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Creativity is a raw, unpolished gem. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often misunderstood. But isn’t that what makes it so incredibly beautiful?

Let me take you back to an unforgettable night at the Radio Bean in Burlington, Vermont. It was a chilly Friday evening in June, and the air was heavy with the scent of rain and the hum of excitement. At 7:30 p.m., Brad Barr, a masterful musician, stepped onto the tiny stage, and the world seemed to pause.

Brad’s music was hauntingly beautiful, each note resonating with a depth of emotion that was almost palpable. As he played, I saw something extraordinary: the child within him, alive and unrestrained. His fingers moved over the strings with a freedom that spoke volumes. There he was, a grown man, playing with his instrument like a child with a favorite toy, and no one told him to stop or that he was being silly.

In that moment, I saw a reflection of my own sensitive soul, the one that often got me into trouble for being “too much.” You see, as a child, I was often told to tone it down, to not be so emotional, to fit into the neat little boxes society had laid out for me. But here, in this dimly lit club, Brad’s music spoke to that wounded part of me, telling me it was okay to feel deeply, to express freely, to be unapologetically myself.

Now, let’s talk about the homeless man standing outside in the rain. He was visibly drunk, holding a half-empty Bud Ice tall boy, unable to afford admission. Yet, he stood there, listening intently to Brad’s music, soaking in every note. I like to think that in those moments, he felt a bit of that healing magic too. Perhaps, for a brief time, the music offered him a respite from his harsh reality, a moment of solace in a world that often overlooks people like him.

I had forgotten to take my microdose that night, but it didn’t matter. The music, the energy in the room, the collective experience of witnessing pure, unfiltered creativity—it was all the medicine I needed. It reminded me that the essence of creativity isn’t about being perfect or polished. It’s about being real, being raw, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.

Now, let’s shift gears a bit. In today’s world, social media has given everyone a megaphone. And while it’s wonderful that we can share our creative endeavors with a broader audience, it also means that the critics are louder and more numerous than ever. It’s easy to get discouraged when someone tells you that your work isn’t good enough or that you should just quit. And believe me, I know this firsthand.

Let me tell you about my band, The Middle Ages. We had two viral videos that brought a sea of hate crashing down on us. People told us to shut it down and quit, to stop making the music; I found 17 pages of hate about me, where people said I was too much, insufferable, and that I should just stop taking up space in the world with my dance videos. The sheer volume of negativity was overwhelming, and for a while, it dimmed my creative spark.

But here’s the truth: those voices don’t matter.

What matters is the joy and fulfillment you find in the act of creating. What matters is the connection you make with even one person who sees or hears your work and feels something real. Creativity is a deeply personal journey, and it’s not about meeting anyone else’s standards. It’s about exploring the depths of your own soul and sharing that journey with the world, warts and all.

So, if you’re out there creating, keep going. Yes, you’ll encounter critics. Yes, you’ll have moments of doubt. Yes, sometimes you’ll feel like giving up. But remember Brad Barr, playing with childlike wonder and freedom. Remember the homeless man finding a moment of peace in the rain. Remember the magic of that night, where pure creativity touched every heart in that room. And remember me, wading through 17 pages of hate but emerging with a renewed commitment to my art.

We are fortunate to live in a place where we can express ourselves freely, but that freedom comes with the responsibility to be true to ourselves. Don’t let the fear of judgment silence your voice. Don’t let the harsh words of critics dim your light. Your creativity is a gift, not just to you, but to the world. And the world needs that gift, especially now.

Life is messy, unpredictable, and often painful. But it’s also beautiful, and it’s the moments of raw, unfiltered creativity that remind us of that beauty. So paint, write, sing, dance—do whatever sets your soul on fire. Let your creativity be a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for joy.

And if you ever feel lost or discouraged, think of me. I believe in you unconditionally. I’m here, cheering you on, reminding you that your voice matters, your art matters, and you matter. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep being your wonderfully unique selves. The world is a richer, more beautiful place because of you.

So, here’s to the messy, the real, the raw, and the beautiful. Here’s to creativity in all its glorious imperfection. And here’s to you for having the courage to share your light with the world. You are loved, you are valued, and your creative spirit is a treasure. Never forget that.

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