Being Creative Is Not Enough
approx. 6 min. read
Being creative is not enough. At least, it isn’t enough for me. Though I have many ideas, the most I’ve done is create mood boards, scribble in my journal, and edit video clips. Having ideas and not executing them generates a heaviness within. This stagnancy builds up, developing a discomfort that can’t be ignored. Like being bloated, I fill up on racing thoughts and vivid dreams that never get fully released. This stuck feeling creates an insecurity that really affects my confidence. However, like with constipation, movement is the remedy. A change in lifestyle will cause the art to flow.
having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas
He was more creative [=imaginative] than the other students.
She's a very creative person.
She has one of the most creative minds in the business.
Everyone is creative in their own way, but in recent years, those who make art or are more expressive have been calling themselves creatives. Many creatives have an essence that sets them apart from their counterparts. Everyday things they do are suddenly interesting and inquired about. Creatives often uplift others by not doing much, just from being themselves. The way they dress, move, or speak is inspiring to a degree where onlookers know they have that spark. And when they partake in their art, their spark turns into a bright flame.
And that’s the thing. I’ve been sparking along instead of igniting myself.
So how does one go about kindling a flame? It’s by translating their creativity into art that can be seen, heard, and experienced outside of themselves. It’s by being specific and perfecting an art in this world that is a giant craft store. I find myself overwhelmed with the amount that I can do, but I have been allowing myself to focus on specific forms of self-expression, like writing. Sharing my work frequently has released some creative constipation and gave me the confidence to call myself a writer.
Though I wish to call myself a creative less often, it is not a bad word. Coincidently, I’ve recently heard someone criticize the word. As this person rolled their eyes, they droned that those who identify as creatives don’t possess good work or any work at all. I can see the point, but their belief was expressed with such annoyance and disgust. The art world is already exclusive, full of pretentious and unwelcoming people, so why contribute to that narrative? That is the exact attitude preventing individuals from finding their tribe and putting their work out there. (Trust me, I know)
Let’s honor folks at every stage of their creative journey. There are those who are just getting started as they figure out which medium ignites them. There are people who are healing deep wounds, gaining strength to become an artist again. We experience ruts while figuring out which path to journey through. Also, artists, both new and accomplished, call themselves creatives and use the word in environments with like-minded people. The word covers a wide umbrella of art forms and is empowering when referring to those who work with many mediums.
As I spend more time in expressive communities, I frequently get asked if I’m a creative. In the past, I would freeze, my mind going blank. There used to be such a fear that would prevent me from saying what I do. Why? It’s partially because I want to protect myself. Why explain myself to those who question my authenticity or make a mockery of my art at face value. My work isn’t a joke to me; it's a huge part of who I am. These days, I feel more comfortable explaining that I write, I have a blog, and I enjoy photography. I’m allowing myself to share these parts of myself for my own good. And through this process, I discovered that the heaviness is released from within and the support outweighs the negativity that was so frequent in the past.
Last month, I was introduced to someone as “a poet”, “a really talented writer” based on the communities I frequent and the content I write here on my website. In that moment, I believe I learned what true joy felt like. What a powerful feeling! To be seen and accepted for who I truly am. Though I was in public, I felt like I was at home. Yes, I thought. I am a poet, a really talented writer. Soon after, that new face was also introduced to me as a poet. Quickly, the new face rejected that title explaining how they aren’t published and haven’t written in years. I exclaimed, “No, I’m not published either! You’re still a poet!” I immediately saw myself in them. Being published or best-selling doesn’t make you a creative. Being expressive and authentic does!
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