I hear people around me at work and in social settings claim they are not creative. The words vary, but the belief is the same. Because they do not consider themselves artists, like those they admire, they do not think they are creative.
Creative is defined in Websters' Dictionary as: 1) having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas 2) using the ability to make or think of new things, 3) involving the process by which new ideas, stories, etc., are created 4) done in an unusual way.
These definitions apply to me, to you, to almost everyone I know, and I would surmise to everyone you know as well. They may not apply in the same way or frequency from one to another, but being creative is part of each of us. Our ability to be creative is what makes each of us different. Without the art of creativity we might all look, sound, act and behave the same.
I would challenge you tomorrow to look at the many ways you and others you know are creative. Do you get up from bed, brush your teeth, walk or sit the same way?
What creative choices do you make when choosing the clothing to wear for the day? Do you just pick what ever your hand touches or do you take a moment to decide? What colors do you choose? Do you choose something formal or casual? What pieces of clothing do you pick to wear together? Do you choose this combination every day or do you have pieces of clothing you mix and match depending on your plans for the day? Whether you choose the article of clothing or someone else chose it for you, there was a day when you used your creative abilities to create a look or feel you enjoyed.
We all have the ability to imagine. Sometimes our imagination may be pleasing and at times it may resemble what some think of as worry. Whatever it is in the next few days, take the time to give yourself credit for what you do with your imagination or unconscious reaction to imagination. Catch yourself in the moments and recognize how often you are creative. While you were talking to your friend on the phone, did you pick up a pencil and start doodling? When you read your child his bedtime story did you pay attention to how the tone of voice you chose made the story more interesting or exciting? When you picked up the crayons and coloring book your toddler left behind, did you pause to add a few lines of color to a picture? Did you imagine some encouraging words to share with your child as she left for school or your husband as he left for work? Did you sweep the floor from left to right or right to left today or did you sweep the outside edges before the middle? When you added the icing to the cake you baked did you spread it smoothly, make swirls or add a design? When you wrote out the checks for those many bills you wish you didn't have, did you sign your name exactly the same on each or were there a few strokes just slightly different on each? When you heard your income could go down what did you imagine you might do to create a second income, use your savings to make ends meet or save money and live on less? As you journeyed through your day did you create moments to eat, spend time with those you care about or even find a way to have five minutes to yourself?
Catch yourself making decisions or doing things you don't normally pay attention to. Give yourself credit for using imagination or doing it differently than someone else. Recognize you are more creative than you ever imagined.
