about their own strengths and gifts. Without being
acknowledged, they are often used as batteries by their
families and friends, who feel free to both use their creative
energies and disparage them. When these blocked artists
strive to break free of their dysfunctional systems, they are
often urged to be sensible when such advice is not
appropriate for them. Made to feel guilty for their talents,
they often hide their own light under a bushel for fear of
hurting others. Instead, they hurt themselves.
A little sleuth work is in order to restore the persons we
have abandoned—ourselves. When you complete the
following phrases, you may feel strong emotion as you
retrieve memories and misplaced fragments of yourself.
Allow yourself to free-associate for a sentence or so with
each phrase.
- My favorite childhood toy was ...
- My favorite childhood game was ...
- The best movie I ever saw as a kid was ...
- I don’t do it much but I enjoy ...
- If I could lighten up a little, I’d let myself ...
- If it weren’t too late, I’d ...
- My favorite musical instrument is ...
- The amount of money I spend on treating myself to
entertainment each month is ... - If I weren’t so stingy with my artist, I’d buy him/ her
... - Taking time out for myself is ...
- I am afraid that if I start dreaming ...