As a feminist, I noticed that it was a girl who asked that question. The idea of self-doubt as well as external barriers to creativity and self-expression has historically been very gendered. (Although of course, not exclusively so).
That was brave of you to speak in front of your son. I'd be a thousand times more self-conscious than in front of strangers.
I love the idea of using the drawing for your next headshot. Maybe get copyright permission from the artist?? :)
Full disclosure: I prepped more for this school visit than anything else all year. I wanted him to be proud of me (not bored, embarrassed, weirded out). He even looked at my slide deck and gave me feedback. I'm a lucky one.
Someone tried to stop me. It's taken a lifetime to understand and "undo." Bless that girl for asking that question, and bless you for being there, establishing an ambience safe enough for her to speak, and ask, and take in your response. A big moment. No doubt, the evidence strongly suggests that teacher is doing some very important things right as well.
This touched me to the core. I love how you spoke to them so on the level, as equals, as artists — and how ready they were to meet you there. You make me want to get out there and dare to use my voice. Thank you!
This was super moving. I love how open young(er) people are. I see it in my student's journals, too, in their honesty and vulnerability and resilience. They are great role models.
Say it loud and often. Your Pep Talk is so beautiful. These unhelpful internal self-doubts, self-criticisms and the like start so young and must be vanquished. Thanks for sharing that!
I have a 9 year old, who is very creative and artistic, but his inner critic is LOUD, your words here are so good. To be completely fair, I too (a creator of things), have paid far too much heed to the voice of my inner critic over the years… so I get it. BUT I want more freedom for him than I had, freedom from his own perceived limitations. My hope for both of us is that we can learn to turn down that voice that says “you’re not good enough.. why bother?” And turn up the truer voice that says, “so what! this is my gift, here it is!” Thanks for being such a good leader for us in this. 💛
Oh, your words in that auditorium will “have wings” far far into the future. Lovely post and if you ever do workshops for adults, I am signing up! excited and curious about the candy bar. Thanks for sharing this and the photo of the drawing and cards. Kids are the best!’❤️
I'm going to share thi9s with my 12 year old granddaughter who writes so beautifully when she doesn't let the voices in her head diminish her. Wish she could have been in that auditorium.
This is just such a beautiful heart-warming story. I first went to..."well did anyone really try to stop me...(hmmm...who might that have been?) but your answer was so right on, and came from the heart not the head. I also got my kids (29 & 31) to go over my slides when I first started teaching graduate students. They were a life saver! But I don't think I was as prepared as you were!
crying emoji, crying emoji, crying emoji
Truly. From the mouths of babes.
Same same same. I didn’t know I needed this but I did. Thank you.
So gratifying and heart-cockle warming!
As a feminist, I noticed that it was a girl who asked that question. The idea of self-doubt as well as external barriers to creativity and self-expression has historically been very gendered. (Although of course, not exclusively so).
That was brave of you to speak in front of your son. I'd be a thousand times more self-conscious than in front of strangers.
I love the idea of using the drawing for your next headshot. Maybe get copyright permission from the artist?? :)
Full disclosure: I prepped more for this school visit than anything else all year. I wanted him to be proud of me (not bored, embarrassed, weirded out). He even looked at my slide deck and gave me feedback. I'm a lucky one.
Someone tried to stop me. It's taken a lifetime to understand and "undo." Bless that girl for asking that question, and bless you for being there, establishing an ambience safe enough for her to speak, and ask, and take in your response. A big moment. No doubt, the evidence strongly suggests that teacher is doing some very important things right as well.
It was a big moment. I felt so lucky to be there. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this, Maggie. I got very choked up reading those thank you notes! This is just the inspiration today!
I got choked up, too!
Just the inspiration *I needed* today! Sheesh missed a few key words there. Must have been my emotions! : )
This touched me to the core. I love how you spoke to them so on the level, as equals, as artists — and how ready they were to meet you there. You make me want to get out there and dare to use my voice. Thank you!
This was super moving. I love how open young(er) people are. I see it in my student's journals, too, in their honesty and vulnerability and resilience. They are great role models.
They are!
Say it loud and often. Your Pep Talk is so beautiful. These unhelpful internal self-doubts, self-criticisms and the like start so young and must be vanquished. Thanks for sharing that!
I have a 9 year old, who is very creative and artistic, but his inner critic is LOUD, your words here are so good. To be completely fair, I too (a creator of things), have paid far too much heed to the voice of my inner critic over the years… so I get it. BUT I want more freedom for him than I had, freedom from his own perceived limitations. My hope for both of us is that we can learn to turn down that voice that says “you’re not good enough.. why bother?” And turn up the truer voice that says, “so what! this is my gift, here it is!” Thanks for being such a good leader for us in this. 💛
I already admire your nine-year-old!
Weeping! What a gift you’ve given those children. What gifts you’re sharing here. Thank you, Maggie.
Aw, thanks, Sally.
Oh, your words in that auditorium will “have wings” far far into the future. Lovely post and if you ever do workshops for adults, I am signing up! excited and curious about the candy bar. Thanks for sharing this and the photo of the drawing and cards. Kids are the best!’❤️
I do, but my workshops are on hiatus right now while I finish my next book. I'll post here when I start up again so subscribers know right away!
I'm going to share thi9s with my 12 year old granddaughter who writes so beautifully when she doesn't let the voices in her head diminish her. Wish she could have been in that auditorium.
I'm glad she has you in her corner. x
So, so sweet. As sweet as a chocolate bar. Thank you for sharing!
Loved this and it is exactly what I needed for today. Thank you for your good heart and good words, Maggie.
Thanks as always, Terry!
My pleasure! Thank you, Maggie!
Love this.
I love me a Ritter Sport too. Have you tried the dark chocolate with hazelnuts?
One of my favorites! I also love the milk chocolate with cornflakes. 🍫
This is just such a beautiful heart-warming story. I first went to..."well did anyone really try to stop me...(hmmm...who might that have been?) but your answer was so right on, and came from the heart not the head. I also got my kids (29 & 31) to go over my slides when I first started teaching graduate students. They were a life saver! But I don't think I was as prepared as you were!