Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Enjoy Being Creative

Creativity is individual.  It is not something which can be defined, explained or taught.  Creativity is not something exact, able to be replicated exactly the same way each time from one person to another.   The results of creativity can be shared but creativity itself is a gift that cannot be given away.  Creativity is a part of every person.  It may not be developed in the same way, but it still exists for everyone in some form. 
It is a perception of form that keeps many people from enjoying and using their creativity.  They look at a painting someone has done and decide they could never paint that well, so they never pick up a brush and discover the artist hiding within.  Another hears a song on the radio and decides they could never write or sing like that, so they refrain from sharing the lullaby with a child or humming a tune just because the notes seem to come randomly to mind.   Another reads a best selling novel and decides they could never write something as powerful or moving as this story, so they neglect to share their thoughts in a journal, write a story for their child or share a memory in a letter to a friend.  Someone else goes to a fair, intrigued by the beautiful quilts and afghans on display yet feeling they do not have the time or skill to create something that lovely, so they don't enjoy the pleasure of creating a small gift for themselves, a child or a friend.  

Karla's Karvings
From Karla's Karvings (Facebook)
Creativity comes in all forms, and I encourage you to find yours.  It doesn't have to be the same as what someone else does.  Enjoy their creativity.  Look, touch, feel, hear, smell and taste the results of what others create.  Then enjoy your own form of expression and freedom.
I envy the things that my father and sister create from wood.  They both are artists when it comes to carving.  Yet even though they carve the same things, each of their creations are different, and no two carvings are exactly alike.  As for me, I usually end up cutting my finger when I put a pocket knife near a piece of wood, but there was a time when I crafted a fireplace for a doll house I wanted to create.  Not of the same level as my sister's work, but still something I can be proud of.   On the other hand I enjoy writing and have shared as many stories through the years as they have their carvings, with the same enjoyment of enhancing someone else's life.  
The point is, due what you enjoy or what seems natural for you.  Don't worry if it is the same as, different,  better or worse than something someone else creates.  It is what you created, and that makes it unique and beautiful.  It is, whatever it is, something only you could create.  So find your creativity and share it with someone you care about.