The power of words and how they shape us.

Do you let the past influence who you are?

"I was told I wasn't good enough at art," shared a participant in one of my workshops.

At the beginning of a recent workshop I was conducting, I had a conversation that deeply moved me and resonated with my emotions, prompting me to share some of my personal experiences, observations, and thoughts.

It was that moment when you're greeting your new group of participants at your workshop for the day, engaging in conversation over a hot drink and learning a bit about them, when you detect a hint of anxiety. Remarks such as... I'm not very good at drawing, but I enjoy being creative, or I own a sketchbook and plenty of materials, yet I'm unsure how to use them effectively.

During a recent bird drawing workshop, a participant confided that their primary school teacher had once told them they weren't good enough to be an artist. It was evident that this comment, even after 40 years, was still affecting them and holding them back. Fortunately, with support from their family, they decided to join my workshop.

Beautiful exploration of birds on my bird drawing workshop

In a subsequent workshop a few days later, another participant expressed their personal concerns about not being able to paint realistically. Additionally, during my walk and sketch hike, someone else shared feelings of inadequacy, believing their drawings would never match the quality of their sister's, who is an art teacher.

Many of us hold onto remarks from various sources, some originating from adults during our childhood, while others arise from comparisons we make between ourselves and others. The intensity of this inner voice can differ; for some, it shouts loudly, potentially leading to a state of paralysis.

At the age of 7, I was informed that I might not achieve much since I wasn't considered 'academic'. While I was commended for my artistic skills, which were viewed as a 'natural' talent, this acknowledgment can sometimes feel diminishing because it implies that it's merely a gift and thus effortless for me.

The individuals mentioned, along with myself, experience these anxieties, yet we've all led successful and productive lives with numerous achievements. So, why do we continue to let this voice influence our emotions?

During a recent session with my creative coach, we talked about the negative voice that occasionally hinders me. She remarked, "You're a different person now, Lou. Why allow those childhood feelings to continue influencing who you are today?"

This is so clear and logical, so why couldn't I figure it out on my own?

I believe it's because it becomes so ingrained that it turns into a habit, much like brushing your teeth. Naturally, it ties into self-confidence, and if you've been criticised for any reason in your life, it tends to affect various areas, not just art, for instance.

As a secondary school teacher, I devoted much of my career to avoiding becoming the type of adult who makes young people feel inadequate. Ironically, in my new career, I now spend a lot of time addressing the impact words have had on the adults I lead. I concentrate on making sure that participants in my workshops feel supported, nurtured, and at ease sharing their anxieties. My aim is to help them regain confidence, not only in art but also when I guide them as an outdoor instructor.

I find it ironic because I haven't fully overcome my own negative voices; I still let them creep in and grow louder. However, perhaps my understanding of these feelings and my openness in discussing them provide participants with a supportive environment to begin addressing their own inner voices.

Through supporting others it in turn helps me to see that habits can be reformed.

The highlight was when that participant in my bird drawing workshop felt so welcomed and confident that they shared their bird paintings from a personal sketchbook with me at the end of the session. I feel this was because the fear of judgment and the negative voice instilled by their primary school teacher had finally quieted.