Have you ever watched children playing? It’s carefree. It’s not full of concern or doubt or fear.

My kids play dress up a lot with various pieces of clothing that they decided make up a character’s costume. Usually, it looks nothing like that character, but they tell me that’s who they are.

They name their dolls, animals we see, and people they don’t know. My oldest is a little more grounded (most of the time), while my youngest comes up with the most off-the-wall thing she can think of. When the Easter Bunny brought them Barbies with horses this year, my big girl named her horse “Apple.” The little one went with “Spoiled Toss.” Another time, I asked my oldest what she would name an elephant if we bought one. Without missing a beat, she said “Pogo Stick.”

Of course.

Not once have they worried about what other people will think about their play, their outfits, or their naming convention. Not once have they felt silly. I actually doubt they’ve ever been embarrassed either. As part of a very creative family, they have been encouraged to explore and be themselves.

Alright fellow grownup, look at us now.

How often have we started to write something and felt pressure to do it a certain way? Wondered if it will be received well? Thought that our opinion might be a little too much?

And that has stopped us in our tracks.

How many books do you think have been halted in their infancy because people are afraid of others’ opinions? I’m sure a lot of them have been.

We straddle this line between perfection and critique, between judging ourselves and fearing the judgment of others. And sometimes it means that we come to a standstill, afraid to wobble, afraid to fall. Afraid that it won’t be perfect for us. Afraid that others will laugh when they aren’t supposed to. Or scowl. Or criticize.

Let’s widen that line to a safe field. A place to play where we have no fear of judgement. Where we listen to ourselves and lead with our hearts and go where we long to linger. Let’s escape to the edge of brilliance and chaos and light. Let’s create without judgement.

When we create the same way we did as children, when we focus on the enjoyment of the piece, on getting our ideas on paper, on growing, on developing into that butterfly, that’s when we escape perfection and judgement and move into our own bliss.

Absolutely set parameters. Define your audience and what they love. Define what they need. Define what you need. Then go. This is how you connect.

When you leave fear and skepticism in your mind, it appears in your work. In the sacred space between the words. Allow only for bravery, love, courage, and peace. For honesty and clarity.

This is more than what we did as children. The wisdom of our lifetimes with the breath of our childhood. On the page. On the post. On the site. From you to the world.

Write your truth and connect.