While this is a “travel” blog, it is centered around things I learn and share so we can all broaden our experience of the world inside and outside. Whether I’m learning these things on the road or in my own backyard, I thought it valuable to share this as it may help you as well! Imposter’s syndrome is a very common thing and I hope this post helps you overcome yours!
Travel and your best Jewelry – pro tip – leave it at home!
This topic also relates to travel because on one of our trips out of the country I foolishly took my “good jewelry” with me and all of my rings were stolen, never to be recovered. I have come to terms with this loss recognizing that I had within me all that those rings symbolized:
- Familial love (my grandmothers wedding ring),
- Spousal love (my wedding rings), and
- Self love (a diamond ring I bought myself over 30 years before).
Becoming a creator
I became interested in creating jewelry with gems naturally because I kept finding beautiful irresistible stones everywhere I went on my travels! Then I realized that this jewelry could be worn while travelling without concern of loss and using the natural energy from the stones in the creations It could actually enhance my travel and life experience and look good doing it! This is really a Win win!
This year (2020) found me retiring early to “travel more”. Laugh… Sputter… While I’ve been getting out a tad on my road trip and a quick Aspen day trip (Blog upcoming), mostly I’ve also been doing a lot of learning! I’m building this blog, working on the website, learning to edit video and making jewelry!
I’ve really enjoyed creating jewelry from natural stones, reading up on the metaphysical meanings of the stones that I’m creating with is fascinating and wearing and gifting them is rewarding. I have however, created WAAAY more jewelry than I could ever hope to wear! Particularly given I don’t go to an office anymore. So, what I find fascinating, relaxing and fun to do has quietly but quickly gone from hobby to a business. I mean… I now have 17 compartment boxes of different colored beads and have been giving my creations to family and friends as gifts for over a year now figuring out lengths, weights, comfort and different styles and creation methods. It’s been so much fun embracing my artistic side!
And then it happened… one day… out of the blue .. imposter’s syndrome came to visit! I’d heard about it but… brushed it off as something “other people” experience. Imposter’s syndrome is when you feel like you’re a fake, a fraud… not up to snuff (it appears it happens quite frequently when we are starting something new)! Well, it has happened to me twice now! I had created these lovely sets for friends. Beautiful women who have been sharing their artistic knowledge with me and have incredible artistic abilities in many different art forms. They create so many beautiful pieces of art, one has even been in the fashion world and I knew what I had made for them they could have easily “whipped up” themselves. So… I went to lunch both times with alternate gifts for their birthdays, gifts I bought… some from other artists!
Calling myself out!
The second time at birthday lunch while giving my alternate gift, I just blurted it out. “I made you something else but I feel like such an imposter giving you jewelry when you could easily make anything I can”! <silent blush> Well… all 3 of these dear beautiful women at lunch stared at me open mouthed. In their wisdom, they explained to me what I want to share with you today. That what I created for them would be uniquely from my own artistic vision and most importantly from my heart! They were sad for me that I didn’t understand how much more valuable that was to them. <small tear of gratitude here>.
I pray you have the courage to express your imposter syndrome to those who will support you in your endeavors. And that you have friends as beautiful and creative as you are that will encourage you to shine and give the gifts born of your own unique talents so that the world will be a better brighter place.
So… For Christmas this year. One of them has received the gift made for her long ago. When I saw it on her and how much she loved it our joy in giving and receiving was exponential.
I would encourage you to ditch the imposters syndrome and embrace the magic within you this Season and Always!
I will be in my workshop whipping up some more gifts and I am going to take photos of the ones I’ve already created and post them on Facebook for sale so you can give them for gifts as well. I can promise they are beautiful and created with love. No more hiding my talents. What about you?
Edward says
Wow. You are such a fun and beautiful and special person to be around. Always giving… including GREAT homemade banana muffins. 👀😎🐶
Rosemary Slade says
What a great article Jeanie and I am glad you are shining that light even brighter through your jewelry. I adore you and the gift you so lovingly made for me.
Rosemary
Jeanie says
It looks wonderful on you and enhances your light as well my dear friend. Thanks for going on the journey with me!
SANDONA4698 says
Thank you!!1
Jeanie says
You are most welcome!