If you missed Part 1 of the Save the World, Be Creative series you can find it here.

Making Friends With Your Creativity

We are all born to be great. No exceptions.

Our creativity is already en route the moment we blink into the world. It guides us through our early development, helping us grasp language and how our legs work. The things children figure out how to do is astonishing. My (very) younger brother is chocolate obsessed. Out of sight, out of mind just doesn’t cut it. He figured how to get a piece of chocolate from a cupboard that I could barely reach. His creativity and dedication rocketed him to success (and a very messy face).

Until we enter the school system, our curiosity is nourished by our flourishing creativity. If you’ve ever interacted with an elementary-aged child, you’ll notice that their imagination is still intact. Recess is the holy grail of creativity. And then, slowly, we are weaned off such “impractical” ideas and behaviors. Grades become of utmost importance and free time is a cherished rarity. The daydreamers and doodlers are reprimanded for not paying attention to dry lectures and lessons. Our minds begin to interpret this behavior as taboo and unacceptable.

For many, this way of thinking prevails through their entire lives and leaves an empty space. Hopes and dreams are foolish unless they involve a college education and climbing the corporate ladder. What remains of the soul is hidden away in the darkest corners of our minds.

Because you are reading this, I can assume you are one of the rebels. You have been woken up or have always felt like those belief systems are total bullshit. It can be a very draining position to be in. Being a sheep seems like such an easy and comfortable position to be in, but it can never provide a life of passion and creativity.

If you’re like me, you can feel your creativity burning within you. It screams to be released from its chains, but all those years of being dulled down have taken a toll. So what can you possibly do?

Let loose and don’t give a fuck.

Easy words that are difficult to act on. The fastest way to freeing your creative energy is to become a passionate individual. Find what makes you come alive and direct all of your creativity on that. This could be painting, gardening, teaching, business development, acting, singing, etc. You aren’t allotted just one passion, so go crazy! Ask yourself about the things you enjoy the most and you’ll find your creativity lurking.

At first it will be a passive observer, hoping that someday you will call its name so it can lend you a hand. All those years of dilution have made it a little apprehensive about showing itself. When you begin to invest thought into your passions, it will become an active participant in your inner dialogues. You’ll ask for its opinion and it will give you a speech. Creativity is a part of you, so it knows exactly what ideas you’ll love to hear. Make friends with it. Have it over for dinner and play a little Scrabble. Let your relationship blossom and you’ll notice a significant change in yourself.

Creativity is the lifeblood of everything. It will churn out actionable ideas that will propel towards success. If you trust your creative self 100%, you will never worry about survival. It will take care of you, I promise.

With creativity on your side, the greatness you were meant for will come to fruition.

That’s it for Part 2! The next segment of this series will be coming this Friday. Thanks for reading!

Photo Credit: patrickeaster