Sticks and Stones

"Creativity takes courage."

Henri Matisse

Creativity soars as we are children and it is fostered during those years.  We don't realize there is an invisible point where our peers begin to shape our future. Judgment from ourselves tends to feel more kind than negative words from one other.  We are our own worst critic, and we hold fear of outside exposure.

At what point do we decide we no longer care about those negative words and focus all of our energy into our passion?  Do we wait until after our careers are over and move into retirement with passion we snuffed out previously?  Brilliant minds are often not honored while the person is living and it is not until after death that recognition is given.

Successful musicians, authors, and artists reflect years of trying to perfect a gift discovered early on.  They will detail numerous rejections and harsh words prior to finding a personal Nirvana.  Creativity is a difficult path to travel.  It takes courage to overcome the resistance we face.  "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," said by me, never!