The Hidden Life | 1.
The Hidden Life- Vol. 1. Create Like No One is Watching.
Hi Sweet Friends,
Back in 2022, one of my favorite contemporary Catholic writers, Emily Stimpson Chapman did a book study on F.J. Sheed’s To Know Christ Jesus. I will be the first to admit, I bought it and have only read bit's of it. It’s a pretty intense read so on the occasion I do open it’s pages, I delve in gently. Yet I never walk away without not taking some beautiful reflection on Christ’s life with me. even if it is bite-sized.
But, there’s one section that has stayed with me, a kind of creative prayer that brings me to today’s creation of this series of essays. From Chapter 5: Nazareth of Galilee and the subsection, The Hidden Life, this line struck me so deeply:
“Their (the Holy Family’s) life was “hidden” only in the sense that the great world ignored them, very much as it ignores you and me, and that history carries no detail of their life, any more than it will carry details of your life or mine.”
That line comforted me and called me back clarity to embracing the quiet everyday life- especially in a world so focused on noise and numbers. Social Media can be a incredible tool, but it can also leave you feeling small, unseen and even unworthy. As a Catholic creator sharing things like my Ave Maria tee, I have wrestled with that discouragement. Last Fall, it got so heavy that I stopped posting. then And then The Rosary in the Year happened. And I felt called to try again.
It’s still not been easy. But that’s why I’m writing this essay-and starting this blog series. Because the Holy Family’s hidden life in Nazareth reminds me that behind-the-scenes faithfulness is where the true treasure lives. Because the One who matters most is watching-and He delights in our quiet and creative efforts.
Recently, I was reminded of this through a much-needed conversation with my dear co-worker and friend, Matthew. He works part-time on weekends, but during the week he’s lead strategist at a well-known tech company based in Austin. That morning, I had just posted the Poco a poco design and was honestly feeling bummed about how little engagement it got.
When we greeted each other, he sensed something was off. Normally, I wouldn’t say anything, but his kindness drew it out of me-and in that moment, I had even forgot what he did for his day job. He went on to share that even his own brother had been fustrated by the pressure to go viral on social media.
I laughed and said with my humble 203 followers, that’s hardly the goal-but I just miss the genuine connection I used to feel, even when my audience was smaller. And then he told me something I needed to hear:
“The new algorithm makes it really hard for small creators. The best thing you can do is keep showing up-with no expectations.”
And then he asked me a question:
“Do you love creating?”
Without hesitation, I said yes. It gives me so much joy.
And he simply said:
“Then show up-even if no one is paying attention.”
It brought me right back to something I was told back in 2007 when I started blogging for the first time:
“Create as if no one is watching.”
That simple advice freed me. It allowed me to practice creativity without distraction or pressure.
And that’s what I’m doing again now. Maybe it’s what you need, too.
So, I’m gonna leave with this:
“Do you love creating?”
If the answer is yes, then go forward. Show up. Dig deep into your divinely-gifted creativity.
Because even if no sees it, God does and He delights in every faithful step you take.
Thank you for being here. Truly. If you want to continue this conversation, I would love to chat in the comments.
Love, Cynthia