As we did in yesterday’s exercise, let’s consider two counter-commitments again today:

  • I commit to empowering people around me.
  • I commit to holding back those around me, so that we won’t grow apart.

These questions may be harder to contemplate, but they’re important.

As a creative person, do you hold back because you don’t want to outshine someone else? Are you afraid that success will disrupt your writing group or the community you’ve built around the idea of wanting to be successful, rather than being successful? Do you dim your light because friends or family members have tried to diminish it before or because they have let their own die out?

These are natural – and probably very common – fears, but they aren’t healthy. The world is full of frustrated artists and creatives who’ve never tried.

If you have these fears, take some time today to consider what you’re afraid of. Do you fear losing friendships or leaving someone behind? Are you afraid of being left behind yourself?

How can you let go of these fears and commit to empowering yourself and your creative community?