If you've been given a creative urge, it's your responsibility to fan the flame of that passion and follow your dreams. For creatives, following that drive gives you a sense of satisfaction you can't get otherwise.
I think it's important to listen to that inner voice that urges you to create, even if it's something as simple as playing a game of Scrabble (yes, making words from tiles is creative). I love the simple act of putting flowers in a vase for my kitchen, it gives me a boost of satisfaction.
I love that quote above: Art is not a thing; it is a way. If you've got the spark to create art, feed that inclination. Keep a notebook to jot down your thoughts. Take photos that stir your soul. Listen to music that inspires. Discover beautiful places in your area. Give yourself some quiet time. Create something beautiful!
Art is a way. I realized that one day when I was driving with a friend who is a photographer. We were stopped for a light and I was taking in the scenery, which was so pretty. While I was playing with words in my mind, finding the best way to describe the scene, my friend said, "How would I capture that light." Clearly, we were both creating art in our own way—me as a writer and her as a photographer. Our artistic selves couldn't help but try to capture the scene according to our different disciplines. I love that!
Do you have that creative urge? Creative folks share similar traits that set them on their artistic path:
Curiosity
Imagination
Persistence
Flexibility
Openness
You could have those traits, but your creativity would lie dormant if you don't act on your inspiration. Once you start to create, the juices flow and creativity gets easier. It's like a muscle that you need to use to keep it working well.
Want to know the secret to allowing your creativity to flourish? It's giving yourself permission to be brave and not allowing yourself to fear failure. In writing, you're allowed to write a bad first draft. You can always work to improve it, but you've got to have something to work with.
Last week, someone mentioned Ephesians 2:10, and it made me think of my writing. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. I truly believe my writing is part of God's plan for me. Even if it doesn't impact others, it impacts me. Writing helps me to sort through issues, problems, wounds, and dreams.
I've discovered that people who are prone to creativity often allow their creative urges to be expressed in many ways. I know writers who also give themselves time to indulge in photography, baking, cooking, gardening, decorating, painting, and sculpting.
Before I got serious about writing, I made pillows, tablecloths, table runners, and throws. One day a friend who was an interior designer came by and saw my pillows.
She encouraged me to sell them. I did for a while. I worked with a few designers and sold some of my stuff to some high-end boutiques. (I think I got a good deal on the gold and black fabric.)
I even bought vintage beads and created custom buttons for some of my pillows.
I occasionally get the urge to pull out my sewing machine, but I mostly want to put words together that will give someone pleasant entertainment or food for thought.
My point this week is to encourage you to take steps to release your creativity and enjoy your effort.
How does the creative urge manifest itself in your life?