been more comfortable and proud with attaching that label to myself.

Today I opened a book that was gifted to me called “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. On the very first page of the book, Rubin says “creativity doesn’t exclusively relate to making art. We all engage in this act on a daily basis.” What a way to captivate the reader immediately and to make each of us believe in our own abilities.

I love this idea that just by existing we are creative beings. We have the tools to analyze, observe and create our own thoughts. We all, therefore, are artists.

That Burning Need

As we all know and understand, artists need to create. I feel fortunate to know that feeling — that compulsion of having to write a poem or a book outline, even if it is three in the morning. When certain thoughts are taking over my mind, it feels like an actual necessity to get them out on paper.

The reason I say I’m fortunate for those middle-of-the-night shouts from within my soul are because that makes me feel so alive. That reminds me of my unique existence on this earth. It lifts me and encourages me to believe I have purpose during my time here.

That feeling, that need to create, is at our disposal. It is right at all of our fingertips. Maybe you feel that way when you are out planting in the garden. Maybe you feel that way when you are standing in front of the stove coming up with an unexpected dish or just adding your flair to a recipe. Maybe you get that feeling when you are giving considerate advice to a dear friend.

Wear That Badge Proudly

Do not sell yourself short. Don’t feel as I did that evening when the artist’s badge was placed around my neck. Instead of questioning whether or not you are an artist, know deep in your bones that you are.

Awareness is a great place to start embracing your inner creative. Whether you are taking a walk or driving in your car or laying on the floor petting your dog, tap in to all of your senses. Give yourself time to feel and consider what is right before you.

I used to often drive to the lake when my thoughts were tangled — when my purpose was unclear. The waves would carry my thoughts in unexpected directions.

“The closer we can get to the natural world, the sooner we start to realize we are not separate.”

Now more than ever, we need to feel linked to one another … to feel less divided … to feel we are all part of something good. We most certainly are not separate.

So, what do you do to feel connected to nature, to others and to yourself? What is your art?