SO WHAT?

So What?

That seems to be the current, in-your-face challenge for writers and creators, doesn't it?

So What? was once merely a soulful Miles Davis song. More recently, feisty Pink’s fist-pumpin’ anthem.

Now, So What? is the edgy taunt we often get bombarded with when we're finally ready to share our creative work.

Why So What?

Remember how we once started our writing - maybe with an "ideal friend" in mind? We crafted our message like a “love letter.”

We wanted to create the most nourishing connection with kindred spirits - around the corner or around the world.

We sought out the perfect words to stir, nudge, and uplift.

To authentically engage others and build real, lasting relationships.

Lofty goals indeed, but we often got tripped up by insecurities, timidity, and the pressure to be perfect, didn't we?

Yet, help was soon to arrive. . .

Sending Perfectionism Packing

Thanks to life-saver Brene Brown's wisdom, we were finally yanked kicking and screaming out of that deadly perfectionism trap.

We could all endlessly edit, right? Second guess a phrase. Question a possible cliché or revealing aside.

But Brene urged us to not endlessly dwell on the need to be perfect - in our work and in our daily lives. So, we started to let go a bit.

We slowly got comfortable with being good enough. And we carried on, knowing we didn't have to pretend to be Polly Perfect to make a true impact.

Revealing Depth & Vulnerability

Then, one day we dared to go a little further to bare some vulnerability. We pulled off a scab. Opened up a tender wound or two.

Perhaps even shared something no one knew about us – to create a deeper bond.

Hey, we’re not plastic. We all have hurts, embarrassing moments, and disappointments.

Writing about them allowed us to reveal little uncertainties and flaws - our common humanity. And to connect with others who all deal with uncertainties and flaws too.

Showing Our Work

So then, witty Austin Kleon nudged us to “show your work” in his brilliant, new book by the same name.

Don’t wait til we've created a full-blown product to share, he implored.

So, we joyfully pinned images of a half-finished weaving, painting, or prose snippet on Pinterest. Tweeted a “tease” line or two from our upcoming book. Posted a pic on Facebook or Instagram of the jumbled desk where our creative magic comes alive.

We went for it and it felt pretty good. Maybe we even found new cohorts or fans who encouraged us to stay the course with our work.

So, What's This Sassy So What?

Well, now that we we finally cleared that perfection hurdle, dared to show vulnerability, offered process peeks, and are finally ready to bring forth our work full-tilt boogie, we get smacked with So What?

• So what’s the big deal about your work?

• How will it shake the very foundation of the planet?

• What totally sets you apart from anyone else?

Well, so what if we can’t answer that all our work should be set in caps with a zillion exclamation marks, double rainbows, and sparkly fireworks around it?

We’re just supposed to slink away with our proverbial tail between our legs?

Chuck all our sincere efforts?

We’re not supposed to unleash anything short of mind-blowing greatness, bodacious bombast, and world-shaking glory?

If that was the only yardstick for our work, who would dare show any work?

What a disservice for people happily trying to make a quiet difference with their words. . .

To touch a child in need of kindness. To uplift someone struggling with a hurt. To bring forth a smile ‘midst a tough day.

Sure, wouldn't most of us love to create something that moves mountains - and maybe even the world - in one fell swoop?

Or write the song that's on the world's lips? And gets a billion hits on YouTube!

And we still might. Who knows? But in the meantime. . .

So What If. . .

For those of us eager to make a positive impact, what if it's OK just to know we added a little bit more kindness, joy, and love to the world?

That we breathed a bit of much-needed civility into an acrimonious debate over a polarizing issue?

Or illuminated someone’s darkened path with a golden lantern of light?

Sounds pretty darn good to me. . .

Who knows how a short passage might quietly touch - or transform - someone in the most unexpected way?

Maybe not this instant. Maybe not even tomorrow or next week.

Maybe more like years down the road.

I treasure stories of how my Organic Puppet Theatre: Health ActIvities Book enlightened and changed lives after workshops or shows. (Even inspired some NC students to enter medical school!)

That’s the beauty of planting a wee, colorful seed in a mind, heart, or spirit through our creative efforts, isn't it?

We never know when a seed lovingly planted will bloom boldly and brightly.

Hopefully, when most needed - inside a single life or in the world.

So, let’s not be intimidated by the confrontational So What? folks when we exuberantly dream and create.

Let's not come to a screeching halt.

Instead, let’s bravely keep the faith. And boldly keep writing to banish perfectionism, be more vulnerable, show glimpses of work in progress, and dare to be a lone, sweet voice in this world. A world always in need of another shoulder and listening ear.

Let's tap dance right past So What? and become Just So. . .

And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly as it should be in this often noisy, jangly world.

Quietly, lovingly - just so. . .

[My new pal, Curlotta, the cashmere goat taken at the May 2014 Shepherd's Harvest Festival. How fitting is that pic for this post? We exchanged several very hearty, hilarious "Maaaaaaaaa's" before I think she had it with me! Pity each blog post can only feature one pic, as I have several more of Curlotta (including one giving me the raspberry) so look for more in a website page soon. So, just how long was that tongue? Couldn't even fit it in my photo. . . Photo by Linda Sorenson]

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Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Puppets, songs, and active fun of her Organic Puppet Theatre: Health Activities Book workshops, shows, camps, etc. have helped 20,000+ young children value their bodies and get healthier and more active around the world Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!

#perfectionism