Remember It Is The Connections & Not The Heroin Of Validation

I have heard a repeating theme; in my own head and in the conversations around me. In response, I heard these words and drew them as seen in the attached ‪#‎handlettering‬ photo. 

As creatives, we 'expose' ourselves on a large scale, we dive down to the depths of our soul, and breath life to an entity we put away for safe keeping. Then we get brave, to show ourselves to friends, lovers and family. Hoping to feel the rush of being seen, accepted, connected.

We have protected it so well that we can't even hear our own self say that this creation is AMAZING. Seeking validation, we await the outside praise and hope like hell that we will find love and adoration from friends or strangers alike. 

we create to connect. we live to create.

We are addicts for connection and validation. But what we must remember;
to be creative you have to get authentic...
to allow the flow
from the depths to the light;
and in that travel
our connection is found. 

Not every one will love everything we create;
but everyone we connect with
loves that we are willing to show up and share. 

Artists, addicts, healthy or otherwise.. we are born to connect and when we retract, we starve an important part of our humanness and ultimately our creative self. Remember it is the connections and not the heroin of validation.