“Creativity requires a state of grace.” 
— Magda Szabo

This is one of my favorite quotes, and it applies to writing and podcasting just as much as it does any other creative endeavor.

The world is in a strange place of turmoil and uncertainty right now, and some of you (myself included) feel a sudden anxious pressure to create — whether it’s to meet deadlines, to keep churning out content despite a shifting schedule, or to take advantage of an unexpected swath of free time.

But it’s hard for our minds to expand fully when in the grip of fear and panic. This is why we must take a deep breath, take a (literal or figurative) step back, let go of the anxieties, and give ourselves some grace.

I know — telling someone with fear, panic, and anxiety in their heart/mind to just “let it go” is kind of a jerk move. I know this because I have struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life — panic attacks are familiar territory to me. And yes, I’ve had people tell me, “Stop worrying!” and “Panic isn’t going to do you any good!” AND IT IS NOT HELPFUL.

When I say to let it go, I mean to release your claws from the fear and anxiety. Because often, just as fear and anxiety have their hooks in us, we have our own hooks in them. They’re — as backward as this sounds — safe. They’re what we know. They’re familiar.

But they’re not good for us or our creativity. Which is why we need grace.

Grace is love, kindness, and mercy that we haven’t earned. We don’t deserve it, and that’s the point. This is why we can use it to release the harsh deadlines and expectations we heap upon ourselves.

Allow yourself to enter a state of grace when you are creating. Forgive yourself easily and often. It will make a world of difference.

Words & warmth,

Sarah

Looking for more about creativity & grace?

Check out this classic episode of the Write Now podcast: “Give Yourself Some Grace”: