I am a creative person. I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t. I’m grateful for the multiple ways I can express my creativity. Writing, party planning, jewelry making, decorating, crocheting…I am content when I’m creating something with my hands.
For example, I was up until 11:30 last night writing my fictional novel (one of two books in my head at the moment). The characters live in my head and sometimes I will have an idea about what they should be saying or doing at the most inopportune moments, like when I’m tired. The scenario usually goes like this:
Me: I’m sleepy.
My Creative Heart: But what about that idea you had for the main character?
Me: All I want to do is just take a shower and go to bed.
My Creative Heart: Just write a few lines. Besides if you don’t, you’ll be wide awake thinking about it.
Me: (Checking the time) Okay, it’s 8:00pm. I’ll write until 9, but then I’m going to bed.
My Creative Heart: (Jumping for joy) Woo hoo!!
Me: (4 hours later…) Okay, I need to figure out how to tie in these two scenes…(Looks up at the clock) Jeezy peezy! It’s after midnight!!! I should be in bed by now.
My Creative Heart: Well I was going to tell you the time, but you looked so happy.
When I’m in a creative zone I’m happy. I take that back. I’m not just happy; I’m in an everlasting euphoric state of bliss. When I’m being creative, no matter the form, I lose track of time, I ignore fatigue and at some point common sense is no longer present. It usually takes an external distraction to stop me, like the phone ringing or my kids.
The physical manifestation of my creativity is like a piece of me that I’m willing to share with the world. It takes courage to present a part of you and not worry about the criticism it might face. I admire musicians, vocalists and actors. Their creativity is judged and scrutinized on a daily basis. But what most people don’t know about truly creative people is we will be creative even if the only person that gets to enjoy it is ourselves. I nurture my creative heart because I want it to grow and develop. I want to share it with my children. Some of it has rubbed off on them already. My oldest loves to draw and my youngest loves to sing and dance. And wouldn’t you know it; both of them love to write.
What have you done today to nurture your creative heart?