More often than not, when I encourage someone to express themselves through art, the first three words I hear are, “Oh, I can’t write / paint / sculpt / dance / play music…”

Why is “can’t” your impulsive reply? Perhaps because it’s hard to live in today’s world without hearing about someone who is the “best in the school / country / world / universe / wherever” at what she does. We live in a world where almost every moment is spent striving for excellence. With school, sports, friends, or work the pressure to excel is enormous. No wonder it’s easy to compare ourselves to everyone else while conveniently forgetting your most fundamental truth: They are not You.

Here’s what I suggest: Recognize you are unique. Only one of You exists on the planet at this moment. Your experience and artistry are yours alone. What matters is that you bring your art into the world in whatever way you can, using whatever means you have. Even Beethoven’s 5th Symphony can be played using a Stradivarius or an instrument made from someone else’s trash (look up “The Recycled Orchestra”). But it is always Beethoven’s 5th.

Now back to writing, especially poetry: Begin by writing a word or two or three (via pen and paper, computer, or in your own creative way). The blank space is your canvas – you’re completely free to throw words on it – what you write doesn’t have to be linear across the page, form complete sentences, or make sense. Own that freedom!

Here’s a quick example:

“word. elegant in its aloneness. brave enough to appear even though

sliding

down

the page

means standing out being different. becoming Art.”

As you begin putting letters and words on a page, your inner muse (yes, you have one) will waken and help you bring your own creation into the world. Go for it, our world needs You and Your Art J.

Taking some time to reflect on all the creative people in my life gives rise to thoughts I’d like to share with you. In the deepest depths of my soul I’m a poet. And there are muddy waters within that compel me to escape our world by living solo high on a New Mexico mesa, on a cliff open to the ravages of the sea or deep in the Appalachians. The short periods of time I’m able to do these things brings tremendous joy and creativity. I do my best writing when I am completely isolated and alone.

However… I also believe it is essential to build and celebrate a personal writing community. (Mine does actually include people, in addition to beloved trees, groundhogs, and clouds.) Yours too will include those who both nourish and support your work. Your community will grow with your art. In that process, you’ll have the opportunity to give back by supporting friends in their creative communities as well.

My creative community includes

• Writers - friends on the writing path I absolutely trust with my work:

• Poet sisters - my first and continuing group, my poet’s heart is safe with these women.

• Memoir group - listening to amazing stories from brave people helps nourish my own stories.

• Kid’s table - my newest group of incredibly creative friends in children’s literature.

• Editor(s) - Any work I share is edited first, including poetry.

• Others in the arts:

• Theatre - those who tirelessly work in theatre, especially community theatre.

• Documentary filmmakers - who bring another way of seeing the world into my life.

• Artists and musicians - all bring incredible richness of expression.

• Friends in the sciences - they keep me grounded and curious.

There are other important members of your creative community who can help you take your art to a higher level and out into the world:

• Mentors - You will find them and they will find you.

• Connectors - People who help you meet others who are important to your work, including gifted creatives who can help you market your work, build your website, and introduce you to those interested in promoting and selling (yes, it happens!) your work.

• Receivers - People who support the arts. Your audience: from people in your family, to fellow creatives, to people you don’t know but who want to connect with you at book signings and readings. (Yes, I believe in your potential to have those events!)

I’ve highlighted some of the members of my community here in my recommendations. I encourage you to build, nourish, and cherish your own writing community. Take a look at the people in your life and bring those who energize you creatively into a more immediate presence. They will help strengthen your gifts as you bring your own unique creative talents into our world.