If you don’t see yourself as creative, this is for you.
A lot of people feel a creative urge that isn’t being fulfilled in their life or work. This feeling can tug at you whether you think of yourself as creative or not. If you don’t see yourself that way, it can be even harder to make time for creative expression, especially if you’ve learned that creativity only is about making art that other people like or that being creative isn’t how you contribute value to the world
I’m here to tell you this is bullshit.
Creativity belongs to you simply because you’re alive. Your unique perspective, your experiences, and the way you see the world are enough. You don’t need classes, degrees, or anyone else’s approval.
My mom once said: “Choosing is a creative act.”
This is where I invite you to begin if you don’t see yourself as creative.
Start by being creative with the little choices you make in your day. You can choose to spend just 10 seconds or take a bit more time if you have it. Even if you’re busy, you can shift your focus for a moment or two and that counts.
Let’s say you find yourself feeling thirsty in the middle of the afternoon. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, you’d normally take a swig from your water bottle and move on.
But what if you got creative about how you choose to quench your thirst?
Maybe you notice the temperature of the water as it hits your throat.
Maybe you take one slow breath after you drink.
Maybe you look up from your screen for thirty seconds and let your eyes rest on something in the distance.
Maybe you take a moment and ask yourself what it actually feels like to be thirsty and let yourself feel it before you reach for the water.
And if you have a little more time:
Maybe you find a pretty glass and add a slice of lime or cucumber.
Maybe you make a jug of lemonade and offer some to a loved one or a neighbour.
Maybe you throw a bit of mint in there just for fun.
Maybe you imagine thirst has a colour and in your mind see the water mixing with that colour and transforming it.
Maybe every time you feel thirsty, you take that signal from your body to stop, refresh yourself, and text a friend to say hello or to have a stretch break.
Maybe you get yourself a really lovely water bottle that makes you happy every time you see it.
Maybe you put colourful stickers on the one you already have.
Maybe you take a moment to think about the word thirst and what it means outside of needing a drink.
Maybe you think about what else you’re feeling a strong urge for.
Maybe it leads you to think about something you want to learn or someone you want to see.
Maybe it prompts you to pick up a book or put on a documentary.
Maybe you stop and put on a meditation with ocean sounds.
Maybe you take a shower or a bath or splash your face with cool water.
Maybe you fill a hot water bottle and put it on a sore spot.
Maybe you get curious about what other cues your body is giving you.
Maybe you find yourself thinking about what else might feel good and nourishing.
Maybe you realize that instead of automatically taking a sip of water without thinking, you’re being creative.
And if you can be creative about how you quench your thirst, you can be creative with any choice.
This is what it means to pay attention. It lets you notice endless possibilities in the present moment that you might miss if you’re on autopilot. The most creative choices come from being aware and present. Each time you practice noticing, you give yourself more chances to make creative choices.
This is a creative life. And it’s for everyone.
