Why You're Not Seeing the Splash
your creative ripple matters more than you think
Have you ever noticed that it’s literally impossible to dip a toe into water without making a ripple?
I actually just tried it myself. I got a bowl out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and then tried to gently dip a finger in without disturbing anything.
The second that surface tension broke, an initial ripple shot outward, as the rest of the water chilled as much as my heartbeat would allow. So, given my incredible kitchen-lab research I am quite certain of my findings:
Even the tiniest, most noncommittal dip—a dainty little toe test—creates outward motion. A disturbance to the status quo.
But here’s where things get spicy:
We often dip that toe and then get upset when that doesn’t suddenly create a big ol’ wave. We write our dreams in our journals, send a newsletter, post some art, or toss “I’m open to commissions” into the algorithm, and then side-eye the universe like, “Um, hello? Where’s my tidal wave of opportunity???”
I’ve been there too, more times than I can count. But this is not a guilt trip. I’m not here to shame your dainty toe-dip or to even tell you to cannonball harder. Because you already know what will propel you forward. And because frankly, I don’t believe that every season is a splash season.
That said, I am here to offer two considerations to tuck in your pocket no matter the season you’re in:
It is impossible to touch the creative current and not cause a ripple.
Most of us stop because we didn’t get the splash we were secretly hoping for.
We assume that because no one immediately clapped, commented, DMed, or handed us a bouquet of validation roses, nothing happened. But ripples are nuanced. They travel farther than you can see. They move outward, not always upward. And some of the best ones take their sweeeet-ass time.
So if all you’ve got in you this week is a toe-dip into your dream, into your work, into your weird little creative voice: GOOD. That totally counts.
Just don’t convince yourself it didn’t do anything, because the water is already moving.
Until next time, friends. Create bravely and keep betting on yourself.
P.S. If you’d like to see more of my art and peek into my creative life, come follow me on Instagram. 🌹
Ripples also interact with other ripples, and start to make waves. That's the power of creative community and interaction among people who try, in spite of the wait times.