are you an artist?

I wanted to be an actress. 

Or a writer. 

And then, I wanted to be a storyteller.

What kept happening, was that I kept being a teacher. And in teaching I forgot about being an artist. This is kind of funny, if you are in the Waldorf education world, as teaching is supposed to be an art form, and art is to be the way we teach, especially in the years between early childhood and high school. 

And so, I have let everything and everything get in the way of writing, telling stories, performing, learning, moving, and making art. I've very carefully kept myself away from being an artist because of beliefs I had about being an artist.
Beliefs like:

• artists are irresponsible.
• artists don't make money.
• I can be happy doing other things, so I should stay away from art.
• my writing isn't good enough, so I'm not an artist.
• storytelling is just part of teaching; I'm not an artist.
• I'm not oppressed enough to be an artist.

Funnily enough, I can say all these things about teaching, too. I'm not good enough, it doesn't make enough money...

I'm trying to be open to telling new stories about myself and holding new beliefs, even for just a few minutes a day. Beliefs like:

• I can support my family with what I do.
• I have skills that people will pay me for.
• I can be happier if I am making art -- preparing stories for performance, writing, teaching in an artistic, living way...
• storytelling is a way I share my art in my teaching.
• I can use my art to fight for truth, beauty, goodness, and justice.

As a creative person, a mother, an artist, and a teacher, I have gifts to share with the world. Not only that, but I believe I have a responsibility to share my gifts. 
It feels scary and vulnerable to say these things. As if I have no right to say them, and also, as if they are so obvious I shouldn't bother.

But I'm doing it anyway.

Are you an artist?