Dear Enchantress,

By Shane Kulman
I’ve always felt a deep longing to express myself creatively, but every time I try, I get overwhelmed by self-doubt and the fear of judgment. How can I step into my authentic self and share my gifts with the world without letting fear hold me back?
Sincerely,
Hidden Spark
Dear Hidden Spark,
Thank you for your heartfelt question. It takes courage to admit your fears, and even writing to me is a step toward embracing your authentic self. Let’s explore how you can move from feeling stuck to confidently expressing your creativity.
First, remember this truth: your gifts are uniquely yours. No one else in the world can offer what you can. The longing you feel to create isn’t random—it’s a call from within, urging you to share your light. By holding back, you’re denying both yourself and the world the beauty of your contribution. Start by affirming that your creative voice deserves to exist.
Self-doubt often thrives in isolation, so challenge it by connecting with others. Seek out communities of supportive, like-minded creatives. Sharing your work in a safe space can help you build confidence and shift your focus from fearing judgment to celebrating connection. Constructive feedback, encouragement, and camaraderie will fuel your courage.
Next, confront the fear of judgment by reframing its power. Ask yourself: Who are these people whose opinions I’m so afraid of? Often, the fear stems from imagined critics rather than actual individuals. Even if someone doesn’t resonate with your work, it doesn’t diminish its worth. Remember, art is subjective, and your audience will find you when you’re true to yourself.
One powerful tool is to start small and stay consistent. Commit to a daily or weekly practice that nurtures your creativity—write a paragraph, sketch for five minutes, or sing a song just for you. These small, manageable actions help you build trust with yourself and reinforce your ability to follow through.
Perfectionism can be another sneaky roadblock. Embrace the idea of progress over perfection. Your creative journey doesn’t need to be flawless; it just needs to be authentic. Allow yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. The imperfections often make your work more relatable and human.
Finally, anchor your courage in your purpose. Why do you want to create? Who do you hope to inspire or uplift? When your focus shifts from fear to service, it becomes easier to push through the discomfort. Remember, it’s not about being fearless but about taking action despite fear.
You are meant to shine, Hidden Spark. Start small, connect with others, and nurture your creativity daily. Bit by bit, your confidence will grow, and fear will lose its grip.
Keep creating. The world needs your light.
With enchantment and encouragement,
The Enchantress
If you have any questions for Shane to respond to, or would like to work her in your own life, email her at love@enchantedembodiment.com