As the world shouts and clamors chaotic around us, God whispers songs of hope over our hearts. My greatest joy in life is simply holding a megaphone for His words as He calls His children, the artists, to Himself.
For over six years I’ve been writing about art and creativity. I’ve been paying attention for even longer than that.
My humble hope is to be not only a fellow journeyer on the creative path but also a gentle guide. As I watch, listen, and create, I see a stark difference between the creative women who create from a place of wholeness and those who create from fear.
Here are 8 qualities of the whole-hearted creative woman.
1. She see limits as opportunities.
She no longer says well if I had more ______, then I could ______. She’s put excuses aside.
Now she understands her real life, her real budget, and her real amount of time is not keeping her from her creative work. Whole-hearted creative women know our limits can be gifts if we let them be. We simply have to do what we do best: receive the gift of the present moment with all of its limits and potentials and be creative with what we have.
2. She integrates her creative work into every part of her life.
Because she has to. She is not just one thing. Wholehearted creativity means embracing our whole lives, refusing to compartmentalize. We are mothers and musicians, students and social workers, wives, teachers, cooks, maids, cheerleaders, friends, boss ladies, dancers, painters, and accountants. We bring our creative selves to each situation, open and ready and generous.
3. She believes deep in her bones there is enough to go around.
Other people’s success does not freak her out. Freak outs are for amateurs. She doesn’t hide behind comparison or excuses. Instead, she champions the work of others and hands out her support with grace and compassion.
4. She knows her art is the evidence, not the goal.
The wholehearted creative woman knows that art is not simply the work of her hands. Her truest artistic work is being fully herself in the presence of others.
The book, the painting, the meal, the presentation are all simply evidence of a deeper art happening within the soul of the artist.
Art is what happens when we dare to be who we really are.
Whatever comes out as a result of that – whether you teach, sing, build, write, love, help, or calculate; if you cook, parent, lead, clean, organize, or listen – these are evidence of a person who is fully alive.
5. She doesn’t wait to feel qualified.
When she’s tempted to think maybe she got this whole calling thing wrong, she remembers that catchy phrase Mark Batterson said, that “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” She remembers Moses, Esther, David, Mary and Joseph. Oh yeah, she says to herself. I am equipped because God is with me.
6. She no longer fears the silence.
She has made her peace with the silence she sometimes hears when she asks what is next. She trusts the inspiration will always circle back around again. She listens in the darkness and creates her way through it because sometimes that’s the only way out.
7. She understands the soul and the schedule don’t follow the same rules.
The days of trying to force her soul to sync up nicely with her schedule? Those days are past. Now she understands the deep work happening in her soul cannot be rushed, simplified, or systemized. That is not her job. Instead, she pays attention. She listens to the gentle heartbeat of her own life. She refuses to try to force clarity out into the open before it’s time.
8. She knows she’s an artist.
Though we may not all be artists by profession, we are most certainly artists by design. She accepts her birthright with a humble confidence. She is made in the image of a creative God and this means she has a job to do.
Her job is to show up in the world with her whole heart and do the next right thing in love.
Michelle DeRusha says
March 22, 2017 at 12:57 PMSO good, Emily – thank you, friend! xo
emily p freeman says
March 22, 2017 at 1:00 PMlove you!
Ruthanne says
March 22, 2017 at 12:58 PMWhat an encouragement and truth for me. Thank you so much. Blessings as you continue your creative work.
emily p freeman says
March 22, 2017 at 1:00 PMI’m glad to hear that, Ruthanne.
Daleasha says
March 22, 2017 at 12:59 PMDear Emily,
Thank you for writing these truths. I love and I am inspired by all of this.
Most Sincerely!
emily p freeman says
March 22, 2017 at 1:00 PMI’m so glad!
Jennie says
March 22, 2017 at 1:02 PMEmily,
Thank you so much for writing this post. As I read it, I kept on saying, “yes! Yes!” in my heart. Such truth and what we need to hear (and remind ourselves) over and over. I especially loved your first thought about seeing limits as opportunities. I spent a lot of time a few years ago, “trying to get back to how things used to be” only to finally realize a.) that was impossible, and b.) I actually didn’t want to go back there. Life is so much better when we embrace where we are and use the resources we’ve already been gifted. Thank you again for your words. 🙂
Kit Tosello says
March 22, 2017 at 1:04 PMSo much beautiful wisdom here. Truths that resonate mostly because I’ve backed into them through trial and error. #2 is where I still sometimes struggle, out of selfishness. Thanks for the reminder that true art is a generous extension of our whole selves.
Ashley says
March 22, 2017 at 1:10 PMThank you, Emily for this timely word of encouragement. Many blessings to you & your creative work!
emily p freeman says
March 22, 2017 at 1:17 PMThank you, Ashley. And you too! We still need to grab that coffee 🙂
Ashley says
March 22, 2017 at 1:58 PMyes, we do!
Dolly at Soulstops says
March 22, 2017 at 1:11 PMEmily,
Thanks for the encouragement. I always need to be reminded of this: ” We simply have to do what we do best: receive the gift of the present moment with all of its limits and potentials and be creative with what we have.” Because the truth is: that is all I have and that God is there and God promises to be enough. Blessings 🙂
Courtney says
March 22, 2017 at 1:14 PMOh my! This was like balm to my soul. He created me, so I am free to create: as a writer, as a mental health counselor, as a wife, as a friend. The goal? Be myself and walk in obedience. I so loved this and I’m passing it on!
Myra Johnson says
March 22, 2017 at 1:19 PMBeautifully said, Emily! I especially agree with #8, that as children of our Creator God, we are all creative beings.
Lori says
March 22, 2017 at 1:21 PMSimply. Amazing. Just loved each and every word and I will treasure this list and refer back to it often. Thank you!
Heidi Blankenship says
March 22, 2017 at 1:51 PMNicely done, Emily. Thank you very much for these words of encouragement and truth. The following resonated with me: “Art is what happens when we dare to be who we really are.” I’m finishing up revisions on a contracted manuscript and panic is setting in as I realize these words offer up my worldview and will soon be IN the world where people will read them.
But then I also read that “freak outs are for amateurs”. That was good for me to hear, too.
Blessings to you and yours.
Trudi says
March 22, 2017 at 2:21 PMThanks, really liked this. Especially “Art is what happens when we dare to be who we really are.” And limits as opportunities…I hit some limits this week and needed that reminder!
Francesca @verriwell.com says
March 22, 2017 at 2:34 PMGoodness this is SO good Emily. I love this list; everything on it resonated so much.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the reminder of these whole-hearted qualities and the inspiration and motivation they conjure up.
You’re amazing!
xo francesca
Julia Lawing says
March 22, 2017 at 2:37 PMWow, what a profound and timely word! Just coming off a weekend at The Breath & The Clay (arts & faith) conference, trying to keep everything I learned in mind. These points really help, especially when I’m tempted to slip back into stressing out about gaining followers/finding potential buyers/looking at other artists’ success, and how to reconcile that with spending time in the studio actually DOING the work of creativity…plus finding the balance in everyday family life! And recognizing the necessary ebb and flow in different seasons of our life. Thank you, Emily!
emily p freeman says
March 24, 2017 at 2:20 PMI spoke at that conference a few years back. Some good, beautiful people there, that’s for sure.
Lisa Appelo says
March 22, 2017 at 2:43 PMLove this shared wisdom. So much good stuff here. Thank you, Emily!
Bethany says
March 22, 2017 at 2:45 PMI felt tears rising when I read number 6. I give life through giving words, but sometimes for long stretches the words aren’t there, sometimes my life feels very small and quiet. Maybe I can learn more what it looks like for me to create through the darkness.
Summer says
March 22, 2017 at 2:50 PMI’m pretty sure I should read this every Sunday nights as I’m staring at my week. It’s both a pep talk and a deep breath.
Michelle says
March 22, 2017 at 2:54 PMfreeing and uplifting, I feel like this woman on the good days, and on other days it is a bit more murky, but I know she is there, and she is me…when I need to be reminded your words are what I will read, thank you <3
Laura says
March 22, 2017 at 2:58 PMThank you for this list, Emily! It was particularly timely for me today. I am starting a writing project that I am equally excited and nervous about, and this post reminded me of the place I want my soul to be in as I write.
Claire says
March 22, 2017 at 3:18 PMCrazy how I forget these truths so quickly- thank you for this sweet reminder on a day that I so need it.
Beth williams says
March 22, 2017 at 3:46 PMEmily,
Whole-hearted women just do. We don’t make excuses, but do our best with what God has given us. We definitely don’t wait to feel qualified. We know God doesn’t call the qualified-He qualified the called. If He wants me to do it then He will give me what is needed.
Blessings 🙂
Theresa Boedeker says
March 22, 2017 at 3:47 PMSo true. I need to print these out and study them from time to time. I really resonated with the one about she integrates her creative work into her everyday work. Yes. Her creativity is coming through her cooking, story telling to her kids, date night planning, etc. I see this more and more with me and try not to get discouraged when I am not knee deep in my special creative work because I am still being creative and using my gifts in my everyday work.
Elise says
March 22, 2017 at 4:28 PMThis is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you always for sharing! There was a lot of hope gained from this post. God bless!
Maria says
March 22, 2017 at 5:00 PMEarlier today I was part of a conversation where we were talking about growth, grief & learning to be who God created us to be. Then I read your post. This stood out to me, “Her truest artistic work is being fully herself in the presence of others”. I needed to hear that! May I bravely embrace this for my life! Thank you!
Kathy Rushing says
March 22, 2017 at 5:01 PMGreat reminders, Emily! Especially love that ALL of what we do is creative. It’s taken me years to believe that I’m a creative when creating meals or building our children’s lives…couldn’t see that years ago ?.
Helen says
March 22, 2017 at 5:09 PM“Art is what happens when we dare to be who we really are”. I so LOVE this quote Emily – thank you for all the beautiful content you keep creating, and for the continual inspiration to ‘dare to be’ who we’re created to be.
Molly says
March 22, 2017 at 5:13 PMI am so glad I get your stuff. Outstanding, really.
Liz says
March 22, 2017 at 5:30 PMThank you Emily for these important, lifegiving reminders.
To God be the glory as his children live to worship Him …
Tami Lage says
March 22, 2017 at 5:38 PMI am so very glad I have met you Emily and call you my friend. You have awakened my creative soul and for that I am grateful.
Elise Daly Parker says
March 22, 2017 at 5:55 PMOh Lord! I’ll take a double dose of number 3. And confess my lack of trust. Thank you for wonderful inspiring words. You have a generous heart!
Linda says
March 22, 2017 at 6:39 PMYou know I always love your thoughtful words. I have to sit with them and let them seep down deep into my soul. I’m at a bit of a cross-road and this is so timely. Thank you.?
Cheryl says
March 22, 2017 at 8:17 PMDear Emily,
Once I was gazing at one of my friends’s profound and beautiful paintings. It was so profoundly response was this “Creativity articulates the language of the heart and interprets the wrestle inside for ones who cannot explain.”. That is what you do over and over again. This post articulated much of the simmer, wrestle and struggle going on. I want to read it again and again. Thank you, as always, thank you!
Cheryl
Sarah Hilkemann says
March 22, 2017 at 8:43 PMThank you for sharing these, Emily! I especially resonated with #3. I SO often feel like there’s NOT enough to go around. I want to be a support of other’s work rather than comparing and often feeling inadequate! Thank you so much for this sweet reminder.
Janet from FL says
March 22, 2017 at 9:14 PMThis letter was a breath of fresh aire! (Yep with the added Old English “e”.) This was a work of art in an email. I read your intro “I’ve noticed a powerful difference between women who live and create from a place of wholeness and those who live and create from a place of fear.” And I said “ooooo” as in “loot”, “boot”, and “I need to read this!”
Thanks, Emily for this beautiful poetry.
Dorina Lazo Gilmore says
March 22, 2017 at 9:53 PMThank you for putting these two words and giving them wings to inspire all of us creatives! Ready to soar!
Dorina Lazo Gilmore says
March 22, 2017 at 9:54 PMOops, “to words”
A creative and an editor. 😉
Stephanie says
March 22, 2017 at 10:34 PMSuch affirmation to move forward in what I know to be true in my heart. Thank you!
Elizabeth says
March 22, 2017 at 11:57 PMI fill pages in my bullet journal with some of your words each time you post. I don’t want to forget them. Thank you for always writing what God puts on your heart…
Lesley Miller says
March 23, 2017 at 12:49 AMWow, this is wise advice. Thank you, Emily! Your words are a blessing!
meema says
March 23, 2017 at 8:08 AMTo keep from giving up I long ago decided that though I could never make a perfect red apple like the talented others, I could make a purple orange and while no one understood it, no one else could compete. Except then, sometimes, someone, years later, would come up with a purple orange to rave reviews. I could smile about that because I was already working on a green and blue polka dot banana. 🙂 Just sayin’… success is just a label and not what the world thinks about what you do. My philosophy has always been – do it anyway. The only definition of art – if you think it is – it is.
Elizabeth says
March 23, 2017 at 8:56 AMEmily, I have to slip my words of gratitude in here. And I gobbled up your words on the first go around. So Im going back with a savourer’s heart for a slow read and second’s on all the goodness served up here. Many thanks, e
Rachel Clair says
March 23, 2017 at 10:55 AMEmily P. Freeman, you’re a gift! I found myself wanting to shout “yes!” So many times. This was challenging, affirming, and encouraging all at the same time. I stumbled upon your work at just the right time. A friend recommended A Million Little Ways last year, and I’ve loved adding your voice to my wisdom bank. I just launched a blog two weeks ago and have a post scheduled for March 26th where I define creativity as “discovering who God created you to be then using that uniqueness to impact the world around you.” When I read “your true artistic work is being fully yourself in the presence of others”, I thought “spot on!” Keep it up!
Liz says
March 23, 2017 at 1:26 PMEmily, thank you for these reminders. This is what my heart and soul needed to hear today. You are a gentle and inspiring guide, and you use your megaphone so wisely. May you have a blessed weekend and good slice of sabbath!
Michelle says
March 24, 2017 at 7:56 AMSuch a great article! Not the “What you’re doing WRONG/why you’re not successful”, but actually great advice. I am working on everything, besides the “real budget” thing. I have inherited a sense of, let’s say financial realism from my parents. Dreaming of “What we could have, if we only had the money” was never a question in our household, really.
I love the last point. I might have been paid for everything other than creative work until now (seriously, I had so many small jobs already in so many fields), but being paid for writing/acting/directing hasn’t happened yet. And so I struggle to call myself an artist because people assume that you have to be famous/ at least be able to make a living of it (haha) or you’re not an artist. Thank you for writing this! 🙂
Andrea Noles says
March 24, 2017 at 11:27 AMI love this! I am going to print and hang in my office!
Suzy Hilegas says
March 24, 2017 at 1:20 PMThank you for these words. I have had a similar life shift. A few small things have added up to a crazy schedule for a few months while some things exit and new things enter and I experience the overlap. I had many doubts this week about what I have said yes too, but God through his faithfulness has shown me He sees, He knows, and He will give me what I need in this hectic season of transition. Your words have only confirmed what I already knew but hadn’t found the words to say.
Mary says
March 24, 2017 at 3:15 PMBeautifully written and truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Mindy says
March 24, 2017 at 4:16 PMEmily! I just started a blog last week that has been on my heart for a while. I have been feeling so insecure and anxious about it, even though I believe I’ve been called to do it. This post spoke to me in such a big way, bringing such comfort. Thank you so much for writing!
Carrie says
March 25, 2017 at 12:07 AMIt’s interesting, as I started reading this, I braced myself expecting a “to-do list”. Instead I found an encouraging & generous invitation to step out further into the creative life. I am cheering! This is a manifesto that must be reread.
Leslie says
March 25, 2017 at 6:56 PMEmily, I really needed this today. You have helped set things in perspective for me and I just feel an inward sigh of relief. Thank you!
Richella Parham says
March 26, 2017 at 3:58 PMYes, ma’am. Yes. Well said, my friend.
And may I just say that “gentle guide” is just the best job description for you I can imagine?
Kristin S says
March 27, 2017 at 10:01 AMI agree with Richella in that job description.
Also, I think I need to read these words a lot. Deep in my soul I am a creative woman. I am at my best when I take the time to do things with my hands. BUT I am not a dreamer. How my creativity comes out is time with others who dream and I join them in executing that dream. That also happens in my work world. It’s truly how God made me. So, where I feel no in my three-year slump of whatever, is that I don’t have my cheerleader dreamers. Not those who MAKE me do anything. Those who inspire me and then I take the ideas and run. I don’t know what to do with this at my age.
Stacy says
March 27, 2017 at 10:59 AMThere was a time I would have said, “I want to be you when I grow up!” But “knowing you” these few years has taught me to say, “I want to be me when I grow up!” Your words have help me find (and love) my truest self. What a gift you have. Thank you for sharing so generously! “Her truest artistic work is being fully herself in the presence of others.”
Amy Schisler says
March 31, 2017 at 11:00 AMWhat a perfect list! I will be sharing this on my blog. Thank you!
Janet Miles says
April 1, 2017 at 12:45 PMLove this list! Copying it so I don’t forget on THOSE days!
Janet
A is for Adele
Patricia says
April 17, 2017 at 1:50 AMJust like you said you would, you gave my soul space to breath.
Thankyou Emily.
Alyssa Trutter says
September 8, 2017 at 11:53 AMThis is so beautiful and true and has brought so much healing and peace to my spirit. Thank you so much for responding to the Holy Spirit’s movement to write this and truly being a pencil in the hand of God.
K Ann Guinn says
April 5, 2018 at 9:33 AMSo glad I left this tab open to read this morning. Thanks for the gentle encouragement to be our creative selves, especially when what we feel doesn’t seem to make sense. Just what I needed to hear.
Blessings!
Kim says
November 3, 2018 at 5:17 PMHi Emily!
Do you know what I think is so cool about this blog post? It has touched your readers in different ways! I was just reading through the responses and it hit me how powerful your words are on so many different levels! How cool is that?
I’m blessed beyond words to have your wisdom in my life!
Denna Merritt says
January 5, 2019 at 5:41 PMI’m just now finding this article almost 2 years later but it touched me so powerfully. I was reading through and kept thinking YES! That’s exactly how I feel! Oh my gosh, she is putting my feelings, feelings that I have never even consciously thought about; putting those feelings into words. This just felt so profound I just had to leave a comment and thank you! You understand certain aspects of me without even knowing me.
As a side note, I entered my name and email in order to download the Seven Little Ways to Live Art but nothing downloaded. Is it available somewhere online? If you see this, and if you wouldn’t mind too much, could you let me know? My email is dennamerritt at gmail dot com.
Jun says
November 16, 2020 at 11:46 AMI’m so thankful for reading this today, through which I received so much encouragement and comfort in my wrestling of creating and writing! Thank God for your work, dear Emily! ❤️