Was Emerson’s or Monet’s work…enough?

If you read my last letter, just skip to the Love Letter below! If not, keep reading to know why you’re getting a love letter from me.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you won’t be surprised to know that I share things from my writing journals. Often times things that I’ve written to myself end up being something that reveals some truths. And truth is universal, so I end up sharing them with you.

That’s why I am sending you love letters! If you’re just now reading these, please know the others are on the site:

Love Letter 1

Love Letter 2

Love Letter 3

Love Letter 4

These are lifted from the letters I wrote to myself back in 2019. I had little to no objectivity on them at the time. They were just something I felt like doing, so I did.

I came across them today while sorting things in my office. As often happens when supposedly working, I ended up flopping in a chair reading.

And I found myself stirred by the letters and felt that they weren’t just written for me.

Love Letter 5

You are creating lack where none exists, dear one. You concern over time, your talents, your creativity. You question, as one does with a gift given—if who you are, how you walk and what you have to share—you question, is it enough?

And I would say enough as compared to?

Was Emerson’s work enough when compared to Thoreau?
Was Hemingway’s writing and life enough when compared to F. Scott Fitzgerald?
Was Monet’s work enough when compared to Renoir?

They each did their work. Each piece of writing, each work of art was delivered by way of their singular existence. They didn’t always feel enough either. But they could not—not do it.

You are more than enough, dear one, to do the work ahead. You have all that you need to take your place among those whose work you admire. Believe it to be true and so it is.

And you, a windrose, a compass, my direction, my description of the world.
~ Ian Burgham

Best Day Ever
from a watercolor tutorial in Flow, my monthly creative membership

P.S. Risky business. This thing of writing and sending it out. If I let fear stop me, you have no idea how many missives of mine would have never seen the light of day. I don’t get it right always—maybe only a very small percentage of the time. But I believe in following my heart which often seems to involve…taking chances. That is life. If this letter resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you—you can leave a comment just below.

P.P.S. You may be feeling inspired to do this for yourself. You know, get quiet and write a letter to YOU. It’s your higher self speaking to your regular old self. It knows so much more and finds it very easy to fall in love with …YOU!