Throughout the year, I’ve focused on the positive elements of creativity – our motivations, the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, and the people who support and inspire us. Though I don’t like to dwell on them, I’ve also written about the people who drag us down. Whether it’s family or online critics, friends or writing peers, there always seems to be a Debbie Downer in the mix. Someone – intentionally or not – will always try to make you feel weird about what you love.
I still struggle with this, despite myself. I like reading and writing in a variety of genres, including what you might call “literary”, but I still find it hard to admit to enjoying comics and space opera and Dungeons and Dragons. I’d never call them guilty pleasures, because guilt is not an emotion I indulge, but I’m more likely to acknowledge that I read Frank O’Hara or Joyce Carol Oates before Philip K. Dick or Harvey Pekar.
Let’s dump that energy in the New Year. Your work is not for other people. Your work is for you. Maybe my D&D friends wouldn’t like my family drama and maybe my other friends wouldn’t be interested in my space epic, but I like them both, and that’s all that matters.
Today, think of someone who drags you down or inhibits you in some way. It might be someone who criticizes you or a fellow writer who is constantly in despair or disarray. Maybe there’s someone in your life who might think your interests are silly. Brainstorm what you might say to this person the next time you encounter their resistance. Think of something affirming but nonjudgmental, and practice saying it firmly and with the best intention. Even if you don’t get the chance to say it aloud, repeat your affirmation to yourself, as needed.