Fear, Failure & Creativity

On growth mindsets, learning to paint, and a little lady we call Ole Moonface.

One of the most heartbreaking things about parenting is seeing your faults and flaws reflected back to you in a tiny human being. Children are so blunt with how they show up in the world; there’s no guile or padding. And when things are laid out so clearly, it’s almost impossible not to acknowledge your own imperfections.

When Olive was little, she’d often try something new, experience a mild setback, and instantly give up — often in tears.

The scenario was jarringly familiar.