Twelve Traits of the Avoidant Artist

1. We grew up in an atmosphere of invalidation which resulted in ambivalence about our artistic expression.
2. In any given twenty-four hour period we find ways, consciously or unconsciously, to avoid doing that which gives us the most joy -- expressing our creativity.
3. We have withdrawn from our art by investing ourselves in lifestyles, relationships and work activities incompatible with our artistic purpose. We think of our art as divorced from reality, denying ourselves the right to follow our dream.
4. Our creative energy has often been blocked by despair, depression, rage, obsession, compulsive behavior and/or addiction. We block significant relationships from our lives –professional, social, love, family and friends.
5. Societal myths churn in our heads: “Art is not practical” – “Artists are neurotic” – “You'll starve” – “You have to be trained” – “You are too old” – “It’s too late.” We have accepted these as true when, in fact, they are not.
6. We have felt intimidated by other artists' success. Jealousy, envy, fear, self-pity, perfectionism, resentment and other character defects block our faith in our creativity and our gifts. We do not feel worthy of the success we achieve or desire. We feel like a fraud.
7. We often feel “not safe.” Afraid of becoming a target for criticism, harm, and rejection, we prefer to be invisible and stand forever on the edge of beginning, caught in the Avoidant Syndrome.
8. We have thought of our art as divorced from reality, denying ourselves the right to follow our dream. We forget that artists are entitled to their right work and deserve the happiness and success that right work brings.
9. Fearful of pursuing our creativity as a means of earning a living, we avoid commitment. The concept of supporting ourselves through our art has seemed overwhelming. We are unable to determine the monetary market value of our art.
10. Being multi-talented, we have difficulty discerning our true calling. We deny our responsibility to fully develop and realize our talents. We are afraid to make the necessary sacrifices and establish the priorities to realize our true artistic visions.
11. Our time is unmanageable. We have difficulty following through on projects and frequently sabotage our efforts. We want to work at our art but don't know how. We become impatient with the process, forgetting that the results come in God's time, not ours.
12. We have been afraid of our creative energy and have mistrusted our creative instincts. Lacking spiritual awareness, we have not seen ourselves as channels for the Infinite Creative Process.