Embracing the Light of Inspiration
Creativity is a process of embodiment that requires honesty and originality, not perfectionism and constant productivity.
It’s a new beginning. Today, we celebrate Imbolc, a sacred day that marks the growing light of the sun. Nature is awakening, inspiring us with fresh insights. The Celtic Goddess Brigid is honored during Imbolc. Since ancient times, she has been associated with spring and fertility. Originally revered as a Celtic Goddess, she was later adopted by the Church as a saint. She is the keeper of the sacred flame and the Goddess of the hearth. As a triple Goddess, Brigid embodies different aspects. Her fire inspires poets, artists, and musicians to create with joy and embark on new ventures. This is why she is called "the Goddess whom poets adore." She watches over blacksmiths as they forge their tools in her alchemical fire and is also known for her healing gifts and magical wells. Brigid reminds me that healing and art go hand in hand.
Today, on my walk through the forest, I noticed snowdrops—an early promise of spring's return. A beautiful reminder to bring my ideas, visions, and aspirations to life. Creativity has a magical way of reconnecting me with my true self. Art is a sacred bridge between the dream world and the waking world. Now is the time to take the pressure off and infuse my writing process with joy. I remind myself that I don’t need to be better than I am. Seriousness can easily take over at times. There is nothing wrong with being goal-oriented and having deadlines; in fact, structure benefits me. It helps me to stay practical and turn my dreams into reality. But structure should never become so rigid that it leaves no room to breathe, daydream, relax, and rest.
There is no avoiding it: not everyone will like my art, writing, or music. And that’s okay. Art is subjective. We all have a unique taste palate, and diversity is what makes art so interesting and beautiful. I am experiencing a breakthrough. I am beginning to believe in myself and recognize the value of my work. Now, I work with my nature rather than against it. I create according to my own rhythm, at a pace I can sustain for the long run. I want to write, make art, and play music for the rest of my life. It feels like what I came here to do—it fills my life with meaning, joy, and wonder.
Can I truly do what I love most? Can life really be that simple? For a while, I doubted it. I thought I needed to fit into a clearly defined role and pathway. But trying to force myself into a box or one avenue never worked. All this time, the child within me has simply wanted to create art. I love experimenting with styles, mediums, and forms of expression. So why limit myself to just one? There is a blessing in allowing myself to play and explore.
What many people don’t know is that I write a lot of nonsense every week that no one will ever read. I have a collection of "shitty" practice pieces that will never be seen. I have endless voice notes filled with songs and melodies that will never be heard. Oh, how I wish I had understood this sooner! It’s all part of the creative process. If I had embraced failure as a natural part of learning, I could have saved myself so much self-criticism and doubt. Now, I see my failures, missteps, and practice pieces as stepping stones along my artistic journey. Creativity is a process of embodiment that requires honesty and originality, not perfectionism and constant productivity.
Nature doesn’t bloom all year round, and I shouldn’t expect myself to be productive like a machine. I am a creative being, born from nature, and her creative intelligence flows through me. When I stop chasing, slow down, and listen, her blessings find me. My advice for you isn’t to work harder or smarter. Instead, I hope to inspire you to find moments of wonder and joy each day. I cherish the sight of snowdrops appearing out of nowhere, knowing that spring is on its way.