Creativity and Me (+You)

Creativity.

For a long time we have been told a lie. One we’ve been fed discreetly. A lie that exists as an ‘unspoken truth’, hidden in doubt and insecurity. One sentiment expressed over and over again, always slightly different but overall the same – one that inherently embraces negative self-actualisation rather than encouraging a simple reality. Too often I hear the product of the lie: “I’m not creative like so and so” or “what I do isn’t creative” or better put; the idea that the speaker isn’t as much as a creative as others because they lack technical skill, qualifications or classical training. It is the lie we tell ourselves. The fundamental lie embraced by pop culture and a world full of glamour, a simple lie that “You are not good enough, that you are not creative enough, others are, but not you.”

In a lot of our society, we live in close relation with measurement: time, money, talent, these are all methods of measurement used to determine how much of something we have and our apparent success in relation to what we have, i.e ‘you have lots of money, therefore you are rich’ or ‘you are young and so you have your whole life ahead of you’. It is easy to understand just how much these thoughts start to influence us, determining how we see each other and most importantly, how we see ourselves.

These concepts are merely that though, concepts. We live in constant comparison of our measurements to that of others and yet are almost always disappointed by the results, because as the old saying goes “there is always a bigger fish”. There will always be someone younger or richer. Someone more talented and successful. It’s a part of life. Yet this part of life shouldn’t be the definition of OUR lives. Just because someone is better at something than you, doesn’t mean that thing you do doesn’t bring you joy or purpose. In fact, once you start to see that you may not be the most creative painter to still enjoy painting, the concept of who the best at it is becomes a bit ridiculous.

All of our life is art. Each decision we make, we are always faced with creativity. We breathe it and consume it every day. We choose to accept it and welcome it in or refuse it and convince yourself that it is not there. Maybe your creativity manifests in music, maybe in administration or maybe math – your creativity comes to life somehow. Some of us shine brighter or easier, but it doesn’t mean we can’t all shine. It is a choice we make. In every moment and every action.

To know oneself is good, but to limit oneself is to cap ourselves from the world. We each bring so much light into each other’s lives. Whether you’re the lead singer, the drummer, the band manager, the stage designer or the fan with all the albums, our lives are a grand artwork we create together, where each of us plays such an important role in making this art with each moment of our lives. We are all creators and creatives. The limit to our creativity is where WE decide. Sing passionately, dance wildly. Those outlets and bursts of enjoyment and fun. Learn the drums, pick up pottery, design levels for games, organise a weekend away with friends. Create a better world and see your art in it. Deconstruct the lie that you aren’t good enough and create the reality that every day you can be something more. We are not limited or defined and our fate isn’t set.

Find the stars that share your light and shine bright into this world.

In the words of Dr King:
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

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