Dear Creativity Blocker,

I get it. You don’t want me to do anything weird or unordinary because people might think it’s strange, or worse — that I am.

I appreciate that you are trying to protect me from humiliation, public, embarrassment, shame. Thank you for wanting to spare me the pain.

But I think it’s time to re-evaluate your job description. Surely you’ve always wanted to be free, like me? Why don’t you take a brief hiatus from protecting me to explore who you really want to be? What if you rode a motorcycle through the desert southwest? What if you learned to sail in the Caribbean Sea? What if you flew to Paris on a whim to drink wine and dine and dance in front of a sunset-soaked Eiffel Tower?

I’ll be right here when you get back, still thinking, writing, creating. It’s just that I, too, need some time for freedom. I need room to create without judgement. I need space to mess up without worrying what anyone will think. I need time to put my ideas to paper and put them out in the world without having to convince you, or anyone, that I AM WORTHY.

What do you say we make a deal and take a break from all the criticizing and doubt?

Lovingly yours,

Richelle