19 September 2010

Thank you, Elder Uchtdorf

Confession: I don't like to do things unless I do them amazingly well. Which means that sometimes I don't do things that I'm "good" at because I'm not amazing. But tonight, while I read Elder Uchtdorf's talk on being creative, these lines jumped out at me:

"What you create doesn't have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don't let fear of failure discourage you. Don't let the voice of critics paralyze you - whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."

So, in honor of that passage (and because the Spozo was off firesiding with Elder Jensen tonight) I did this:


And I feel good.
~

5 comments:

Mika said...

For the record, I automatically put your work (and life) into the "amazing" category.

I know there are some things I'm good at - eating donuts comes to mind, as do reading and making stamps and having an adorable child. But it's hard to convince myself to spend time on a hobby or project that I know will turn out mediocre when compared with what others can do.

To me it sounds like Elder Uchtdorf is telling us to embrace the many opportunities we have to enjoy life, regardless of how well we measure up to our own standards of excellence. It's better to make an effort and be satisfied with our results than to be "paralyzed" and never try.

(Of course, it's far easier for me to have a discussion about this than to actually do something that I feel will turn out mediocre at best. But I'm impressed with your effort and it's definitely not something I have a talent for. Thanks for inspiring me to try something new or something I can't be amazing at.)

I can't wait to see you all at Christmas!

Sposita said...

Roni, you're too kind. Really!

You are good at reading and reviewing the books in an interesting way. You are an awesome mom. Your stamps are cool. You have a fun and quirky way of expressing yourself. You have a beautiful vision of the world. You are great at thoughtful, wonderful presents (with cute wrappings!)

I think you're right - it is better to make the effort and be satisfied than to not try. I think I get too caught up in getting praises and not focusing on the creating. I think that Elder Uchtdorf is also right when he says the act of creation brings its own joy - whether it is "amazing" or not.

I am so glad we get to have Christmas together again!

Th. said...

.

You should. If you can draw a recognizable face, you've already arrived somewhere.

Satsuki said...

Wow! I didn't know you could draw! I understand what you are saying, that it's good to be creative even if the result isn't perfect, so it feels tangential to say this....but you've got talent with that pencil!

Perrine said...

Jena, I love it! Looks like the day will come when I can brag that I have an original Catanzaro on my wall!