Everyone Is A Creative

As I mentioned in my post, Understanding Who We Are… And Doing What We Love, finding ways to express creativity in my everyday life has become one of my north stars. 

When I really think about, “why is it so important to me?” and “how is my life better?” as a result of all of this focus on my creativity? Here’s my list of benefits:

·       it gives me great satisfaction to bring original ideas to life 

·       it fills my life with energy & passion and attracts those types of people into my life

·       it exposes me to new things, inspiring my curiosity and sense of wonder to whole new levels

·       it has made me more present in my moments

·       it gives me a way to express how I feel and what I am experiencing as a human being

·       it brings focus into my life

·       it gives me a greater appreciation for everything

·       it has led to big new opportunities & experiences that changed my life

·       it has given me a greater awareness of everything around me and helped me understand my place in the universe

·       it gives me a way to have extraordinary moments and experience God

I am so grateful & blessed to have been given so many experiences to explore my talents and find my unique voice in my lifetime.

It started as a kid; playing inside with tinker toys, Lincoln logs, erector sets and Legos & playing outside in the fields and forests behind my house in the creek, following animal tracks & catching frogs. Later it was through all sorts of lessons: art, music & swimming, along with all kinds of experiences: YMCA, CCD, Boy Scouts, CYA Basketball & Bands, bands, bands – orchestra, marching & jazz.

In fact, here’s the “how to inspire creativity” at an early age equation: 

A ton of support & a lot of pushing from my parents + 

so much over stimulation & wonder fulfillment (i.e. wow! the world is full of wonder!) + 

an anything is possible belief philosophy from such an early age (again from my mom) = 

confidence to go out and be creative

Over the next few posts, I plan to share real-life stories from my journals, detailing some of my creative adventures, in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. I also plan share what I learned along the way + what I would do differently, so perhaps you can learn from my missteps… which there were (& still are), many.  

I also believe everyone should be given opportunities to experience their own talents firsthand, to really know what it feels like when you’re doing something you’re good at, or something you’re really passion about. Life feels different. Much more fulfilling. We all need this type of space to experiment. To make mistakes and figure out what we’re good at… and what we’re not.

We all have unique, creative talents that the world needs. Unfortunately, some of us don’t believe we have any, other don’t have enough confidence to express their creativity, still others don’t think it’s important enough to use them, while others simply don’t know where to start.

For those who are in the last group, I thought I would share a few ideas to get you started on you own creative journey. 

Here are 7 Simple Steps to Start You on Your Way to Becoming A CREATIVE:

1.    Start today.

Literally, start today. If you’ve ever thought about being creative, don’t put it off. Don’t procrastinate or wait for the perfect opportunity. The perfect opportunity is RIGHT NOW. You are reading this post. This is the universe offering divine intervention into your life at this moment; either reminding you or inspiring you that YOU ARE A CREATIVE PERSON. And the time to start acting on it, is NOW.

2.    Think about it, write about it & create.

Buy yourself a sketch pad or a journal. Take pictures (on your phone for inspiration). Keep a creative folder to store your inspiration; remember inspiration can come from anywhere! Make a to-do list or a project list. Push your curiosity to the limit and keep asking, “what if” every day.

3.    Do something creative every day.

Being creative, means that you’re creating. That means finding time to do something creative every day. Plan to be creative. Make it a daily habit. A daily practice. Creativity isn’t magic, it’s work. Create a schedule. Creative inspiration is everywhere… and if you ask for it, it will come to you.

4.    Redefine or reframe your definition of creativity.

Creativity isn’t just painting, writing, playing piano or dancing. It’s the act of creating anything ORIGINAL. A new recipe, a new business, a new routine for your house. Creativity is a state of mind. Trust your intuition. Believe that you are a creative.

5.    Fight your “horsemen.”

Get out of your own way. We all have things that stand in our way. I call mine the FOUR HORSEMEN. Meet them:

·       Procrastination

·       Distraction

·       Doubt

·       Fear of Failure / Fear of Success

I know, it’s a bit dramatic, using an apocalyptic biblical reference, as a metaphor for the personal fears and challenges that get in my way. But sometimes it feels that way. These four entities have caused more chaos, confusion and challenges in my life when it comes to bringing my creative projects to life, than I care to admit. And for me, calling them out in this way, gives me a way of confronting them head on. Call yours out and move on.

6.    Set up a space to be creative in.

This means you’re serious, you’re committed. You’ve made an effort to do something to show yourself and others in your life that you are taking this idea of being creative, seriously.

7.    Define the types of creative things you’re interested in pursuing.

Which leads into a short exercise.

Here is a simple, three-question, 15-minute exercise to get you started. Get out a piece of paper and a pencil/pen. (or type this on your phone.) Spend 5 minutes each, answering the following questions:

What are your creative passions, unique talents, or what do you love to do?

What are your horsemen (or what are your fears) that would stop you from starting one of the things you’ve listed above?

Pick ONE of the creative ideas from your first response and think about the first 3- 5 things you need to get started.

OK, GET STARTED. TODAY.

And just like that, you’re on your way to being a creative.

P.S. If you’re super motivated + feel like sharing, I would love to hear what you’ve decided to do. Share it in the comment box.

Love & Light.