Expression

I like to think of self-expression as my art, in the very broadest sense of the word art. It is that which you create without judgement. Creating and output is based solely on your feelings, experiences, and perceptions.

So much of our lives is spent conforming, and mostly for good reasons. Following rules of society and the workplace allow us to be productive and live in harmony. Self-expression is our time to not conform. To just be ourselves. This can be freeing. It can also build resilience.

I’m not one to assert living under complete self-expression, all the time, to the point that we fall out of lockstep with society. That’s avoidance of another variety. Some people can take self-expression to such an extreme that they attempt to change others rather than evolve as individuals.

However, the regular, constructive dose of rebelling against your everyday life can be good for the soul.

Spirituality is an important part of well-being. Recognizing that there are things around us that we can feel but can’t touch, that is tough to describe and almost inexplicable, is important. Expressing yourself through your art can be a way to find spirituality without the bounds of religious dogma and judgment.

If nothing else, going through the process of self-expression can give us a break from the outside world. If we allow it, it can serve a purpose similar to meditation, where our mind is freed from external pressures. Getting lost in creativity can help rejuvenate our brains that can so easily overthink.

If someone is struggling with their emotions, really struggling because of something like drugs, trauma, or disease, it can be hard to describe what is truly ailing them. Art can be a conduit to discovering scary, uncomfortable, or complex emotions. Going through the creative process can stir up all sorts of feelings, maybe even help bring the unknown to the surface.

The rat race. The hamster wheel. Sometimes it feels as if life is a never-ending tail chase. Taking the time to create something and finish it can give us a sense of satisfaction that may not be realized with our relationships or career. OK, look at that, I like that. It may never leave the garage or the computer, but you will have known that you did that. You created something out of nothing.

Another way to think about self-expression is being a kid again. Just letting yourself go. Build crazy skyscrapers with Legos. Color a dog purple and the grass orange. Play dress up. Make believe you are nailing the game winner in game seven.

What form will your self-expression take? Experiment. Consider your passion, then think about getting creative with it. What form would it take if you were defining it, from scratch, starting now?

Sometimes expressing yourself requires overcoming fear. What if “they” don’t like it? What if it’s not exactly like I want it? What if I’m no good? There is no good and bad. There is no right or wrong. It is just you and your activity. From this perspective, just beginning to express yourself takes courage and begins to build resilience.

Working through the creation of your art, opportunities for self-discovery and self-awareness will likely arise. What is it about this activity that I enjoy? What benefits am I gaining from this? Is this the best form of my self-expression?

In the end, the hope is that some level of confidence is gained. Self-esteem improves. Feeling good in your own skin. Take a step toward discovering your authentic self.

Your expression can be a gift to the world. It starts with being a gift to yourself.