How much are other people's opinions costing you?

I recently wrote to my subscribers about how an art teacher very nearly destroyed my enthusiasm to create my own art, with a year end report. The report said "Acrylics are not Angela's friend" - rude!

I wanted to share my experience with others so that they could see that you don't need to take on the opinions of others, even if they are a so-called 'expert'.

As always I asked my subscribers to get in touch and a number of you have. But what was most unexpected was that the messages were about how these ladies had overcome the fear of other people's opinions through trying some of my classes, and letting go of the outcome.

I was so excited by this I created a video message for you so you can hear my voice instead of just my written words, and I have a question to ask you ..... How much are other people's opinions costing you? What are you stopping yourself from trying for fear of what others might think. And .... actually what if their reaction is completely different to what you expect?

But don't just take my word for it - please listen to the lovely Fiona who wrote to me with her inspiring and heartfelt story:

"When I first started high school at 12 years old we had mandatory art for the first year.  My art teacher wasn't well disposed towards me, I understand a little more now about adults and not all of them are going to like you or be non-judgemental but at that age I absorbed every criticism directed at me, because, well, adults...they know everything and are always right.   

She basically told me I would never be any good at art and tended to either ignore me or cover me in disdain.  So, I did not keep doing art once it became optional in my second year and happily focussed on maths and science instead, feeling it was set in stone that I had no creativity whatsoever so I might as well focus on academic stuff. My lovely family are all talented in one way or another, handcrafts, music, art, photography and even one of them who bakes picture (and taste) perfect goodies for us all the time and I just figured it skipped a gene with me. My Mum especially has produced so many paintings in the last 60 years and I have scored quite a number of them for my walls.

Back in February I was at a loose end when my lovely cousin asked me if I would consider coming and splashing some watercolour about with her and my Mum, (who is 93 and living in a care facility).  I figured "why not", it can't hurt to spend time with her and my beautiful Mum.  By the end of an hour I was so captivated I went straight to the shop and bought some watercolours (and some salt) to splash about on my own, and since then I have thrown myself at drawing, watercolour, mixed media, collage and anything else that appears, and I found I don't suck at it!

I had been giving that power to some random teacher for so many years, and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to discover she was wrong, and the pure pleasure of colour and creativity is like a magic pill which lifts your mood and makes you smile.  

That lovely cousin was the one who suggested I have a play with Tam's Mastering Mixed Media and then told me even if I was running out of time I just HAD to do your session.  And so here I am , an avid follower of your lessons - I have jumped on all but the but the big expensive one (for $$ reasons) and have loved every single one of them.  🙂 ❤️

I hope your sewing is going well and things are sweet in your world.

All my very best

Fiona"

This message actually brought a tear to my eye, firstly for the time lost because of Fiona giving away her power to an adult who should have known better. But mainly I was touched because she has overcome this fear and in her own words she found that she does not suck at it!

How exciting is that? To rediscover the passion to create - whether it is painting, sketching, sewing, knitting, gardening, cooking .... the list is endless.

So if you weren't afraid of other people's opinions of you or what you create - what would you allow yourself to do?

Please reach out and let me know - I absolutely love to receive your emails.

Much love

Angela

Email: [email protected]