Here’s a quote (from Seth Godin’s blog) that will change your life if you really absorb it’s meaning:
I don’t know French. I can’t play the piano. I have no clue how to catch a bony spinefish. This is the first kind of don’t know. Stuff you don’t know because you haven’t been taught it yet. Books are awfully good at solving this problem, so are good teachers.
The second kind of ‘don’t know’ is often confused with the first type, but it’s really quite different. This is the person who says they don’t know how to cook, or that they can’t balance a checkbook. This isn’t about technique or a lack of knowledge. It’s usually either fear or lack of interest. People with this type of deficit won’t find the answer in a book or (usually) in a seminar either. You don’t learn how to cook from a cookbook.
The answer lies in trial and error and motivation and in overcoming the fear that makes us avoid the topic in the first place.
Does it ever drive you crazy when you meet a person who says that they aren’t creative or they can’t stamp? This quote seemed to sum it all up for me in one word—it’s about fear!
Once upon a time I thought I wasn’t creative. Then someone sent me a box of stamps to play with. From there I’ve taught myself how to stamp, scrap, knit, crochet, sew, quilt and make altered art objects. I feel like I can do anything now.
So, let me ask you, what’s holding you back from your dreams? Don’t say you can’t do it… it’s probably just fear anyway!
Happy stamping!
Thanks for sharing this Nicole. It really is true. Although I have been stamping for years (and I’m a demo that teaches others to stamp) I don’t consider myself naturally creative, but I have taught myself how to create by reading mags,
SCS, blogs, TJ newsletters, etc., and using some wonderful tools that we have available in our crafting world. Why do I claim to not be creative???? FEAR that someone will expect something awesome from me! (What is admitted at your blog stays at your blog, right?)
LOL! Right. Your secret is safe with me.
Love that quote! Soooo true. Yes, some people have an inborn knack for “creative stuff,” but like any other skill, it can be learned. I once heard (or maybe read?) about an instructor who was sick of hearing people say that they didn’t have a creative bone in their body. Well, her response was that these sorts of pursuits came from the heart. So as long as your blood is flowing, take the time to learn a technique and play!!
Great article Nicole!!!
What an awesome post! So true! Thanks for sharing!
This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing!