Rules for Ink Pen Living

I used to do math in pen. The problem with this was that I am not good at math. Or doing anything perfectly correct on the first try for that matter. But I desperately wanted to be.
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They say life imitates art. Well, my ink pen was the perfect metaphor for how I was living my life.
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Rules of the Ink Pen Living:
1. Never try to do anything too new that you're not 100% good at already because, if you make a mistake, everyone will think you're a failure.
2. Write in pencil on scratch paper... in secret. Only ever show the pretty final draft.
3. Your actions define you for the rest of your life. If you mess up it's a stain on your reputation forever.
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This mindset was suffocating and stifles any creativity because of the constant worry about what others will think.
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So, I'm learning to write in pencil. Smudgy, messy, dull pencil.
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It is forgiving and compassionate. You can erase the mistakes, but shadows of past experiences still show through. Unapologetically showing the failed attempts that led to the best, final draft. Pencil celebrates trying, learning, and change.
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I'm learning to let go of the shame and instead celebrate progress. Realizing its braver to show up imperfect than hiding behind false perfection.
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So are you a pencil or pen kinda person? Share below