For all my artist friends. This poem was inspired by a recent event.

Excited to be writing again, I read two new poems to someone who usually cheers me on about my gift. The timing of my reading wasn’t the best, as they had other things on their mind, so the reaction I was seeking wasn’t available.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a bad reaction at all. It just wasn’t their usual ‘and the crowd goes wild’ response I was anticipating.

That’s when I realized, I was looking outside myself for approval and validation to give me the go ahead to move forward, rather than trusting what I was feeling within.

See, isn’t it funny how we think it’s about us and take that to heart, feeling unvalidated or criticized, when truly it had nothing to do with us, or our creations, at all.

We all have our own thoughts going on. Remember this when seeking guidance or approval. Go within to your heart to stay connected, trust it’s guidance, and allow it’s love to pour out into everything and everyone around you.

And to all my artist friends… CREATE not for approval, but because you MUST. It is IN your heart.