After I finished the reading I chose lesson one: Don’t Be Embarrassed. “You often reveal things about yourself that others may find appalling, weird, boring, or stupid.” I found this line kind of interesting to me because it’s so true that putting yourself out there creatively can feel terrifying. Anytime you make something, whether it’s writing, painting, music, or anything else, you’re showing a part of yourself. Not everyone is going to like it. Some people might think it’s dumb, confusing, or just not worth their time. That fear of judgment can be enough to make you want to quit before you even start. What I like about this passage is that it doesn’t hide that fear,  it acknowledges it. But at the same time, it kind of encourages you to keep going. It reminds me that feeling exposed or uncertain is just part of the process. If I had held back for fear of looking weird or stupid, I would never have created anything. Honestly, some of the most interesting and influential art comes from people who are willing to be a little weird, take risks, and be themselves without any shame. It also got me thinking about how we judge other people’s art. How often do we overlook something simply because it’s different or unfamiliar? Maybe art that seems “weird” or “boring” at first is actually the kind we like best. This passage challenges me not just as a creator, but as a person who experiences art. It reminded me to be open-minded, to appreciate the courage it takes to make something personal, and to embrace the weird, messy, and imperfect parts of creativity. Because at the end of the day, art isn’t made for perfection, it’s made for authenticity.