I like to consider myself a creative person. I have always enjoyed arts, crafts, writing, and other traditionally creative pursuits. Some people say they don’t have a creative bone in their body, but I think they are mistaken. Humans are made to create. Whether we know it or not, we all have the ability and even drive to be creative.
For some of us, creativity comes in the form of arts or crafts, but there are many ways to be creative. Perhaps you can’t draw your way out of a paper bag, but you excel at music. Maybe you can’t hold a tune, but you can knit or crochet anything. Maybe you a woodworker or a fantastic cook. There are a multitude of ways to express creativity. My son likes to code on computers. This takes a kind of creativity and knowledge that escapes me. Some people are better with words, some are better with color and pattern. Some are better with designing, some are better at building. All of these things can be creative pursuits.
When we think of artists, we often think of a brooding loner or a tortured soul. We think of the stories of mental illness in the lives of Vincent Van Gogh or Edvard Munch. but studies have shown that creativity is good for our brains and our mental health. In fact, doing something creative releases dopamine in our brains. Dopamine acts like a natural anti-depressant. It can give us a natural high. Creativity requires focus and helps train our brains.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a fine artist to be creative and get these brain benefits. Neuroscientists have found that knitting, cooking, photography, drawing, cake decoration, and even doing crossword puzzles cab be beneficial to our brain health. Experts says everybody can be creative, even though different people have different talents. Dr. Carrie Barron, co-author of “The Creativity Cure.” says “It really has to do with open-mindedness.” She says that creativity can apply to making a meal or developing a business plan.
In Psychology Today, author Cathy Malchiodi talks about two ways creativity has brought joy to humans.
One is the capacity to find joy in creativity through the pleasure of invention and exploration. This capacity is based in evolutionary biology to ensure survival of individuals and communities through innovation. The other is the ability to get pleasure and relaxation from creating useful, yet aesthetic objects; this is a form of rejuvenation that is not only practical, but health-enhancing. (Psychology Today, Sept. 27, 2001).
I have felt both of these influence my life. I recently began writing this blog. It has brought me a lot of happiness to write on a regular basis again. I hadn’t done so in many, many years. I also began a bullet journal. This system of journaling lets the user create whatever pages work for their individual needs. See my recent post for more on this subject.
My adventures in bullet journaling led me to washi tape. Hi, my name is Leah, and I am a washi tape addict. I have always loved colored pens, ink pads, and paper. Washi tape has just added fuel to that fire. Washi tape is originally a Japanese paper tape (although it’s made many places now). It comes in a huge selection of patterns and colors. It is so pretty! In order to justify my ever-increasing collection, I decided I should find more uses for my tape than just journaling. Pinterest to the rescue! Here is my latest creation:
I had such a good time making the wreath, that I started planning several other projects. Now I am considering selling some of my projects at a local holiday craft fair. I also started an Instagram account (check it out here). I have some fun photo projects in the planning stage. There is a satisfaction found in creating things.
Here are some suggestions on how to add more creativity (and happiness) to your life:
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Answer the question, “What do I enjoy making/creating?”
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Find a class to take that interests you
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Check out Pinterest, Instagram, or other sites that share creative ideas
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Join a group that quilts, crochets, paints, writes, dances, where ever there is support for you
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Look back to your youth….what did you like then? Try picking it up again.
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Is there something you always wanted to try? Do it!
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Don’t tell yourself you can’t. Everyone is creative in some way.
Don’t wait to get started until “some day.” Pick up that new hobby or return to the one you have been missing. It gets harder as we get older and the busyness of life becomes a distraction. But it’s worth it. Take some time and explore your own creativity. It will bring you more happiness and satisfaction than you would ever think possible.
Thanks for reading and please share!
