Beyond the Algorithms: A Return to Why.
Finding My Way Back to Authentic Expression
Beyond Journal is inspired by my passion to live an authentic life. My hope is that these letters make you feel seen, inspire you to live more intentionally, and remind you that you’re not alone in figuring it all out.
If you’re a creative, artist, dreamer or someone craving a gentler rhythm, you’re in the right place <3
I went to a painting workshop with Emily Powell on the weekend just past. Oh it brought out such a pure fire of dreaming and energy! I didn’t want to stop painting - even after 5 hours of it I went home and painted some more.
Emily’s studio was something out of a dream - an old stone barn with tall ceilings, white walls, wooden floor (colourfully splattered with paint) and to top it off, floor to ceiling window view over a Dartmoor valley in full Autumn swing.
During the last week I’ve found it so much harder to find words and to string a sentence together. On reflection perhaps I have found myself consuming more content from the varies streams of creators on various platforms and I always see this have a toll on my ability to hear my own voice.
Another thing that came to light, was my conviction that I had to find a formula with my writing. And so yesterday, I wrote something using a formula of such, but on my walk afterwards this undeniable feeling that the writing isn’t what I came to substack to share.
Just like the painting workshop taught me, following the guidance of Emily, we all would get our heads down and into our own work. The outcome, when collecting everyone’s painting in the center of the room to look at - we were all amazed at how we were painting the same thing, yet it all looked entirely different - with a few of us had distinct styles of our own.
This for me is what lights me up so fully and expansively that I called both my parents, my husband, anyone who’d listen to me - to express about the amazing day and how free I felt. Seeing yourself in your work, whether that is painting, writing, photographing (all three of which I find myself equally passionate about), is at the core of why.
I don’t yet know why this is important, I just know deep in my being I came here with my own point of view and my own way of creating and indeed sharing.
As creatives and especially us sensitive souls who have always tried to find a way to do our own thing full time, we have to come back to our original why: No games, no algorithm stroking, not doing it for the likes or to gain followers.
And having a reality check with myself - Substack isn’t my job, although I would be lying if I didn’t say I dream of being a full time writer, photographer and artist and could rely on my passions to quit my day job.
Creativity also has a rhythm and cycle, unique to everyone. For me, this is can be very dependent on my hormones. This is something I really noticed this month since committing to weekly letters on Substack.
I had an aphony yesterday after that walk and knowing what i’d written was garbage, if not literally, but at least to me and my creative journey. And that, maybe, I don’t need to show up every Thursday to be “worthy”.
Take the pressure off and once again remembering my why: It is my most precious journey and task, at this point in my life, to get back to my authentic expression and hone my unique voice and learn to trust it.
In a world filled with “How to’s”, “Do this to get X,Y,Z!” and promised to get rich quick and live the life you dream - there is no template that fits everyone. The online space can be equally inspiring as it can be bidding for our attention so we stop creating and dull our own voices.
At times I have questioned “Is art even important?” but really, what could be more important in a hurting world filled with copy-cats and daily heartbreaking news - than to find the beauty we see, share it and celebrate each other’s authentic artwork, however that looks and feels for you.
To make someone else feel something through a creation is no greater compliment in my books.
To stand in the world on your own two feet and be unapologetically you.
To experience and share the wonders and textures of life with each other through culture and art.
What a beautiful and important thing!