The Heart of Creativity

The Creative Heart

Contrary to some opinions, artists are not necessarily
talented or different from ordinary folk. We are all naturally creative and have unique qualities that are authentically ours just waiting to be expressed in some form. Whether you are a writer, a singer, a painter, a cook, an entrepreneur, or a parent, you have a unique way of bringing your ideas to the world.

It is not uncommon, however, to feel blocked or stuck sometimes. Usually this means we are not taking time for creativity. We tell ourselves we don’t have time, or that it is self-indulgent. We don’t feel justified in making creativity a priority in our lives. Sometimes our “inner critic” gets in the way telling us we are not good enough, or that we shouldn’t be wasting our time.

Usually this is counter productive. We should be listening to our hearts, not our “shoulds”. Allowing ourselves to be creative has a lot to do with our passions. If we are daily involved with something we love, we grow our passion. And passion leads to doing something about it….whether that is creating a special space to work on your scrapbooking, or making every Wednesday night Gourmet Night, or starting a blog…it’s important to express your creativity on your terms.

Doing something that satisfies the creator in you is like it sounds. It can be akin to a religious or mystical experience. Indulging your creativity can often take your mind off your troubles, give you a sense of accomplishment, or help with loneliness or even fatigue. People even say it is “healing” to get lost in their creative process. And it is a process. It takes practice, time, and a fair bit of dedication to get really accomplished with your creativity. So don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts at whatever you’ve decided to do aren’t as “stellar” as you’d hoped. Just keep going and see where it leads you.

Primarily most artists work to please themselves. They express something within them that needs to come out and see the light of day. Some artists never show anyone their work, some can’t wait to share it with the world. Both forms of expression are equally valid. Whatever you do to express your creative side should please you first. If other people are also interested in it, then it is a bonus. But the primary pleasure you derive from being creative is in the “feeling” it gives you. It’s all about the passion.

So don’t just sit there….create!

Have a happy day.
Sharon