Rupi Kaur on 10 Years of Milk & Honey, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Empowering Others
Jan 8, 2025
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Rupi Kaur, a self-published poet renowned for her bestselling collection, 'milk and honey', shares her journey reflecting on a decade of literary impact. She discusses the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome and the intense emotions tied to her creative process. Rupi emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in her writing, the transformative power of poetry, and the importance of community in uplifting fellow artists. Her poignant anecdotes highlight how authenticity can truly define success in the world of literature.
Rupi Kaur reflects on the bittersweet nature of revisiting her poetry from ten years ago, embracing both pride and past insecurities.
The discussion highlights the struggle with imposter syndrome that many successful artists face, emphasizing the importance of internal validation and joy in their work.
Community and shared experiences play a crucial role in artistic growth, fostering an environment where emerging voices are uplifted and celebrated.
Deep dives
The Importance of Accessible Therapy
Virtual therapy services, like Talkspace, are emphasized for their accessibility in today's fast-paced world. They allow individuals to connect with licensed therapists in a way that feels less intimidating and time-consuming. Talkspace offers convenience by enabling users to engage in therapy from their homes or while on the go, which can alleviate some excuses people may have for avoiding mental health support. This approach makes therapy more approachable and affordable, breaking down barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Ten-Year Reflections on Artistic Work
The significance of revisiting past works, like the ten-year anniversary of a beloved poetry book, is deeply explored. Authors often feel a mix of pride and embarrassment when reflecting on their earlier creations, questioning their growth and changes over the decade. The discussion reveals the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, as artists realize how their younger selves created without the pressures of an audience. The conversation celebrates the journey of an artist's evolution while acknowledging the original passion that fueled their early works.
The Power of Community in the Arts
The role of community and shared experiences in the evolution of artistic work is highlighted as being pivotal for both the artist and audience. Open mics and events that feature emerging poets serve as platforms for connection and personal growth, reminding artists of their roots. Sharing success and offering support to others creates a cycle of upliftment, encouraging more voices to be heard and valued. This interconnectedness in the art world fosters a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish.
Navigating Success and Imposter Syndrome
The struggle with imposter syndrome among successful artists is candidly addressed, highlighting the dissonance between public acclaim and personal doubt. Many artists find themselves grappling with the pressure of living up to expectations while questioning their worthiness of success. This internal conflict is compounded by the fear of losing relevance in a fast-paced digital landscape, further emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and validation from within. The conversation encourages artists to find joy in their work rather than merely measuring success by external standards.
The Influence of Social Media on Art
The transformation of artistic expression through social media platforms is discussed, illustrating how these tools facilitate broader accessibility and engagement in the literary world. Platforms like Tumblr and Instagram have allowed poets to share their work effectively, leading to increased readership and community building. However, the pressure of algorithms and popularity can overshadow the intrinsic joy of creation, causing artists to feel constrained. The conversation suggests that true artistic fulfillment comes from genuine expression rather than pandering to trends or superficial metrics.
In 2014, a few months after Ryan Holiday released his first book on Stoicism, The Obstacle Is the Way, another young author, Rupi Kaur, self-published her first book, milk and honey. Her collection of poems quickly became a huge success, becoming one of the highest-selling poetry books of the 21st century. Now, 10 years later, Ryan and Rupi reflect on the ups and downs that followed the releases of The Obstacle Is the Way and milk and honey. Rupi shares with Ryan what it was like revisiting her work from 10 years ago, why she initially thought publishing milk and honey was a huge mistake, and profound moments she has experienced with her audience around the world.