While he struggled to believe in himself and find acceptance or success with his art while alive, he is now known as one of the greatest artists of all time. Despite feeling deeply insecure of any form of criticism, today his paintings hang in museums around the world and bring joy to millions.
If only he’d known…
The tenents of his story are wildly familiar for many of us, myself included. We all have our own unique approach, gifts, wisdom and mastery, and yet it can sometimes be so difficult to believe in it… and to believe in ourselves. It can become easy to dismiss your own brilliance for fear that it’s just not good enough, or to allow fears of other's opinions to become a roadblock for sharing more and shining brighter.
Artistry comes in many forms and just as Van Gogh used paint as his medium, there many other ways to tap into your gifts and create your own personal masterpiece. So:
- What do you love to do?
- What brings you joy?
- What flows to and from you?
- What would you be doing more of right now, if you didn’t allow fear of failure or criticism to stop you?
Pondering the answers to these types of questions can provide you with a deeper glimpse into the mastery that exists within you. Are you willing to claim it?
There is so much more within you just waiting to be revealed. I hope that you can allow yourself to be motivated to believe in yourself just a little bit more, because… your light is needed!
– Vincent Van Gogh