A few examples of how to make a safe space for creativity: maybe for a while you don’t show anybody the thing you’re working on and give it space to grow before seeking outside input. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying something new.
Or if you belong to a writing group, ask yourself how supportive it is. Is it the place where you can share great news and be cheered or bad news and get sympathy and a ‘next time you’ll knock ’em dead’ response? Or do you find yourself withholding good news so you won’t hurt somebody’s feelings? Do you get helpful feedback from the group when you ask for it, or just criticism? Helpful feedback is invaluable. Criticism can be creatively crippling.
Are your friends and family supportive, or is it better for you to be quiet about your creative plans and goals? It’s sometimes better to just say “Sorry, I’m busy Saturday afternoon,” instead of “I’m going to be working on my novel then” and opening the door to the kind of backlash that could render your valued time-slot useless if you let it.
Creativity thrives with support, but if you haven’t got support, you can give it to yourself by just keeping your creative efforts quiet for a little while and protecting the work from outside influences. And eventually you will find support, because I really believe creative action draws it.
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