Self Expression

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

We discussed throughout this book the idea of choosing what we desire
and following our dreams. What stops many people from following their
joy is that they are afraid that their way of doing something it will not be
good enough or accepted. They compare what comes from them
naturally with what is considered the norm. That whole process of
conformity starts in school. They ask you to write a poem and then it is
compared to another poem and if it is in the same form then it gets an
"A". If it is different and has a form of its own then it gets a "D." When I
was in first grade the teacher asked us to draw a picture of a cat. When I
was finished my picture was considered so poor that I was told I have no
talent as far as art is concerned. I never drew or participated in any art
form after that.

Perhaps you decided that you couldn't paint because you are comparing
your form to another form. But the truth is you could no more paint like
Van Gogh then Van Gogh could paint like you. The difference is that
Van Gogh believed in himself and in his style of painting. That's the
magic.

No one can do what you do exactly the way you do it. This includes
business, the arts or any area of life. A person's self expression cannot
be judged other then by a total fool. What you do, whatever makes you
feel alive and joyful, is your unique expression. And it is probably the
only thing that will bring you true joy and excitement.

-Dr Robert Anthony