It’s Time to Reclaim your Creativity
Dear Creative (yes, you)
It’s time to reclaim your creativity.
We're ‘reclaiming’ it because creativity never leaves you. It's something we all have, and it's often a background process that's running without us realizing it.
If you've never considered yourself creative, it might feel like a wild leap to suddenly say ‘I am creative’ and genuinely believe it.
If that’s the case, let’s start from a perspective that will feel more achievable: Being curious about creativity.
Engage your curiosity about creativity with these phrases:
I wonder what my creativity looks like?
I'm curious how I can practice creativity.
What am I interested in trying that feels creative to me?
I am allowed to try creative hobbies.
I'm trying (insert creative thing here) just for fun.
Reframing our thoughts from a place of curiosity gives our mind a permission slip to be open to practicing creativity.
We're not making an absolute statement like ‘I am creative,’ which our mind might respond to by bringing up a bunch of reasons why that's not true.
When reclaiming your creativity, some uncomfortable feelings may come up:
Insecurity: We might wonder if our friends or family will judge us.
Uncertainty: We don't know what to expect, and we begin to feel silly for even entertaining the idea of being creative.
Defeated: We may wonder ‘what's the point?’
Frustration: It can be challenging to be a beginner again.
There may even be memories of when we were creative in the past, but people shut us down. I am deeply sorry if this happened to you.
You deserve encouragement, and I hope you have the courage to experiment with your creativity again!
No one is immune to these uncomfortable emotions. Including folks (like me) that have ‘traditionally’ creative jobs, so you’re not alone.
Even while I write this, there's a little voice in the back of my head saying ‘What's the point?’
Who will read this?
Do people even want to be creative?’
My response to this little voice?
I am the point. And YOU are the point!
My quality of life is better when I have time to be creative and make things just for myself. My wellbeing has a ripple effect on others. Even if no one else wants to tap into their creativity, I do. And that’s enough.
Don’t get me wrong, it took awhile to get to this point where I could prioritize myself (and I still struggle with it). But that’s a different post for another day.
It’s time to give yourself permission to experiment with creativity.
Print this digital permission slip as an easy way to start experimenting.
Fill them out! Color or draw on them, or make your own.
Put it somewhere you’ll see it for a little motivation boost. (like your desk or glued inside your journal)
Remember: you are allowed and encouraged to express your creativity.
You are creative. You got this.
XOXO,
Ambassador of the Official Fake Bureau of Creativity
