Own your work

I recently watched the film Big Eyes, based on the story of Margaret Keane, an artist whose husband took credit for her work and kept her churning out paintings while he stole the limelight. The little girl here is one of her 'big eyes' paintings from a postcard that was promoting the film.

I first put the image on the page because it went well with the background. However, it made me think about how important it is to own our work. And not just work, but our behaviour, words, etc. When Margaret didn't speak up and claim the work as hers, she lost out on the blessing of acclaim and monetary success. 

But we can also let others take blame when really it is ours. We need to own the bad as well as the good. It is only when we confess and seek forgiveness that we can be free of feelings of shame. It can be hard in the moment, but in the long run it's much easier.