Hide and seek
“Artists are people driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide…It is a joy to be hidden and a disaster not to be found.”
- D.W. Winnicott
We are all artists.
Now, before you roll your eyes
And think about all the artistic skills you don’t have, hear me out:
We all have things we want to communicate -
The truth about who we are, our wants and needs, our deep desires.
And on the surface it seems easy, doesn’t it?
Just open our mouths and let the words come out.
But you and I both know it’s never that simple.
Finding the right words, the right audience, the right opportunity;
It seems to take as much luck as it does skill.
It’s not always the right time to reveal our truths.
The person we need to share with may not be in a place where they can listen.
We aren’t always ready to share.
We all have things about us that we’re terrified to share with others -
Our fears, our insecurities, or secret shame-filled moments.
We worry about what others might think if they find out.
We worry about how we might feel if we actually say those words out loud.
We worry that speaking them would somehow make our worst worries become real.
That we’ll actually discover we are unlovable.
That we have peaked and our best successes are already behind us.
That we will never be as smart or good looking or capable as we want to be.
That we are broken. And broken beyond repair.
So despite our deep need to be seen, we hide ourselves away,
Terrified that someone will see us.
And also, at the same time, deeply afraid we will never be seen.
It tears at us, these two opposites.
And we live in the tension between wanting to be seen,
NEEDING to be seen,
And terrified of it actually happening.
So we reveal that feels safe.
We let bits and pieces of ourselves be seen by those we trust.
We move at our own pace.
But we don’t feel whole.
We know we won’t be whole until we are seen.
What if we could see ourselves clearly?
What if we could see and witness and celebrate the wonder that we are?
What if there was a way for you and I to practice truly being who we are?
What if we could communicate so clearly and know we would be understood?
What if we could stop hiding and truly be found?
My friend, journaling can provide that.
Journaling can be the way by which you communicate.
The means by which you truly express yourself.
The place where you discover who you truly are.
Journaling can be where you practice speaking your truths
And practice really seeing yourself.
Journaling can be where you start understanding
Both how you are and why you are
So you can recognize the truest version of you
And know when it’s time to share it with the world.
Journaling can ease the tension between
Our desire to communicate and our desire to hide
By giving us a safe place to play
And a safe place to land.
Wouldn’t it be a disaster if you never found yourself?
There’s no one else in the world exactly like you -
No one else with your exact combination
Of gifts, skills, talents, experiences
There’s no one else in the world who can do what you do
Exactly the way that you do it.
And we need you.
But the only way you can bring your whole, best self
Is if you know your whole, best self.
You can do this.
I believe in you.
Please reach out if you need support or a cheerleader.
💛
Doing the work is easier when we do it together.
If you’re looking for support, I can help.
Our Journaling for Growth Community blends solo reflection and magical group journaling sessions to help you learn to know and love yourself like never before. Over the next three months, we’ll be focusing on Money Mindset, Gratitude, and Year End Refection and Goal Setting. Our first prompt about Money Mindset goes out tonight! Learn more and register here.
I work with folks 1:1 to design and build your custom journal practice. We build your practice to support your goals so you can live the life you dream. Schedule your free consultation here.
Looking to bring journaling to your organization or group? I lead instructional workshops and group journaling sessions, and I can customize the sessions with your group’s goals in mind. Let’s talk about what you need.
This Week’s Journal Prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What truths are you ready to share with the world?
What truths about yourself are you ready to admit to yourself?
Which parts of yourself are clamoring to be acknowledged?
How can you honor and celebrate who you are?
How can you show yourself compassion and patience as you do this work?
Happy Journaling!