Sometimes we notice when other people are creative, and it inspires us. But sometimes, attributing creativity to others can influence us in an unwanted way.

The other day I met somebody interested in my in-person classes. While introducing herself, she said: “My sister is an outstanding painter. Since childhood, I felt like ‘she has this gift and I do not. ‘ ”

I pictured her as a little girl watching her sister draw, admiring her drawings. She might have thought: “She has a gift”. There is nothing wrong with that. But the moment when the other part of the sentence “… and I do not ” slipped into her mind – was a nasty moment. Cause it made her stop creating.

So I want to reach out to all the people who have had a similar experience. The world is full of friends, sisters, and cousins who could draw beautiful princesses and cars when they were five years old. But it doesn’t mean they ever had (or ever will have) a monopoly on making art. And their gift (or lack of) doesn’t have anything to do with your creativity.

Instead of focusing on other people’s art, focus on making yours. Stay present – wherever you are on your creative journey. Enjoy it. Reclaim your right to art-making.