Jess

I have a friend named Jess. She's full of tenderness, beauty, and talent. She's also brave. There's that thing about creative types. You know the comparing-thing we do constantly? It's natural to compare. It's not healthy, and it's usually based in self-talk lies, but's a natural reaction when we're faced with our own creative process next to another's. It's natural to see differences. It's natural to want to improve. And it's even healthy to glean from someone else's perspective, style, or technique. What usually happens, though, is one of two things. Either we feel a sense of less-than-ness, like we don't measure up. Or we feel the opposite way and an air of superiority comes knocking. It takes bravery to rise above both of these reactions and allow yourself to relate with other creatives with contentment and inspiration.

I know Jess (along with the rest of the human race) is not without struggle in this area, but when I'm with her I feel peace. A rest. Breath that comes easily because she doesn't put that "thing" on me. She allows me to celebrate her and I feel her celebration of me and my work. She's brave. It makes her a good, loyal, and inspiring friend. Thank you for that, Jess. (Jess made this card for me and it has been on a wall of every house I've lived in since she gave it to me.)