Being creative has always been a part of my life. But, often I have found myself asking the question, “am I creative?” Usually I have asked this in relation to drawing, painting, etc. Because for whatever reason that’s where we tend to place a lot of merit when it comes to creativity. Or at least that’s been the conversation in my head. That if I wasn’t skilled at drawing, painting, or photography then I wasn’t really creative. If someone asked what I enjoyed, I was always afraid to mention any sort of creative endeavors because in my mind, I had to be really good at it for it to be a hobby. Thus has been my journey with creativity. Why does this happen? Why do we let this self doubt cripple us? Most likely it is the result of comparison, negative self talk, and not knowing how to add it into our rhythms.
Comparison is certainly the thief of joy!
Time is also hard to find, especially if you are a mama, like I am. There is always so much to do, work, chores, playing with kiddos, meals, relationships, goals etc! But, some lovely advice I have received and am trying to implement is:
It has kept me from doing things too often than I care to admit. Everyone is on their own journey and comparing my current place with someone else’s is not going to serve me well. I don’t know what they have experienced to get there and the amount of hard work any of us have to do to be “good” at any creative practice.
Creating in the midst of negative self talk.
Most of us desire to create on a regular basis. Most of us also are already doing it everyday. It is easy to put the idea of creating into this unachievable box that is reserved for the artists and creators around us. But, what truly makes a creative person? This is something I began considering while reading The Creative Family Manifesto by Amanda Blake Soule. I had long been a person who had several creative interests but found it hard to keep in practice because I was constantly undermining myself and not speaking kindly to myself. I have an idea that a lot of us have been here. Where all we can see is what we aren’t good at and never stop to notice what we are already engaging in daily without much notice.
Creating as a part of a life rhythm.
Listen/watch people that inspire you to do what you are interested in.
- Find podcasts, books, or even a few creators on instagram that inspire you. Not that you are comparing yourself to but people that bring life!
Creating can be a part of your everyday life, it will feed your soul
- Cooking, designing your home, painting, sewing, organizing.
- It is a part of your everyday life already but can also be done with intention.
Do it with your kids
- Invite them into it and they will want to do it independently too.
- Manage expectations, this always helps me to have patience for whatever the activity is.
Don’t overthink it
- It doesn’t have to be this elaborate craft or project.
- Start simple, it can be 15 minutes that you set a side or one special meal a week.
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