This, I believe is the most important part of living a creative life. Fuck what other people think. I think Mark Manson said it best: “Not Giving A Fuck Does Not Mean Being Indifferent; It Means Being Comfortable With Being Different”

Living a creative life is an ongoing act of bravery. Every day you’re choosing to be different. Last week I wrote about how creativity takes courage and this goes even further down that train of thought.

I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted worrying about what other people might think of what I was doing. This was not without precedence. There are definitely people who would try to pull you off whatever pedestal they thought that you were on. Those people do not matter. Let me say that again… Those people do not matter. I assure you, it is most certainly not about you. It’s never about you. It’s about their own insecurity and lack of ability to express themselves. And you know what? You shouldn’t even bother trying to figure it out. You definitely don’t want to be at the end of your life, regretting that you didn’t try something because your Great Aunt Gladys might judge you.

So What should you Do?

Those who aren’t celebrating your differences, need to be held at arm’s length, at least. Actually, that’s not completely right. You’d be best served limiting any exposure to anyone who doesn’t support your weirdness, your creativity, your dreams. If your circle isn’t supportive and doesn’t encourage you to follow your authentic self, you need a new circle. If you need to, find a new community; in person, or online. There are so many great tools for you to find your own tribe. Start with a Facebook group dedicated to your passion. Maybe go to a meetup. Google it. Name your passion and your location. Example: “trapeze yoga in New York City” – replace with your passion and your location. You might be really surprised how many thing are open to you.

Be Gentle with Yourself

This attitude is like a muscle. You need to use it to build it up and give it strength. It’s ok to be nervous about it. Anything worthwhile is going to make you nervous at first. But if you push through and and really apply yourself to this idea, I promise that life will only get more creative and more interesting.