As a creative and a writer, I recognize the immense importance that creativity plays in our early years and throughout our life.
But, if we stop to really ask ourselves how comfortable we are with creativity, most of us would agree that creativity is an uncomfortable process.
We think that in order to engage in creative tasks, we must prune our insecurities and deliver just the fruit.
But, it’s an oxymoron to think like that because:
“Creativity and insecurity go hand in hand.”
Don’t believe me?
Just think about it for just a second.
If I were to wave my magic wand (or A magic wand… I don’t have one, but it would be nice)… and grant you the ability to do the creative task that appeals to you THE MOST.
What creative task would you want to do?
- Writing a book?
- Writing a blog?
- Watercoloring?
- Cupcake decorating?
- Sewing?
- Card making?
- Jewelry making?
- Oh I know… singing?
- Dancing?
- All of the above?
It really doesn’t matter if the creative task that you’d like to do is in the list or if I failed to include it.
The following question is much more important:
WHAT is keeping you from engaging in this art?
Think about it for a moment. Listen to your internal dialogue and then tell me what your “inner you” told your “outer you.”
What did you say?
That you don’t know if you can do that activity? That you don’t think you would be good enough?
Mmmmmm. That’s sad isn’t it?
That a teeny-tiny insidious, persistent, and annoying little thought… which is that you “don’t THINK” you can be great at something is keeping you from merely trying?
And before you start yelling at me indicating that you Have TRIED that skill, but that you suck at it… let me ask you: don’t you think it’s also sad that you let a less-than-stellar couple of outcomes keep you from trying to practice this skill to become better and better at it?
You’ve heard that “practice making perfect,” right?
And I get it… maybe no amount of practice will make every single creative project turn out perfectly.
But I’m sure that simply trying something creative, will give you some sense of:
- relief from the day to day
- a sense of gratification that you’re doing something other than “work, work, work” that is engaging your creative muscles
- and FUN! (That awesome, little thing that we leave as the 143rd item on our to-do list that keeps being bumped down and down by waaaaay more boring tasks)
Therefore, an even more important question is:
WHO is keeping you from doing this art?
I’m sure that it’s pretty clear by now that the one preventing you from enjoying art and all the magic that it can have on your mind, body and soul is YOU.
So may I take your hand and encourage you to embrace art a little more and show you one way to do it?
Okay. Sounds good. Here we go! =)
I Totally Understand That Being A Creative Is Scary
… but trust me when I say that it’s much easier than going to a soul-sucking job, hand-washing stuck-on food or cleaning a toilet.
You wanna know a little secret to how to embrace your artistic side a little more?
Make art with your kids…. the younger they are, the better.
There are many benefits to this, but for now, suffice it to say that I recommend doing art with them becauuuuuuse… your art skills are more than likely better than theirs.
OMG! ? Yes, I said that! And you probably can’t believe that I did. I know it sounds rude.
BUT, if you need a little bit of confidence… well, there it is.
Cue… THE “whoomp there it is video”….
Hahaha. You’re probably thinking… that this art thing is gonna be a wild ride just because I shared this video, which in my opinion, has one of the most catchy songs of all time. And well, yeah, maybe art is gonna be a wild ride, but why not incorporate some music and dancing ASAP? ?
That’s art, after all.
But Don’t Worry, You’re Not A Narcissist, Making Art Is Not All About You
A few years ago, having realized how much I wanted to create art and how hesitant I was about creating it, I asked an Australian artist who has earned millions after following a simple yet powerful impulse to create art this question:
“What is the best way to foster creativity in our children?”
She answered:
“Provide them with opportunities to create art and with opportunities for them to see YOU create art.”
To be honest with you, I was expecting her to give me tactics, tips, strategies, the goods (all in plural) to boosting my child’s art ability, not mine.
But as soon as I heard her answer… it totally resonated with me.
It was SUCH a simple answer that makes so much sense.
As parents we know that the best way to influence our children is to set an example for them. This is no different.
“We resist making art, because it brings our “not-good-enoughness” out of us.” -Haydee Montemayor
And it’s sooo silly that we resist making it…because despite the fact that we avoid it because we don’t wan’t to feel insecure or inadequate about the quality of our art, if we’re honest with ourselves, we all have an innate yearning to create art.
You feel it.
I feel it.
We all do.
Want a bit of proof of that?
When you hear that we should all focus on trying to make a career doing something that we enjoy…. you’re in either one of two camps.
- The one who is doing it, and living proof of this…. because you have a career that you totally enjoy.
- OR, the type of person who resists this advice because you think that life is SUPPOSED to be hard…and non-creative. And that the creative things that we do in our life are just hobbies.
“Life is not supposed to be hard, it’s supposed to be heart.” -Haydee Montemayor
Yes, heart. The heart should lead. Life is supposed to be love. Love is supposed to be passion.
I get it that not 100% of the time… but if we want to feel as alive as possible… we have to be less in our heads, and more in our hearts.
“Art removes the shackles of the constraints that we place on ourselves.” -Haydee Montemayor
I loved the artist’s answer and it’s one that I will never forget because it gets rid of the excuses of fostering creativity through art. And since implementing it, it has made SUCH a huge difference in my family’s life.
Next week, I will share more about how to foster art into your family’s life using the Mother Goose Curriculum that I was given for sharing my experience using it.
Now Is Your Turn
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten when it comes to art?
What has encouraged you to make art?
How do you inspire your kids to make art?
