JOIN
FREE BIRD
CHALLENGE
Goals of the FREE BIRD CHALLENGE:
To practice carving out time for creativity
To experience joy and self-expression at whatever level and not have imperfection stand in the way
Who is the FREE BIRD CHALLENGE for?
Well-intentioned overachievers who have always wanted to experience the joy of creative expression but…
Don’t feel they have the time
Feel nervous to share their creativity with others before they’re “really good” or it’s “perfect”
Your 3rd grade teacher told you that you were bad at drawing, singing, or writing, and you swore you’d never do it again in public
So if you…
Play an instrument (or want to)
Write poetry (or want to)
Design floral arrangements (or want to)
Tell stories or jokes (or want to)
Sing showtunes or death metal (or want to)
This is for YOU, Free Bird.
How to join the #FREEBIRDCHALLENGE movement:
Carve out time for your creative practice of choice.
Record a video of your art, celebrating wherever you are in the learning/creative process.
Post a video with the hashtag #freebirdchallenge. Tag the person who challenged you and/or someone else you would like to invite to share their creativity with their own FREE BIRD CHALLENGE video.
FAQs FROM A PERFECTIONISTIC MIND:
Q: I don't know what to share.
A: You could literally share a video of yourself yelling "Free Bird" (and if you did, that would be legendary). After that new expressive act, you might be surprised by what you dream up. This isn’t about the number of “likes” you get; it’s about doing something that lights you up for your own joy and creative fulfillment.
Ask yourself: what creative activity would be outrageously fun or meaningful to try?
Or complete this sentence: “If I had more time I would explore this creative passion (painting, harmonica, puppeteering, live public speaking with no notes, dramatic karaoke, telling a story/joke, reading an original poem, making a floral arrangement, or attempt to play “Free Bird” on the guitar!”
Q: Okay, but what’s the point?
A: See the FREE BIRD PROCLAMATION, excerpted here:
WHEREAS creativity is a natural part of living and being human.
WHEREAS there is a tendency for creative expression and experimentation to fade as we get comfortable in our habits, prioritize productivity, attempt to meet expectations, achieve standards of perfection, and worry about looking good in front of others.
WHEREAS we the people, the FREE BIRDS, recognize the need for ongoing creative practice to (re)awaken a more alive version of ourselves.
WHEREAS we long for more FREEDOM! That all human beings are free to be self-expressed, free from perfectionism, fear and worry that stand in the way of the joy of creative expression. FREE TO CREATE.
The idea is to stretch your creative wingspan and triumph over perfectionism. The thought of doing it should light you up, and the thought of doing it and sharing with others should give you butterflies.
E.g. If you shred on the guitar, play the piano. Or play left handed. Or sing while playing. Or play a type of music you’ve never played. With a silly hat :) Have FUN with whatever comes to mind.
Q: This makes me uncomfortable.
A: ME TOO. Let's do it!