A sketch in my sketchbook using blue pens: Uniball Signo Impact 207 (permanent) and Pilot G-2 10 (water soluble)
This is me...giving YOU...permission to be that person.
If you only knew how many times I've heard, when out in public, "I always wished I could draw" or "I always wished I could be a skirt-wearer" or "I always wished I could be a hat-wearer". It makes me think of how many times I said something like that to myself. And really, the only difference between wishing to be that type of person and BEING that type of person...is doing it.
It's really that simple. So, if you want to be a hat-person...then put on a hat and wear it.
If you want to be a skirt wearing person...then put on a skirt and wear it.
If you want to be an artist...than grab the first drawing instrument in front of you and make marks on paper. You are not an imposter, and you don't need someone else's permission.
There will always be uncomfortableness at first. It won't feel like you, or you may feel like you don't know what you are doing. But do it anyway. Every day. The more you do it, or the more you put it on, it will begin to feel more normal. Remind yourself that you have every right to wear that, or do that, or draw that. You have the permission to try and try again. No one is EVER good at their first attempt at something. That is where trial and practice come in.
Some people try something and then instantly judge themselves. They may feel intimidated about other people's perceived judgement or they don't like the uncomfortableness so they think they aren't meant to wear that or do that. Don't let that stop you. Do it, then do it again, and again, and it will begin to feel like you. It will grow to be a part of you or what you do or who you are.
If you want to draw but feel stifled then change the way you think about it or how you talk to yourself. If you try to draw your dog, and don't like the way it looks, don't stop. Try it again. Or don't focus on whether it is 'good', but try focusing on the process. Play with it. Think about experimenting with colors, or how they change when you overlay them. Try making different textures. Think about experimenting with how some ink pens bleed and how some are permanent. Try exploring other artist's way of drawing or painting. Try following other artists on Instagram or YouTube and deciphering what it is or what you like about their work and try doing that. Don't let your mind stop you from getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
The same goes for wearing something new. Don't let your mind talk you out of it but explore different versions of that item. For instance, I remember a time that I said to myself "I love seeing suits and blazers but I could never wear them" and the sales person said something that stuck with me, she said "then you just haven't found the right style yet; there is a style or cut that suits everyone". I remember that and apply it to so many areas of my life.
Not every style looks good on everyone, so be willing to experiment. If you want to be a hat-wearer, and you try on a hat and don't like the way it looks then don't dismiss all hats, but ask yourself why. If you don't like the way it feels, then try a different fabric or material. If you don't like how you look in it, figure out why. Do you need one with a brim? Or is brimless better for your face shape? Do you need something smaller or larger to balance your proportions? Do you need something more classic or more sporty? Does a taller crown flatter your face or would a shallower crown be more suited for your head size? There are lots of choices. Even if it feels odd at first, the more you wear it, the more it will feel like you!
I always liked the look of skirts and wanted to be a skirt wearing person. So I tried and tried many different styles and lengths, and little by little I am learning what I like on me. Now, it feels like 'me' to wear them. To wear them in winter...find tights that you like. Wear them with boots or sneakers in summer. Wear them for dressing up or dressing down. The more you wear them, the more they'll feel like you. And don't stop until you find a style that is flattering. Keep trying.
What type of 'person' do you aspire to be? An athlete? Then you know what to do...start by putting on your sneakers and going for a walk. Take that first step. You want to be a more organized person? Then, make a list of things to do. You want to learn something new? I'm sure there is a video out there to demonstrate that very thing.
I think the Nike slogan says it best "Just do it". I like to take it a step further by saying if you 'do it' you will 'be it'. If you wear boots, then you are a boot-wearer. If you like to draw sunsets, then you are an artist. If you do kind deeds, then you are a kind person. We each have permission to do those things and be those types of people.
I'm working on it.
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