Get Creative
When I was young, one of my favorite things to do was art. Whether I was using every crayon or marker to draw a rainbow with big, puffy clouds, swirl my fingers through fingerpaint, or create a home for my Barbie using a bookshelf and available books and accessories, I could spend hours losing myself in the task. I embodied the truest sense of myself in those moments, doing what brought me joy.
As we age, generally, being creative becomes stifled. Our lives fill up with shoulds, and have-tos. Instead of free form, our teachers guide us in lessons. Martha Stewart and Pinterest have contributed to following others’ lead instead of trusting our own abilities. Why do we think that we have to make a “perfect replica” in order to do something right?
About two years ago, I attuned a woman in Reiki I. The most amazing thing happened after that attunement that neither of us expected. She unleashed her inner artist! Since then, she has spent multiple hours painting, learning from other artists, and getting commissioned for pieces around the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin! Her art has unleashed her true self, allowing her to express things that come up short with mere words. The bonus is that she’s been able to sell some of her work at various stores too!
The magic of getting lost in creativity is that it allows us to connect with our true selves. Whether sitting down with a canvas and paint, a bunch of ingredients and a desired flavor, a garden bed and some seeds, or even a beach, a shovel, and a spray bottle of water, it’s imperative that we take time to get creative. When we allow ourselves to use our creative brain, we allow ourselves to reconnect with our true essence. When we allow ourselves to reconnect with our true essence, we are on the road to finding happiness and joy.
Close to my home are some woods where a group of kids have spent hours creating trails and ramps for their bikes. Watching them start at the top of the small hill and catch wind as they maneuver through their homemade rollercoaster brings me joy. They are doing what they...what we all came to this earth to do: getting pure joy out of life!
When things are feeling heavy and problems seem a bit too grown-uppy, do yourself a favor and get creative. It will remind you that there is a healthy way to find respite. Personally, I’m going to get out my markers and start making squiggly lines. I would love it if you would let me know in the comments what creative thing brings you joy!
