Do you consider yourself creative?
Many may answer NO to this question… But I beg to differ! According to Google, creativity is defined as “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work”. With that definition creativity may be limited to being talented or excelling at a certain form of art making such as painting, drawing, sewing, etc. I would like to challenge and expand that definition.
Do you enjoy cooking? Do you take time to plan out your outfits in the morning/are amused by fashion? What about making song playlists? Possibly gardening? Home decor? Are you able to play an instrument? Even just being good at taking pictures!?
If you identify with having interest in any of these categories, I would argue you absolutely are creative! And those are just a few examples. The world is full of creativity! You just need to expand your criteria for what is creative.
These displayed acts of creativity, no matter how big or small, are also identifiable as acts of self-expression. Self-expression is displaying your personality, emotions, thoughts, or feelings through the use of creative deeds. Engaging in self-expression can be linked to increased self confidence/self esteem, life satisfaction, and fostering a sense of empowerment.
Other benefits of self-expression include increased mood and cognitive functioning, creating a sense of belonging, and identifying as part of a larger community. All this being said, I would encourage everyone to look at their lives and consider all the artful expressions that do indeed make you a creative individual. I believe that everyone at their core is or can be creative. And if I still don’t have you convinced that you are creative, maybe in the spirit of the new year, challenge yourself to introduce a new form of artful expression. Even if it’s taking a few extra minutes to throw on a few extra accessories while getting dressed in the morning, or making a new playlist of songs that bring you joy. You can do it!
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a [heck] of a lot more interesting life.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
