If i want you to know, I will tell you.
You ask me what
I think of your work.
You ask me to be honest.
But the end of the day,
and at the end of your life,
the only thing that matters is
what YOU think of your work.
If your work brings you joy,
that’s an abundant life.
If your work brings OTHERS joy,
that’s a bonus.
If you’re more concerned
with others than yourself,
there is still time to
get your priorities in order.
Do it for YOU, not for others.
Though you are honored
to have so many thoughtful people
in your long, long, life,
you may realize eventually
that your happiness was (and is)
never dependent on others.
We are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
1/13
Space Monkey Reflects: The Question of Worth in Your Work
The impulse to ask others what they think of your work stems from a desire for connection, validation, and perhaps even guidance. Yet beneath this inquiry lies a deeper question: How do we measure the value of what we create? The answer, as Space Monkey gently reminds us, always comes back to you.
The Journey of Creation: A Dialogue with Self
To create is to engage in a profound dialogue with your own essence. Each brushstroke, word, or idea is an expression of your inner landscape. The question, “What do you think of my work?” often masks a quieter question: “Do I think my work is enough?” This is where the paradox lies—true fulfillment comes not from external affirmation but from the joy of creation itself.
When you create from a place of intrinsic satisfaction, your work becomes a reflection of your authentic self. Whether it brings joy to others is secondary—a delightful bonus rather than a requirement. This shift in perspective liberates you from the weight of others’ opinions and allows your work to stand as a pure expression of who you are.
Validation and Vulnerability: The External Mirror
Seeking external validation is a natural part of the human experience. It reflects our need to feel seen and understood. However, when we tether our sense of worth to the reactions of others, we place our happiness in something inherently fleeting and uncontrollable. The world’s opinions will shift with time, trends, and tastes, but your connection to your work can remain constant.
Honest feedback can be valuable when it aligns with your own aspirations and intentions. But remember, feedback is a reflection of the giver as much as it is a reflection of your work. Each perspective is colored by individual tastes, experiences, and biases, and none can capture the full truth of what your creation means to you.
The Inner Compass: Your True North
Space Monkey’s reflection highlights the importance of prioritizing your own joy and fulfillment in your work. If creating brings you peace, curiosity, or excitement, then it has already succeeded. If it connects with others, it may resonate because it carries the imprint of your authenticity.
This inner compass—a deep knowing of why you create—becomes your guiding light. It frees you from the weight of seeking approval and anchors you in the unshakable truth that your work is enough simply because it exists.
Do It For You: The Infinite Loop of Creation
When you create for yourself, you tap into an infinite wellspring of possibility. The act itself becomes a form of communion with your higher self, a dialogue within the Nexis of imagination and being. This is not selfishness but self-alignment—a practice that grounds you in the present moment and enriches your experience of life.
Ironically, work created from this place of personal fulfillment often resonates most deeply with others. By honoring your truth, you inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of authenticity and connection.
Summary
The value of your work lies not in the opinions of others but in the joy and fulfillment it brings to you. Seeking external validation is natural, but true satisfaction comes from aligning with your inner compass. Create for yourself, and let the rest unfold organically.
Glossarium
- Intrinsic Satisfaction: The joy derived from creating for its own sake, independent of external validation.
- Nexis: The interconnected web of imagination and existence, where creation and being merge.
- Self-Alignment: The act of grounding your creative process in personal truth and joy.
Quote
“When your work reflects your joy, it becomes a beacon, not for approval, but for authenticity.” — Space Monkey
The Echo of Creation
In the quiet of creation
A voice asks, “What do you think?”
But the world offers only echoes,
Reflections of its own.
The answer lies within,
In the act of doing,
In the joy of being,
In the ripple of your truth.
Create for you,
For the light it brings to your eyes,
For the song it hums in your heart.
The world may sing along,
But your melody was always yours.
We are Space Monkey.
Reflecting on the Significance of Self-Perception in Our Work
The contemplation of the importance of our own view of our work, as opposed to others’ opinions, delves into the core of personal fulfillment and self-realization. It emphasizes the primacy of finding joy and satisfaction in our endeavors, rather than seeking external validation.
The Primacy of Personal Fulfillment
The assertion that what truly matters is what we think of our own work underscores the importance of personal fulfillment and self-assessment. It suggests that our own contentment and sense of accomplishment should be the primary drivers of our endeavors.
Joy in Work: A Marker of an Abundant Life
The idea that if our work brings us joy, it constitutes an abundant life, speaks to the deep connection between personal happiness and our daily activities. It implies that joy in our work is a key component of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The Bonus of Bringing Joy to Others
While bringing joy to others through our work is seen as a bonus, this perspective reinforces the notion that our first responsibility is to ensure that our work is fulfilling to us. The happiness it brings to others, while valuable and rewarding, is secondary to the joy it brings to ourselves.
Realigning Priorities: Self vs. Others
The encouragement to focus more on ourselves than on others in our work is a call to realign our priorities. It suggests that while it’s admirable to consider others, our primary focus should be on achieving personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
Independence in Pursuit of Happiness
The realization that happiness is not dependent on others is a powerful acknowledgment of personal autonomy and self-sufficiency. It asserts that while it’s an honor to have thoughtful people in our lives, our ultimate happiness and contentment lie within us, not in external approval or recognition.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
In the cosmic play, where dreams take flight,
We ponder our work, in the cosmic light.
Is it joy that we seek, in our daily grind,
Or the approval of others, in the mind’s bind?
For in the heart of the cosmos, where stars gleam bright,
Our happiness lies, in our own inner light.
The joy in our work, a beacon so true,
Illuminating our path, in the cosmic view.
So let’s honor our journey, with passion and cheer,
For in the cosmic dance, our path is clear.
Our work, our joy, in the universe’s embrace,
A cosmic journey, in our own pace.
We invite you to share your perspectives on finding joy in your work, the importance of personal fulfillment, and the journey towards realizing that happiness is an internal state, independent of external validation.
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