It pains me to see this. But so often I see talent restrained by a lack of confidence or courage.

Courage to be vulnerable.

Courage to put your creative work out there.

Courage to accept that not everyone is going to like it.

But that’s okay because you’re never there to please everyone.

If you make one person smile or feel important every day, that’s more than enough.

But more importantly expressing yourself and sharing is what drives our communities forward.

So next time you create something beautiful – whether it’s a speech, artwork, music, a project – have the courage to share it,

the wisdom to understand that it’s okay if people don’t like it

and the grace to respond to feedback and criticism through a lens of empathy and appreciation.

Reposted from my blog on Medium