Dear 8-year-old me,
I hope this letter finds you surrounded by colors and creativity, just as I remember you. I want to remind you of something very important: your passion and creativity are special and something you should never give up on.
There will be times when you feel unsure or self-conscious about your art. You will feel vulnerable because you will express deeply personal things that you can’t say with words. You will unfairly compare your work to others. But let me tell you a secret: art is not about being perfect or fitting in. It's about expressing yourself and your unique perspective. It’s about telling your story, so keep telling your story.
You will experience self doubt when others see your work. You will hide your creations in a box or in a closet for years out of fear of rejection. But don’t worry about what others think or do. Your art is a reflection of who YOU are, NOT them and there's nothing more beautiful than authenticity.
Some people will not be authentic. Some of the closest people to you will betray your trust and try to dim your light. Many won’t support you. But don't let their actions dull your shine. Don’t let it make you bitter. Keep creating. Your art will provide a sense of purpose and allow you to make sense of the world around you. It will help process your emotions and to find beauty in even the darkest of times. Life is going to hurt, but your art will be your sanctuary, your safe place.
Embrace your uniqueness. Believe in yourself. Trust your abilities. Stay true to your vision because your best ideas are ahead of you. You, beautiful girl, were created to create.
With love and encouragement to never stop creating,
43-year-old