Brené Brown says, “There is nothing more vulnerable than creativity.
Be inspired by those who are bravely vulnerable to share their creativity with others ...
She raised her hands above her head, she thrust her bosom forward, a stamp on the ground then a swirl around … I watched that Macedonian woman dance free.
I didn’t understand the words, but I felt the music and its meaning drumming through my body. I wanted to be free, to dance with abandon, just like that Macedonian woman. She was 75 years young, dancing in the centre of a crowd, her body flowing free to the beat of the bouzouki.
I wanted to join her, only something held me back. Was it shame? Was it the voice of my conditioning, “You’re not a teenager anymore”, “You shouldn’t draw attention to yourself”, “What will people think?”
Mara’s story, “Spellbound by the Circus Spotlight” , featured in Daily Inspired Life, inspired me to free myself to dance with abandon.
Mara shared a few moments that resonated with me … “I saw a woman flying in the air. She wore a turquoise costume with oriental accents … She was flying free like the wind. I was awestruck. I wanted to fly like the woman in the turquoise dress.”
Mara goes on to share how at first, she was embarrassed to reveal that she thought she could someday fly as beautifully as the woman in the turquoise dress.
Photograph of Mara in "Spellbound by the Circus Spotlight"
Are You Willing To Be Vulnerable & Share Your Creativity With Others?
How often are we embarrassed to admit our dreams out-loud or embarrassed to share our artistry or creativity openly with others?
For me, it is dance. I love to dance and express myself creativity through this art-form.
Inspired by Mara’s story, I decided to go to the beach and dance before the sunset. I let myself go, dancing to the sound of the water lapping at the shore. I spun around floating in the breeze, my skirt brushing against my legs. I laughed out loud, delighted UNTIL …
Two men riding past turned to look. I kept dancing, but awkwardly, I was frozen on the inside, “crazy woman” - it was my voice, not theirs. And there it was again … my shame speaking louder than the joy I was experiencing.
I checked myself. I thought of Mara and her story and how she found a way to fly free. I began to dance again.
Is there something holding you back from freely expressing yourself?
Are you a photographer who fears sharing your work? An artist whose work the world is yet to experience? Are you someone who finds pleasure in singing, yet feels you’re never good enough to share that pleasure with others. Are you a writer or do you have a story that you want to share, but something holds you back?
Brené Brown says, “There is nothing more vulnerable than creativity. . . It's not about winning, it's not about losing, it's about showing up and being seen”.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
Let’s celebrate our creativity. Let’s lift each other up and be inspired by the brave ones, the Mara's, the Macedonian woman and others who are vulnerable and share themselves with the world.
I invite you to comment on the topic of self-expression, vulnerability and creativity in the box below .
~ Karletta Marie
This is a sweet reminder to allow our creative soul to shine always. Living in freedom to do what makes us smile and happy while also inspiring others to live their best life!
I love this. So often we don’t do something out of fear of others, so this is wonderful advice!
-Madi xo
Awesome post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
This is a great post! I was actually afraid of starting my own blog, but I decided to take the leap, and it’s been the greatest decision of my life!
Lovely post 🙂 thanks for sharing. I am actually scared of dancing so I had to read it 😆
We should always do whatever makes us happy and not care if people call us crazy :)). Loved your story