#30: Make it Beautiful

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Hey, this is Colin Campbell, and I want to share something simple but powerful: you can take all the negativity—sadness, shame, guilt, fear, anger—and transform it into something meaningful. I’ve been working on a song called Make It Beautiful, and the first lines hit hard:
“I can't escape this pain I feel. So make it beautiful. The meaninglessness is so real. So make it beautiful.”

The Truth About Emotions and Creation

It’s easy to feel disconnected when life throws curveballs. But instead of letting that darkness consume you, pour it into your work. Whether you’re writing a book, crafting music, or building something from scratch, that pain can be the raw material that transforms your work into something extraordinary.

Nonfiction writers often assume that emotions don’t play a role in their work—but that’s a mistake. Even when you're producing a business book, those moments of doubt, fear, and frustration can sharpen your voice and give your words more authenticity.

The Editing Safety Net

Here’s a key reminder: write to get things out—edit before you distribute. On bad days, when you're feeling inadequate or comparing yourself to others, don't let that stop you. The beauty of the creative process is that what you write in that raw, unfiltered state doesn’t have to see the light of day. But if you don’t create, there’s nothing to review, refine, or elevate later.

When you sit down to create, you're not committing to share every thought or emotion. You’re creating a foundation that you can revisit and mold into something valuable. And if you're worried that writing from anger or sadness will expose too much, remember that the work evolves. The raw version is just the starting point.

Why You’re More Capable Than You Think

Think of emotional pain as a storm. After the rain, the ground breathes new life. The same happens in your creative process. You might have a terrible week, but that doesn’t define your entire month—or your ability to produce impactful work.

As humans, we’re far more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. Great intellects and spiritual teachers throughout history remind us of that. You can absorb the pain of reality and transform it into something that inspires others.

Love Yourself Through It All

If there’s something weighing on your heart, ask your version of a higher power to help you release it. You deserve happiness. Give yourself a hug and know that you're capable of turning that pain into something beautiful.

That’s it for today. I’m getting back to my song and editing my book. Whatever you're working on, trust the process. The best work often comes from the hardest moments.