Happy Sunday Monday Tuesday my GOLDEN friend !

I was under the weather LAST weekend and did not get an email out—my apologies to those who were wondering! I am feeling so much better now, but a busy weekend with grandkids (and a full day of work) has me running late with THIS one! Ah, life!

Recently I listened to a remarkable book called, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin. He starts the book like this:

Everyone is a Creator

“Those who do not engage in the traditional arts might be wary of calling themselves artists. They might perceive creativity as something extraordinary or beyond their capabilities. A calling for the special few who are born with these gifts.

“Fortunately, this is not the case.

“Creativity is not a rare ability. It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright. And it’s for all of us.

“Creativity doesn’t exclusively relate to making art. We all engage in this act on a daily basis.

“To create is to bring something into existence that wasn’t there before. It could be a conversation, the solution to a problem, a note to a friend, the rearrangement of furniture in a room, a new route home to avoid a traffic jam.”

He goes on….

“Regardless of whether or not we’re formally making art, we are all living as artists. We perceive, filter, and collect data, then curate an experience for ourselves and others based on this information set. Whether we do this consciously or unconsciously, by the mere fact of being alive, we are active participants in the ongoing process of creation.”

Finally, he says this:

“….You exist as a creative being in a creative universe. A singular work of art.”

Wow. That gives me a whole new perspective.

I wonder: Do you see yourself as an artist? As a creator? As a work of art?

Over the next few days, challenge the way you think about yourself!

Give yourself permission to call yourself an artist. Think of all the ways you create “something” from “nothing.” 

Making spreadsheets, creating a tasty dinner from leftovers, adding a scarf to an outfit, renovating a room, painting a chair, sewing curtains, writing a letter… how often do you take for granted your ability to create?

What did you love to create as a child? Were you encouraged in this interest, or were you told it was a waste of time? What regrets do you have? How could you recapture your love for making (or doing) something you enjoy?

How does knowing that you ARE and artist affect the way you approach your work? Remember, everyone feels like an imposter, so you are not alone! Shake that imposter syndrome and lean into a new identity. Watch your creative juices start to flow, simply from this mind shift.

Share your artwork (your meal, letter, poem, spreadsheet, conversation, song, etc) with someone. If you receive a compliment, say:

“Thank you. This is my kind of art.”

I talk a lot about creativity and art because I see it as vital to our flourishing. Making mental shifts—something as simple as going from, “I just like to make this thing,” (followed by apologies and embarrassment) to stating “I make this because I am an artist,” can have HUGE ripple effects in your life. 

You stand taller. You think bigger. 

It can open doors to possibilities you didn’t even know existed.

Art can transform us, because the act of CREATING connects us to our CREATOR. Let that Divine spark ignite something wonderful!

This is what we are made for.

With love, 

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