Back in 2005 when I was still just dreaming of having babies, I got really into what I called Baby Book Art. You know the stacks of books you now have with thick, cardboard pages with rounded edges? Some day if your tots have outgrown them and you’re not sure what to keep or give away, you could re-use them for art — something fun to do with your children, or just for yourself.
Supplies you need:
This is one of my art books — previously a book about the letter “I” — that served as art therapy for me as I danced around loathing myself and the fear that paralyzed me from fully pursuing anything. It is so interesting to me that having children has created an opening for me to become more courageous. Something about getting through childbirth, something about wanting to say and model an “I can, I will, I am” attitude for my girls…who knows? The fear of putting myself out there is still present — but I’m working on pushing past it and doing it anyway.
Do you relate to having played small at some point in your life?
My wish for you is that you’re living your own Big Life — for yourself and for your children — whatever that looks like for you. Remember the famous Marianne Williamson quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Tags: Playing Small
This is a great post! I never even thought about doing this. You’re right, having children forces you to be positive, because we want to be a good role model. I enjoy your site and have it linked to mine. Thanks for your honesty.