I really believe that creating and expressing ourselves is necessary. It feels personal to me when I create something and share it with someone else. Whether painting, cooking, writing, or even arranging flowers in a vase, there’s something about making that reflects a little bit of who we are... It’s like we’re wired to take what’s inside us and bring it out into the world in a tangible way.
Sometimes, I get this anxious, “pit of my stomach” feeling when I share my work.
It might be a craft, a homemade meal, or something I’ve written. I will create something that I take pride in. I am so excited to share it, and then I start to wonder how it will be received. I am no expert, but I think that mix of joy and insecurity is something many of us feel. We hold back from sharing the things we love, not because we don’t care, but because we care so deeply. There’s a quiet fear that being excited, proud, or expressive might be too much. Truthfully, taking up space by sharing what we love is not arrogance… it’s self-acceptance. It fosters a sense of belonging.
I spend 99% of my free time trying new crafts or recipes. I have so much fun getting flour all over the kitchen and staining my furniture with drops of paint. I usually feel very proud of whatever I create... But, when it comes to sharing it, I hesitate. I feel insecure, wondering if my work will be validated or dismissed. Will people think it's silly? Should I caption the photo with something about this being my first time, to excuse the imperfections? I worry I’ll come across as “showing off” … or, maybe it isn’t as good as I think it is… or, maybe (insert fear here).
Sharing our creative side is a powerful form of self-expression. When I share my art, I’m sharing because creating something makes me feel good, and I want to connect with others through that. Still, vulnerability is part of the process. Sharing something is showing a little piece of myself and opening the floor for discussion about it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially online. We scroll through beautifully curated posts, perfect photos, and strong opinions of others. It is important to remember that what we see online is often a highlight reel and not a full story. Behind every perfect picture is a messy process, a dozen failed tries, or a moment of doubt.
We all bring something valuable to the table - even if it’s small, imperfect, or still in progress.
We are allowed to recognize our own effort, growth, and creativity. You put time into developing your craft. It’s not selfish to be proud of what we make or who we are becoming. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I made this, and I love it.”. If something brings us joy or pride in any capacity, that’s reason enough to share it. You don’t have to wait for permission, reach perfection, or have someone else validate its worthiness first. Your work is worth appreciating. We might make someone feel less alone by showing real progress, for a change. Remembering that helps me share more freely.
In conclusion... Let yourself be proud. Let yourself post the photo, hang the craft on the wall, or pitch the idea. Sharing what fulfills us, with one person or a hundred, is a way of fully participating in our own lives and embracing our individuality.
